1. BobW said:

This might be one case where David Bedein is too close to the scene to see the mosiac formed from the tiles. The absence of violence as a precondition wasn't on the list of priorities. The Sharm conference relates to the establishment of the new Arab state and formally abrogating aspects of the Sinai peace treaty.

Just because there was no Great Power presence does not translate to an absence of requirements. The prisoner release is a fait accompli. This should prove easy for Israel. Israel has a solid experience record to include dealing with Red Cross elements at the time of Red Cross refutation of Israel's counterpart organization. Other nations from all the political rays do not allow for symbolic taunts against them.

PM Abu Mazen represents the "Palestineans" no more nor less than Arafat was their "sole legitimate leader". Western philosophies and ideals cannot be used in the Middle East. By next month Abu Mazen could be a cadaver.

My one contrary view of the respected David Bedein is my belief that the Israeli government officials DID INDEED KNOW that Fatah's murder fields include the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem. I believe Jerusalem is being both divided and internationalized like Treste, Berlin or Shanghai as a treaty port.

A view from afar shows the State of Israel having low standards of integrity and self-respect. Within the State of Israel, it is perhaps the most dangerous place in the world where Jews live.

There are a couple of platinum linings being formed in the dark clouds over Israel.

"And they shall not have to bear again the taunts of the nations." Ezekiel 34:29

Kol tuv,
BobW