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Politics : WAR on Terror. Will it engulf the Entire Middle East? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Haim R. Branisteanu who wrote (894)	12/2/2001 12:11:05 AM
From: Nadine Carroll	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 32591

After Jerusalem blasts, "Sacrifices for PR" has run its course By Dr. Aaron Lerner December 1, 2001 "Sacrifices for PR" - the Israeli strategy not to respond to Palestinian terrorism with decisive action in the hopes that Israeli gains in good public relations would ultimately serve Israel's interests - has run its course. It has been established beyond any doubt that Yasser Arafat and his Palestinian Authority not only decline to take serious measures to end terror - they encourage, promote and direct terror against the Jewish State. At this stage even Oslo-philes such as Foreign Minister Shimon Peres do not dispute this. The only issue is if the proper response to this situation is to attempt to bribe Arafat with concessions to achieve temporary quiet until the next impasse, or to crush the terrorist state in the making. It should be noted that Peres himself never ruled out such decisive action - he only argued that it was first necessary to "test" the Palestinians yet again to determine "what" the PA is. Yasser Arafat has left no doubt that Gen. Zinni's visit to the region to achieve a "cease-fire" is seen as no more than yet another opportunity for photo opportunities and worthless meetings. What next? President Bush has taken a strong public stand against terror and terror states. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has said that he would do what is necessary if Arafat fails "tests". Israel finds itself at the apogee of public understanding for decisive action. At the same time the US war against terror has a "window" that does not rely substantially or critically on support from the Arab states. The decisions taken in the coming hours will determine if Israel continues being sucked to oblivion or breaks away from the Oslo nightmare.

To: Haim R. Branisteanu who wrote (894)	12/2/2001 12:21:47 AM
From: Nadine Carroll	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 32591

Yes, the best light you can put on Powell is that he has the diplomat's illusion that you can fix the world from the negotiating table, so it doesn't matter what you sacrifice to get there. I should add, I disagree with Debka when it says that Sharon is making a mistake by meeting with Bush before he flies home. The chance to look Bush in the eye and say, "George, what would you do if Arab terrorists kill hundreds more people in Times Square? Go after them, of course. Why don't you let me do the same for the dead in Jerusalem? In baseball, it's three strikes, you're out, but for Arafat not even 1,000 strikes is enough?" is too good to miss. I don't think W. is really expert at being a hyprocrite in person and Sharon might be able to win some real maneuvering room, particularly as the "Arab Street" seems to have become quite quiet after our victories in Afghanistan.