The more that things change...

[Steve Bartman's my idol]

Yasser Abbas

 

By Tom Gross

 

There's good reason why the terror in Israel continues — and it has nothing to do with land or supposed occupation

 

 

http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | On the very day that five Israelis were murdered and over 60 injured outside a shopping mall in the coastal city of Netanya earlier this month, the official Palestinian newspaper Al-Hayat Al-Jadida reported that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas had approved fresh financial assistance to the families of suicide bombers. The family of each "martyr" will now receive a monthly stipend of at least $250 — a not inconsiderable amount for most Palestinians — from the Palestinian Authority. Altogether, the families of these so-called martyrs and of those wounded in terrorist attempts or held in Israeli jails might receive $100 million, according to Al-Hayat Al-Jadida.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Around 30 percent of the Palestinian Authority budget comes from international donations, including a hefty amount from the European Union — ultimately, from EU taxpayers. If an Arab government funded stipends to the families of the London or Madrid bombers, it would probably be pretty big news. But this is the Palestinian Authority, and no matter how little it does to discourage terrorism, or to educate its people to coexist with Israel, it can rely on excuses being made on its behalf by an army of sympathizers throughout the West — in the press, on college campuses and, most disturbingly, in foreign ministries.

 

 

For over a year now, since Mr. Abbas succeeded Yasser Arafat, his boss of 40 years, many in the West have done their utmost to "explain" or ignore Mr. Abbas's failings. But if Americans and Europeans are genuinely interested in promoting Palestinian-Israeli peace, it is time for them to take a realistic look at his record. Some Western commentators were quick to emphasize his condemnation of the Netanya attack. But did they really listen to what he actually said? True, Mr. Abbas condemned the Netanya suicide bomb — but only in the Palestinian Authority's usual inadequate and half-hearted terms. He said that it "caused great damage to our commitment to the peace process" and that it "harmed Palestinian interests." But he could not bring himself to say that murdering people is simply wrong.

 

 

His outright refusal to confront and disarm terrorists, in violation of the Road Map, hardly registers anymore in the Western media and where it does, it is usually excused and attributed to his relative political weakness. However, the media also give very little idea of the extent to which the Palestinian Authority continues to glorify terrorists. A typical instance is the elevation of Al-Moayed Bihokmillah Al-Agha, who murdered five Israelis in a suicide bombing in December 2004. When the Rafah crossing, the scene of his terror attack, was re-opened at the start of this month, the Palestinian Authority renamed it "in honor of Shahid (martyr) Al-Agha." Then there is the soccer tournament named in honor of the terrorist who murdered 30 people at a Passover celebration in Netanya, or the girls' high school named by the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Education after a female terrorist who murdered 36 Israeli civilians and an American nature photographer. (The school was recently renovated with money from USAID, channeled through the American Near East Refugee Aid.)

 

 

Examples could easily be multiplied. A poetry collection published by the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Culture, for instance, is named in honor of a suicide terrorist (dubbed "the Rose of Palestine" in one of the poems) who killed 21 at a restaurant in Haifa. (The collection was distributed this August as a special supplement in the daily Al-Ayyam. Most of Al-Ayyam's editors are appointed by Mr. Abbas.) Reliable nongovernmental organizations like Palestinian Media Watch meticulously translate such hateful material, but Western journalists almost invariably refuse to report it. They prefer to cling to the illusion that the present-day Palestinian leadership is genuinely striving to achieve peace and coexistence.

 

 

This lack of proper coverage leads many people, including even many who are broadly sympathetic to Israel, to hold a false view of Mr. Abbas and to persuade themselves that the Palestinian Authority has undergone a fundamental change for the better since Arafat's death. No amount of wishful thinking, though, can obscure the fact that the true "root cause" of Palestinian terrorism is the leadership of the Palestinian Authority.

 

 

The Palestinian Authority sometimes goes so far as to stamp out even the most symbolic gestures of coexistence with Israel. Consider last month's soccer match, organized by the Shimon Peres Center for Peace, in which Israeli and Palestinian soccer stars played together in a joint "Peace Team" against Barcelona. They played well, losing only 2-1 at Barcelona's famous Nou Camp stadium in front of 31,820 spectators, including many dignitaries. Yet on the Palestinian Authority's orders, the Palestinian Football Association announced that it would punish the Palestinian players for daring to participate in such a match.

 

 

Meanwhile Palestinian militias have begun firing enhanced Kassam missiles — with a larger diameter and longer range than previous Kassams — recently hitting for the first time the city of Ashkelon and Israeli villages which until now had been out of range of Palestinian rockets. Equally ominous, the Palestinian Authority is allowing terrorists and weapons to pass freely through the newly opened Gaza-Egypt border.

 

 

So where does this all leave us?

 

 

It remains conventional wisdom, especially in the media, that the Israeli government or people are somehow the main obstacles to peace. The fact is, however, Israelis are desperate for peace. Almost no one in Israel now rejects the idea of a Palestinian state. But how many Palestinians really accept the idea of a Jewish state?

 

 

All the evidence, sad to say, points to the fact that most do not. In the recent Fatah primaries, it was those candidates who were most opposed to peace with Israel who swept to victory. Other Palestinians go beyond Fatah and support the even more extreme position of Hamas, which polled very strongly in last week's local elections in the West Bank.

 

 

The hope must still be that in the long run Palestinian attitudes will change. When that happens, frontiers can be settled by mutual agreement. But it would be dangerous folly to suppose that the necessary change has already taken place, and until it does, the Israelis have no choice but to put considerations of security first and reserve the right to determine their own borders.

 

 

Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in Washington and in the media consider "must reading." Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.

[LowerCaseRepublican]

Yasser Abbas

 

By Tom Gross

 

There's good reason why the terror in Israel continues — and it has nothing to do with land or supposed occupation

http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | On the very day that five Israelis were murdered and over 60 injured outside a shopping mall in the coastal city of Netanya earlier this month, the official Palestinian newspaper Al-Hayat Al-Jadida reported that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas had approved fresh financial assistance to the families of suicide bombers. The family of each "martyr" will now receive a monthly stipend of at least $250 — a not inconsiderable amount for most Palestinians — from the Palestinian Authority. Altogether, the families of these so-called martyrs and of those wounded in terrorist attempts or held in Israeli jails might receive $100 million, according to Al-Hayat Al-Jadida.

 

Around 30 percent of the Palestinian Authority budget comes from international donations, including a hefty amount from the European Union — ultimately, from EU taxpayers. If an Arab government funded stipends to the families of the London or Madrid bombers, it would probably be pretty big news. But this is the Palestinian Authority, and no matter how little it does to discourage terrorism, or to educate its people to coexist with Israel, it can rely on excuses being made on its behalf by an army of sympathizers throughout the West — in the press, on college campuses and, most disturbingly, in foreign ministries.

For over a year now, since Mr. Abbas succeeded Yasser Arafat, his boss of 40 years, many in the West have done their utmost to "explain" or ignore Mr. Abbas's failings. But if Americans and Europeans are genuinely interested in promoting Palestinian-Israeli peace, it is time for them to take a realistic look at his record. Some Western commentators were quick to emphasize his condemnation of the Netanya attack. But did they really listen to what he actually said? True, Mr. Abbas condemned the Netanya suicide bomb — but only in the Palestinian Authority's usual inadequate and half-hearted terms. He said that it "caused great damage to our commitment to the peace process" and that it "harmed Palestinian interests." But he could not bring himself to say that murdering people is simply wrong.

His outright refusal to confront and disarm terrorists, in violation of the Road Map, hardly registers anymore in the Western media and where it does, it is usually excused and attributed to his relative political weakness. However, the media also give very little idea of the extent to which the Palestinian Authority continues to glorify terrorists. A typical instance is the elevation of Al-Moayed Bihokmillah Al-Agha, who murdered five Israelis in a suicide bombing in December 2004. When the Rafah crossing, the scene of his terror attack, was re-opened at the start of this month, the Palestinian Authority renamed it "in honor of Shahid (martyr) Al-Agha." Then there is the soccer tournament named in honor of the terrorist who murdered 30 people at a Passover celebration in Netanya, or the girls' high school named by the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Education after a female terrorist who murdered 36 Israeli civilians and an American nature photographer. (The school was recently renovated with money from USAID, channeled through the American Near East Refugee Aid.)

Examples could easily be multiplied. A poetry collection published by the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Culture, for instance, is named in honor of a suicide terrorist (dubbed "the Rose of Palestine" in one of the poems) who killed 21 at a restaurant in Haifa. (The collection was distributed this August as a special supplement in the daily Al-Ayyam. Most of Al-Ayyam's editors are appointed by Mr. Abbas.) Reliable nongovernmental organizations like Palestinian Media Watch meticulously translate such hateful material, but Western journalists almost invariably refuse to report it. They prefer to cling to the illusion that the present-day Palestinian leadership is genuinely striving to achieve peace and coexistence.

This lack of proper coverage leads many people, including even many who are broadly sympathetic to Israel, to hold a false view of Mr. Abbas and to persuade themselves that the Palestinian Authority has undergone a fundamental change for the better since Arafat's death. No amount of wishful thinking, though, can obscure the fact that the true "root cause" of Palestinian terrorism is the leadership of the Palestinian Authority.

The Palestinian Authority sometimes goes so far as to stamp out even the most symbolic gestures of coexistence with Israel. Consider last month's soccer match, organized by the Shimon Peres Center for Peace, in which Israeli and Palestinian soccer stars played together in a joint "Peace Team" against Barcelona. They played well, losing only 2-1 at Barcelona's famous Nou Camp stadium in front of 31,820 spectators, including many dignitaries. Yet on the Palestinian Authority's orders, the Palestinian Football Association announced that it would punish the Palestinian players for daring to participate in such a match.

Meanwhile Palestinian militias have begun firing enhanced Kassam missiles — with a larger diameter and longer range than previous Kassams — recently hitting for the first time the city of Ashkelon and Israeli villages which until now had been out of range of Palestinian rockets. Equally ominous, the Palestinian Authority is allowing terrorists and weapons to pass freely through the newly opened Gaza-Egypt border.

So where does this all leave us?

It remains conventional wisdom, especially in the media, that the Israeli government or people are somehow the main obstacles to peace. The fact is, however, Israelis are desperate for peace. Almost no one in Israel now rejects the idea of a Palestinian state. But how many Palestinians really accept the idea of a Jewish state?

All the evidence, sad to say, points to the fact that most do not. In the recent Fatah primaries, it was those candidates who were most opposed to peace with Israel who swept to victory. Other Palestinians go beyond Fatah and support the even more extreme position of Hamas, which polled very strongly in last week's local elections in the West Bank.

The hope must still be that in the long run Palestinian attitudes will change. When that happens, frontiers can be settled by mutual agreement. But it would be dangerous folly to suppose that the necessary change has already taken place, and until it does, the Israelis have no choice but to put considerations of security first and reserve the right to determine their own borders.

Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in Washington and in the media consider "must reading." Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.

http://www.ifamericansknew.org/ -- Take a look at the charts and then tell me who is causing more damage. /not condoning what the Palestinians are doing but showing that this whole "Israel can do nothing wrong" platform is one that cannot be defended.

 

Take a few minutes and read from an Israeli living in Israel -- http://www.antiwar.com/hacohen/?articleid=8220

[Steve Bartman's my idol]

The ifAmericansknew website does not take into consideration one major point...Israel is and has been fighting a DEFENSIVE struggle!!! IF the "palestinian" people would stop all violence and attempted violence towards Israel, then there would be peace between them. Until such time, Israel has every right to defend herself from her aggressors!

 

Please check out shoebat.com

[Steve Bartman's my idol]

Walid Shoebat Foundation.

An organization that cries out for the Justice of Israel and the Jewish people.

 

Quotes taken from page 21 of Walid's new Book, Why I left Jihad:

 

"The Holocaust never ended but the victims have decided to defend themselves”

 

“The occupation is in the minds of Children who are taught hatred.”

 

“Israel was the solution for the world’s greatest refugee problem that went on for two thousand years”

 

“Why is it that on June 4th 1967 I was a Jordanian and overnight I became a Palestinian?”

 

“When I finally realized the lies and myths I was taught, it is my duty as a righteous person to speak out”

 

“The Israeli Arab Conflict is not about geography but about Jew hatred; Throughout the Islamic as well as Christendom's history Jews have been persecuted, the persecution of Israel is just the same as the old antisemitism.”

 

“The Arab refugees are being used as pawns' to create a terror breeding ground, as a form of aggression against Israel”

 

“The Arab refugee problem was caused by Arab aggression and not Israel. Why should Israel be responsible for their fate?”

 

"No one (Arab or Jew) has a "right of return". Jews who fled Arab persecution from 1948 to 1956 should have no right of return to Arab lands, and Arabs who ran away in 1948 and 1967 should have no right of return either. This should end all argument. Yet the Jews accept this judgment, while the Arabs reject EVERYTHING."

[timotime]

Walid Shoebat Foundation.

An organization that cries out for the Justice of Israel and the Jewish people.

 

Quotes taken from page 21 of Walid's new Book, Why I left Jihad:

 

"The Holocaust never ended but the victims have decided to defend themselves”

 

“The occupation is in the minds of Children who are taught hatred.”

 

“Israel was the solution for the world’s greatest refugee problem that went on for two thousand years”

 

“Why is it that on June 4th 1967 I was a Jordanian and overnight I became a Palestinian?”

 

“When I finally realized the lies and myths I was taught, it is my duty as a righteous person to speak out”

 

“The Israeli Arab Conflict is not about geography but about Jew hatred; Throughout the Islamic as well as Christendom's history Jews have been persecuted, the persecution of Israel is just the same as the old antisemitism.”

 

“The Arab refugees are being used as pawns' to create a terror breeding ground, as a form of aggression against Israel”

 

“The Arab refugee problem was caused by Arab aggression and not Israel. Why should Israel be responsible for their fate?”

 

"No one (Arab or Jew) has a "right of return". Jews who fled Arab persecution from 1948 to 1956 should have no right of return to Arab lands, and Arabs who ran away in 1948 and 1967 should have no right of return either. This should end all argument. Yet the Jews accept this judgment, while the Arabs reject EVERYTHING."

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

some valid points you have there. however, the israelis are not as passive and rosy as you make them seem. both sides have a deep hatred for each other. the only difference is that israel has a democratic society that is so sick of the violence they are willing to do just about anything to stop it, as opposed to the palestinians, who are dirt poor and have nothing to lose and under no circumstances will ever want peace (especially when we have bastards like the current iranian president around goading palestine on).

 

what can you do? i say, bottom line, there is no solution. the conflict will never end. sad but true, and i would love someone to prove me wrong.

[Steve Bartman's my idol]

some valid points you have there. however, the israelis are not as passive and rosy as you make them seem. both sides have a deep hatred for each other. the only difference is that israel has a democratic society that is so sick of the violence they are willing to do just about anything to stop it, as opposed to the palestinians, who are dirt poor and have nothing to lose and under no circumstances will ever want peace (especially when we have bastards like the current iranian president around goading palestine on).

 

what can you do? i say, bottom line, there is no solution. the conflict will never end. sad but true, and i would love someone to prove me wrong.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

With all due respect, I think you are mistaken.

 

The current administration in Israel, along with the majority of Israelis, are very much accepting of a "two-state solution". The y would love to live in peaceful co-existance withe the "palis", and this is evidenced by their "land for peace" concessions.

 

However, it is also obvious that the PA, Syria, Iran, etc., want nothing to do with a "two-state solution"; they ONLY want the destruction of Israel.

 

So, don't try to make out the "palis" as victims of Israel; they may be victims, but if so, they are victims of their own "leadership" and of the neighboring Arab countries as well.

[timotime]

With all due respect, I think you are mistaken.

 

The current administration in Israel, along with the majority of Israelis, are very much accepting of a "two-state solution". The y would love to live in peaceful co-existance withe the "palis", and this is evidenced by their "land for peace" concessions.

 

However, it is also obvious that the PA, Syria, Iran, etc., want nothing to do with a "two-state solution"; they ONLY want the destruction of Israel.

 

So, don't try to make out the "palis" as victims of Israel; they may be victims, but if so, they are victims of their own "leadership" and of the neighboring Arab countries as well.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

whoa, im sorry if i came off that way. im not trying to make palis victims at all. i realize that they, not israel are the ones using the suicide bombs and all that. i was only pointing out that israel hates palestinians too (both sides have good reasons at this point to hate each other, i think). sorry if i came off the wrong way.

[Steve Bartman's my idol]

whoa, im sorry if i came off that way. im not trying to make palis victims at all. i realize that they, not israel are the ones using the suicide bombs and all that. i was only pointing out that israel hates palestinians too (both sides have good reasons at this point to hate each other, i think). sorry if i came off the wrong way.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't believe that Israel hates 'the "palestinians"; I think that Israel just wants to be left alone...no more, no less.

 

[LowerCaseRepublican]

SBMI, excuse me for sitting this Israel/Palestine thread out. All it does is boost both of our post counts and we don't really sway each other or anybody else. Plus, it gets you riled up and you say some pretty out there (and really hilarious) ad hominem things about me. So I'm saving us both the time and effort.

[Steve Bartman's my idol]

Cool! Lets just agree to disagree.

 

 

P.S. I am right (again!).

Edited December 27, 2005 by Steve Bartman's my idol

[Steve Bartman's my idol]

Al-Qaeda in Gaza

By Jamie Glazov

FrontPageMagazine.com | December 28, 2005

 

 

Frontpage Interview’s guest today is David Keyes, who assisted a former Israeli ambassador to the U.N. and specialized on terrorism at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. He recently returned from the Middle East where he co-authored academic papers with the former U.N. ambassador and the former head of Israeli military intelligence research and assessment. His latest paper, entitled “Al-Qaeda Infiltration of Gaza: A Post-Disengagement Assessment” was published by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

 

 

 

FP: David Keyes, welcome to Frontpage Interview.

 

 

 

Keyes: Thank you for inviting me.

 

 

 

FP: There have been some disturbing reports that after Israel’s disengagement from Gaza, al-Qaeda has crossed into that territory from Egypt. Can you tell us what you know about this disturbing possibility?

 

 

 

Keyes: The Israeli Ministry of Defense recently reported that in the wake of disengagement from Gaza, al-Qaeda members infiltrated the evacuated areas from Egypt. This is not the first time al-Qaeda has been spotted in Gaza. There is, in fact, increasing evidence of al-Qaeda influence and infiltration in Gaza and parts of the West Bank. Back in 2003, Israeli forces arrested Hamas terrorists after they returned from al-Qaeda training facilities in Afghanistan. That same year, two al-Qaeda operatives were recruited into Hamas in order to execute the Mike’s Place suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. More recently, according to the Palestinian Authority, a new al-Qaeda group called “Jundallah” (Allah’s Brigades) has formed in Gaza. In May 2005, this group executed its first attack against Israelis. Al-Qaeda’s presence in Gaza has also been confirmed by one of Hamas’ leading spokesmen, Mahmoud az-Zahar. Lastly, leaflets in Khan Yunis have been distributed by al-Qaeda’s “Palestine Branch.”

 

 

 

These are just a few of the recent developments regarding al-Qaeda in Gaza. As you can imagine, this does not portend well for the future of global counter-terrorism efforts. It is important to emphasize that this is not a danger to Israel alone. Rather, America and the entire free world are also threatened by the growing al-Qaeda presence in Gaza. Due to their global ambitions and uncompromising ideology, there is no safe place to hide from groups such as al-Qaeda. Nor is there a reasonable policy that will satisfy these fascists. Appeasement will only invite more terror and carnage. It is—quite literally—a fight to the death. New York, London, Madrid, Casablanca, Amman, Bali… this is only the beginning.

 

 

 

FP: What are Islamists up to in trying to infiltrate Gaza? What are their objectives?

 

 

 

Keyes: Naturally, they are attempting to destroy Israel. But that is certainly not all they seek. Radical Islamists, like al-Qaeda, hope to topple all Western governments, overthrow moderate Arab regimes, and impose the most severe restraints on all who disagree with their perverted world-view. They wish to replicate the Islamic conquests of the seventh century and restore the Caliphate. Wahhabism, specifically, typifies the most intolerant strain of Islam and actively seeks to subjugate Shiites, homosexuals, Jews, women, Christians, and anyone who even remotely resembles a non-Wahhabi. They make no distinction between civilians and the military. Those who struck America on September 11th were not all that different from the Wahhabis who put 5000 Shiites to the sword in Karbala in 1802. An infidel is an infidel. We must not kid ourselves about the true nature of this threat. Nor can we delude ourselves into thinking that the problem will dissolve of its own accord, if only left alone.

 

 

 

FP: Tell us the consequences if al-Qaeda achieves a foothold in Gaza.

 

 

 

Keyes: The existence of al-Qaeda anywhere, poses a grave threat to nations everywhere. Before September 11th, the presence of al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, sheltered by the Taliban, raised little concern throughout the world. This was true on the security, as well as the human rights, level. Think: How many anti-Taliban rallies were held world-wide to protest the brutal oppression of women in Afghanistan before 2001? No, it took Operation Enduring Freedom to find something to protest. Those who sat silent as an entire population was enslaved by the Taliban somehow found time to protest the war it took to destroy that dastardly regime. Incidentally, the same was true of Saddam’s Iraq. The liberation of Iraq from the clutches of one of the worst tyrants of the 20th century, elicited more opposition than the Butcher of Baghdad’s own fascistic 30-year rule. Strange times we live in.

 

 

 

On September 11th, however, the world witnessed that the delusions of a relatively small number of fanatics could have the deadliest of consequences. Though the message had been sent countless times prior, from the seizing of American hostages in 1979 through the 1993 World Trade Center bombing up to the 1998 attacks on our embassies in Africa, few choose to take the threat seriously. The world—America included—was asleep at the wheel. Terrorism had been treated as a criminal problem and people like Mullah Omar, Abdul Rahman Yasin, and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi had little more to fear than the wrath of an American prosecutor armed with an arrest warrant. Unfortunately, these types of people don’t fear that type of response. What they have rightly come to fear is the U.S. 101st Airborne. Though bin Laden declared war on America in the mid-1990s, it was not until years later, after 3000 men, women and children had been slaughtered in a single morning that America decided to respond in kind. In short, we were not on war-footing against the forces of radical Islam and totalitarianism in the Middle East until it was far too late.

 

 

 

It would serve us well to remember that the deadly machinations of 9/11 were hatched largely in remote regions of Afghanistan, a far distance from America or Western civilization. It is in this context that the threat of al-Qaeda in Gaza should be viewed. Al-Qaeda has always sought security vacuums from which to operate, from Afghanistan in the 1980s to Somalia in the 1990s to the Waziristan provinces near the Pakistani border today. After the 2001 U.S.-led military intervention in Afghanistan, al-Qaeda dispersed, in large part toward the Kurdish regions of Iraq. Many al-Qaeda members fled to Iran as well. Since Operation Enduring Freedom, two-thirds of al-Qaeda’s senior leadership have been killed or captured.

 

 

 

It is likely that al-Qaeda now believes it can capitalize on the disarray in Gaza. At a time when it needs all the help it can get, assistance from groups like Hamas, would be welcomed with open arms. Even a small number of al-Qaeda operatives in chaos-ridden Gaza posses a serious threat—especially if it continues unchecked and is allowed to metastasize. A former Chief of Staff of the I.D.F. recently remarked to me that the precise number of al-Qaeda members in Gaza is largely unimportant. Rather, their infectious ideology coupled with the dogged persistence of a few dedicated terrorists can wreak havoc upon the world.

 

 

 

FP: When the Israelis disengaged, they left supervision of the area in the hands of Egyptian and Palestinian security personnel. Isn’t this a joke? Egyptian security might be more credible than Palestinian “security” -- if that is what we can even call it – but this is really a tragic situation, no?

 

 

 

Keyes: Absolutely. Leaving oversight of sensitive entry-exit points in Gaza to the Egyptians and Palestinians was one of the worst upshots of Israel’s disengagement. In effect, it allowed for massive amounts of arms and terrorists to enter Gaza and approach Israel’s doorstep, with little or no interference. In the past few years, literally hundreds of smuggling tunnels have been discovered and destroyed by the I.D.F. Without the tireless efforts of the Israeli security forces, what awaits Gaza is all likelihood a mini “Hamas-stan,” “Hezbollah-stan” or “al-Qaeda-stan,” armed to the teeth, with the belief that enough violence can force Israel into retreat. Kassam rockets continue to reign down on Israel from Gaza with disturbing regularity. Though these rockets do not have the lethality of suicide-bombers, entire cities are held hostage by the frightful prospect of rockets randomly falling from the sky. Surely this is an untenable situation from Israel’s point of view.

 

 

 

As a result of disengagement, Israel has lost control over territory, which has proven to be a most vital asset in stopping terror attacks. As Israel withdrew from more and more territory during Olso, and allowed the Palestinians to build up a terrorist infrastructure, violence and suicide bombings flourished. Doron Almog, the General who was in charge of Gaza from 2000-2003, estimates that 70% of hostile action in Gaza was prevented inside the territory through offensive Israeli action. Additionally, Israel has lost much of its intelligence gathering capability which, for the past many years, has helped stop countless suicide bombings. It is possible that the true effects of disengagement will not be seen for some time to come. The second intifada, for example, began several months after Barak’s unilateral withdrawal from Lebanon. Many believe that the former was encouraged by the latter. Sheikh Nasrallah called on his Palestinian brethren to rise up and follow Hezbollah’s example of forcing Israel into retreat through armed struggle. Just a few days ago, Israel’s Defense Minister pointed to a number of attempted suicide-bombings and predicted a major outbreak in Palestinian violence. Disengagement was an enormous security risk for Israel. Though there is little reason for optimism here, let us hope that the Palestinians will do more than they have done historically in cracking down on terrorism.

 

 

 

FP: What can the U.S., Israel and other allied nations do to counter act this terrible threat?

 

 

 

Keyes: First and foremost, Egypt must be pressured to a far greater degree to siphon off smuggling routes and underground tunnels. It is no secret that al-Qaeda has built up forces in the Sinai and are likely moving toward Gaza to escape the heavy-handed tactics of Egyptian security forces. Egypt has done a terrible job cracking down on these tunnels, and has likely been complicit to a degree as well. Former I.D.F. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Yaalon stated not long ago that smoke was seen rising from Egyptian army posts after smuggling tunnels were blown up. Egypt receives about $2 billion of aid from the U.S. yearly. Despite the fact that it is a dictatorship, holds only sham elections, intimidates candidates, assaults voters in the streets, restricts basic freedoms of speech and press, the money still flows. The absolute bare minimum Egypt should be expected to do is effectively patrol its border, much as Jordan has done to counter its al-Qaeda threat. One can only conclude that the U.S. is not putting nearly enough pressure on Mubarak—not only in the way of Gaza smuggling—but regarding democratic reform as well.

 

 

 

The Palestinian Authority is, unfortunately, also a part of the problem. Though some believe Abbas is completely different from Arafat, his recent actions suggest otherwise. First, he has continually stated that he will not disarm or confront radical groups like Hamas. This is undeniably a recipe for continued bloodshed in the region. America should cease funding this madness in the PA—especially if Hamas (which has killed many Americans as well) is allowed to run in Palestinian elections. Abbas also recently enacted a law to send money from the PA to families of suicide bombers. That is exactly what Arafat and Saddam Hussein once did. Actions such as these directly encourage suicide bombing, period. Though many have pinned their hopes for Middle East peace on Abbas, the question remains as to how he can provide direct financial support to encourage suicide bombing and simultaneously be considered a moderate leader who is an ally in the war on terror?

 

 

 

The PA continues to refuse to take any serious measures against terrorist groups emanating from the territory they control. Israel stands alone in shouldering this heavy burden. The I.D.F. should further pursue its policy of targeted assassination against terror leaders. Periodically, Israel stops this policy for an extended period of time, but this only allows terrorists to reconstitute their infrastructure and rejuvenate their ability to fight. It is my belief that the I.D.F should continue in the vein of when it eliminated Hamas leaders Rantisi and Yassin in rapid succession, without apology. When radical Palestinian groups attempt to negotiate a cease-fire, often their first demand is an end to Israeli targeted assassinations. This is a wonderful indicator that the policy is working. Terrorist groups spend the majority of their time avoiding assassination, instead of planning future attacks, and that is the way it should be. Furthermore, immediately after a suicide-bombing, it is not unusual to hear that in response, Israel has destroyed a Hamas or Islamic Jihad weapons making factory. My question is, if Israel knew where the weapons factory was, why didn’t they take it out before the suicide-bombing? Would this not have been a more effective tactic? Where, after all, do terrorists get their weapons if not from weapons factories?!

[WCSox]

http://www.ifamericansknew.org/ -- Take a look at the charts and then tell me who is causing more damage.  /not condoning what the Palestinians are doing but showing that this whole "Israel can do nothing wrong" platform is one that cannot be defended.

 

While one can't quite compare building a highway through someone's farm to blowing up a bus full of people, the Israeli government commits more than their share of abuse. I support Israel, but it's wrong for our government to give them a free pass all of the time.

 

I don't believe that Israel hates 'the "palestinians"; I think that Israel just wants to be left alone...no more, no less.

 

Perhaps, but wasn't Ramallah once part of Jordan?

Edited December 28, 2005 by WCSox

[Steve Bartman's my idol]

While one can't quite compare building a highway through someone's farm to blowing up a bus full of people, the Israeli government commits more than their share of abuse. I support Israel, but it's wrong for our government to give them a free pass all of the time.

 

Here is an analogy that I believe is 100% on point.

 

Let's look at Israel as if it is a human body. Let's look at the (Muslim) "Palestinians" as if they were cancer cells, and ALL other Israelis as if they were healthy productive cells, organs, etc.

 

When cancer enters a healthy host body, it has only one mission, to kill the healthy cells, organs, etc, and eventually kill the host body.

 

G-d forbid any of you get cancer, but, if/when you do, you have two choices: 1) you agressively attack the cancer cells, and do whatever you can do to eliminate them, before they kill you; or 2) or do nothing, hope that they go away on their own, and hope for the best. (OPTION #2 IS SUICIDE!!!)

 

To me, Option #1, is the ONLY choice. When you are fighting cancer, sometimes chemotherapy and/or radiation kills healthy cells and organs along with the cancerous ones, that is unfortunate but unavoidable.

 

Let's not forget that, in the current war between the "palis" and Israel, the "palis" are the aggressors. They declared jihad against Israel, and continue to terrorize the Israeli people.

[CrimsonWeltall]

That's a great analogy. All (Muslim) palestinians must now be killed.

[Rex Kickass]

Sometimes I'm glad I'm ignoring this thread.

[Steve Bartman's my idol]

That's a great analogy.  All (Muslim) palestinians must now be killed.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I didn't say kiiled, maybe just removed to, I don't know, JORDAN! Where they are from!

 

[WCSox]

While one can't quite compare building a highway through someone's farm to blowing up a bus full of people, the Israeli government commits more than their share of abuse. I support Israel, but it's wrong for our government to give them a free pass all of the time.

 

Here is an analogy that I believe is 100% on point.

 

Let's look at Israel as if it is a human body. Let's look at the (Muslim) "Palestinians" as if they were cancer cells, and ALL other Israelis as if they were healthy productive cells, organs, etc.

 

When cancer enters a healthy host body, it has only one mission, to kill the healthy cells, organs, etc, and eventually kill the host body.

 

G-d forbid any of you get cancer, but, if/when you do, you have two choices: 1) you agressively attack the cancer cells, and do whatever you can do to eliminate them, before they kill you; or 2) or do nothing, hope that they go away on their own, and hope for the best. (OPTION #2 IS SUICIDE!!!)

 

To me, Option #1, is the ONLY choice. When you are fighting cancer, sometimes chemotherapy and/or radiation kills healthy cells and organs along with the cancerous ones, that is unfortunate but unavoidable.

 

That's one of the most childish and irresponsible things I've ever heard. Go back to your Klan meeting. :headshake

[CrimsonWeltall]

I didn't say kiiled, maybe just removed to, I don't know, JORDAN! Where they are from!

 

 

My bad. I forgot that one of the common treatments for cancer was to remove it and put it somewhere else where it can continue living.

[Rex Kickass]

I didn't say kiiled, maybe just removed to, I don't know, JORDAN! Where they are from!

 

 

Wow, where else have I heard this forced evacuation/assasination argument before....

 

 

Hmm.... this reminds me about some song about Springtime.. can't quite place it.

[LowerCaseRepublican]

That's one of the most childish and irresponsible things I've ever heard.  Go back to your Klan meeting.  :headshake

Wow. We agree on something. Whodathunkit?

[Steve Bartman's my idol]

My bad.  I forgot that one of the common treatments for cancer was to remove it and put it somewhere else where it can continue living.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You remove cancer from a healthy body, what happens to the cancer after it is removed is not your concern any longer!

[Steve Bartman's my idol]

Wow, where else have I heard this forced evacuation/assasination argument before....

Hmm.... this reminds me about some song about Springtime.. can't quite place it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Big difference, REX...HUGE DIFFERENCE!

 

In WW2, the Nazis were trying to round up Jews to exterminate them, NOT to move them to their "homeland"!

 

The "palestinians'" homeland is Jordan, NOT Israel...JORDAN! Israel was never the "palestinians'" homeland, and never will be! It is the "palestinians" who want to Jews eradicated, not the other way around!

[Cerbaho-WG]

I4E is back it seems.

[Steve Bartman's my idol]

I4E is back it seems.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

His (Zionist) brother! (there are 4 of us!)

[Steve Bartman's my idol]

Wow.  We agree on something.  Whodathunkit? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

"Great" minds think alike.

 

:headshake :puke :sleep