UNILATERAL WITHDRAWAL IS IRRESPONSIBLE
UNILATERAL WITHDRAWAL IS IRRESPONSIBLE
by Michael Rubin
Haaretz
The Baghdad restaurant grew silent, all eyes on the television. It was January 29, 2004. Every Arabic news channel had its cameras trained on a Beirut runway, where a German transport plane was due to land. Israel had just released Sheikh Abdel Karim Obeid, once leader of Hezbollah's southern Lebanon operations, after almost 15 years in an Israeli prison. The group of largely pro-Western Iraqis had tears in their eyes. "The first Arab victory over Israel was [the withdrawal from Lebanon] in May 2000. This is the second," an Iraqi professor explained.
Six weeks earlier, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon had announced plans to withdraw unilaterally from the Gaza Strip. A broad range of Israeli politicians cautiously endorsed the move. While European diplomats wrung their hands nervously, President George W. Bush called Sharon's plan "historic and courageous."
Nothing could be more untrue. While Israelis might fear civil and political strife if settlers are forced from their homes, Sharon's plan will reinvigorate terrorism not only in Israel, but as an international tactic of choice. MORE
Posted by Ted Belman at January 28, 2005 11:18 PM
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BobW
said:
It is not correct to call unilateral withdrawal from Gaza as "irresponsible". Michael Rubin wrote everything possible to avoid writing that the initial stages of a civil war are occuring in Israel. It is Rubin's essay that is irresponsible. Israel is in a civil war. If this is not accepted all the articles read won't make sense.
Must I ask if Michael Rubin is designated an expert by Benador Associates? His mention of Kashmir along with Gaza, Israel disqualifies him. His "Indian Kashmir" reveals an approach to Israel allowing for more deaths.
Only when the foundation is established, can discussion have value. The foundation is a divided Israel. Can a foundation allow for a superstructure on an abyss?
Kol tuv,
BobW
Posted by: BobW on January 29, 2005 05:10 AM
UNILATERAL WITHDRAWAL IS IRRESPONSIBLE
by Michael Rubin
Haaretz
The Baghdad restaurant grew silent, all eyes on the television. It was January 29, 2004. Every Arabic news channel had its cameras trained on a Beirut runway, where a German transport plane was due to land. Israel had just released Sheikh Abdel Karim Obeid, once leader of Hezbollah's southern Lebanon operations, after almost 15 years in an Israeli prison. The group of largely pro-Western Iraqis had tears in their eyes. "The first Arab victory over Israel was [the withdrawal from Lebanon] in May 2000. This is the second," an Iraqi professor explained.
Six weeks earlier, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon had announced plans to withdraw unilaterally from the Gaza Strip. A broad range of Israeli politicians cautiously endorsed the move. While European diplomats wrung their hands nervously, President George W. Bush called Sharon's plan "historic and courageous."
Nothing could be more untrue. While Israelis might fear civil and political strife if settlers are forced from their homes, Sharon's plan will reinvigorate terrorism not only in Israel, but as an international tactic of choice. MORE
Posted by Ted Belman at January 28, 2005 11:18 PM