In the Interests of Peace
So Condoleeza Rice has been dispatched once again to do her utmost to persuade Ehud Olmert to live up to his promises to Abu Mazen, that wonderfully trustworthy counterpart-in-peace, made during their recent conference. What price peace? Well, to begin with, Mahmoud Abbas is required to make an honest effort to ensure that his Fatah militias stop terrorizing Israelis.As long as the IDF knows that there are ongoing efforts underway to continue lobbing Kassams, to target innocent Israelis for death, it isn't all that likely that it would make other than suicidal sense to open border crossings for the free flow of traffic. Easy enough for Condi to insist that Olmert hold true to his promises. But a promise is only worth something if the conditions behind it that make it viable are also respected.
It's understandable that the U.S. is anxious that some diplomatic breakthrough be achieved which will reflect kindly on their efforts, given the ugly situation they've boxed themselves into within Iraq. Their erstwhile Arab friends are becoming restive with the current situation. Even some forward momentum in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians would give them a sense of relief; triumph by proxy.
But it isn't American citizens who are being targeted by the terrorist militias representing Fatah and Hamas in the West Bank and Gaza, it is Israelis. Despite pressure applied by the U.S. the Israeli government must always and ever consider first and uppermost the safety and security of its borders and its citizens. Americans can fight their own wars. They're more than adept at doing so, those that are genuine and legitimate and those that are anything but.
It should be obvious to any objective observer that IDF checkpoints cannot be lifted while the threat of terrorism hovers continually over Israel. The 100 million shekels representing PA tax monies collected by Israel on their behalf should be released in total - when it can be demonstrated that none of this money will be transferred to Hamas. Goodwill gestures are all very well and fine, but not when they're throw-aways; it is also incumbent on the "other side" to profer goodwill gestures. A true willingness to settle for peace would be a start.
As long as Israeli defence sources receive continued warnings of intentions to carry out terrorist activities within Israel, major changes in checkpoints cannot be implemented, nor should they be for the most obvious of reasons. Terrorists are busy whenever and wherever they can manage to carry out intended attacks, planting bombs, transporting explosives to vulnerable Israeli points.
All very well for Mahmoud Abbas to huff and puff about the inadequacy of temporary arrangements for statehood, when what the Palestinians want and need is solid affirmation that matters will move swiftly ahead to achieve independence, a Palestinian State in reality, in perpetuity. Well, if Abbas and the Palestinians want it badly enough they will eventually realize that they too have certain responsibilities.
Beginning with bargaining in good faith themselves. Beginning with the disavowal of terrorist activities. Beginning with the trustworthy assurance that they are prepared to live in peace and harmony with their neighbour. Compromise is required on both sides.
In addition, Israel says it will release all the money it promised only after it is made totally clear where each shekel is going - and that it is not going to fund terrorism or violence.
Olmert, for his part, was to ask Rice for sharper sanctions against Iran as it hurtles towards a nuclear bomb.
Rice heard from Abu Mazen on Sunday that he is not interested in temporary arrangements, such as an interim PA state with temporary borders, but only in a permanent agreement.
Labels: Middle East
posted by Pieface @ Monday, January 15, 2007
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