Article

2008-05-06 Israel-Palestine-Jordan

US monitors to observe lifting of Israeli barriers

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Posted by Steve White 2008-05-06 00:00|| || Front Page|| [3 views ] Top

#1 Until some group of crazies we've never heard named before kidnap and murder them.

If only, but no---it'll be Israeli lives that will pay for Miz Condi's sense of self-importance.

Posted by g(r)omgoru 2008-05-06 08:02|| 2008-05-06 08:02|| Front Page Top

#2 Will Dr. Rice then attend the funerals of those who die as a result of her efforts?

No -- I don't mean the funeral of the suicide bomber - I mean the funerals of the victims.

Posted by CrazyFool 2008-05-06 09:04|| 2008-05-06 09:04|| Front Page Top

#3 Lifing of Israeli Barriers? Ooh! World's Strongest Man competition! Are the monitors really ESPN?

Posted by Grenter Protector of the Geats4975 2008-05-06 09:14|| 2008-05-06 09:14|| Front Page Top

#4 points - will they stick around? Yeah, AFAIK US embassy employees go to malls and restaurants in Tel Aviv. Since those are suicide bomber targets they are as vulnerable as anyone else. I wouldnt diss the courage of State employees, not on this one.

Will Dr Rice attend a funeral of a victim? I dont know. I was at a memorial service in DC for terror victims at the Israeli embassy in the 90s. Wasnt expecting it, but who showed up, but President Clinton. He spoke quite movingly, as was his wont.

Is this a good idea? Well, I dont think I know enough to say. The roadblocks ARE a huge pain in the ass for the arabs who live on the West Bank - not merely an inconvenenience but an impediment to the economy, etc. One that has equal effect on Pals of all political persuasions. IF something doesnt improve on the West Bank, its going to get hard for Abbas to remain in power and we will face Hamas in the West Bank. If that happens, the prospects for a peace agreement are dashed. And then Israel is left having to deal with the West bank some other way.

Now I know there are folks whod rather the peace process dissolves, cause they are Israelis who live on the West Bank in places that wont be kept after a peace deal, and theyd like to stay. there are others, including some here, who dont think any peace deal is possible with any arab muslim, for a host of reasons weve discussed. There are others who think that maybe a deal is possible, but dont trust Abbas (though most such people arent any fonder of any other prominent Pal pols like Bargouti or Ashrawi)

And then there are folks who are genuinely concerned both about the loss of human life from terr acts, and the prospect that such acts themselves will destroy peace prospects. It is these last considerations, I believe, that motivated Ehud Barak in his resistance to substantial concessions on road blocks.

I can only say I hope that A. The decisions of what to take down where were done in close enough consultation with Barak, that the least useful roadblocks are taken down. B. that everyone in the US and around the world is conscious of the risks Israel is taking for peace, and both provides Israel with renewed support now, presses Abbas to do more on security, and promise to make it good to Israel if this strategy fails. C. That the IDF is prepared with alternative strategies, such as "flying" roadblocks in place of permanent barriers.

Folks here can help with B, by spreading the word of the risk Israel is taking. Merely saying the Israelis are foolish for bowing their one important ally and taking such a risk wont help much. OTOH there are folks who will dismiss it for the usual reasons "let them end the whole imperialist apartheid occupation" yada yada. What needs to be emphasized is that while this IS a dangerous and risky move, Israel will do it BECAUSE Israel so much wants peace, and BECAUSE Israel wants to work to support the for policy goals of the United States.

Posted by liberalhawk 2008-05-06 09:54|| 2008-05-06 09:54|| Front Page Top

#5 Is the State Dept building infectious? What has become of Condi?
She could be a policy expert for Carter, the way she's going.

Posted by Ike 2008-05-06 10:32|| 2008-05-06 10:32|| Front Page Top

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