Okay, folks. Here we go again. It's round 28 (or was that 328?) in the latest well-intentioned, very misguided efforts to bring about peace between Israelis and the so-called Palestinians.
Not so long ago, when I was growing up in the ?50s and ?60s, Palestine always referred to Israel, and Israelis were called Palestinians. And what we now call the Palestinians, well, back then, they were often known as Jordanians. That was until Jordan got fed up with their crazy violent ways, killed thousands of ?em, and booted the rest clean out of the country. My, my, how politics creates its own sense of Hollywood reality.
Anyhow, back to the most recent mishugas - the (Off-the-) Road Map. Every previous treaty, agreement, declaration, handshake and paper signing that was supposed to accomplish a more peaceful co-existence meant two things: Israel made concessions; the "Palestinians" got land. And cities. And money. And weapons. Often given to them by Israel, no less. The Palestinians were also supposed to make a few ever-so-slight changes as a show of good faith. Things like, okay Israel, we recognize your right to breath and walk. We'll allow you to take busses and eat in your pizza shops and celebrate your Passover holiday with your grandparents without getting blown to bits.
Only problem is that the PA never came through on their end of the deal. Instead, they felt more empowered and continued their corrupt, terrorist ways.
One would think that the West, and in particular President Bush, would know all too well that one cannot compromise with terrorism. To the terrorists, "peace deals" and "land treaties" and photo-ops on the White House lawn mean one thing: the other party is weak. It means their methods can reap some mighty nice dividends: shaking hands with the heavy hitters and big-wigs of the planet; lots of signing bonuses - all those extra zillions for signing on the dotted line; maybe even cover pics on Time and Newsweek magazines. And just think, all that without having to make any real, substantial changes, other than vague, open-ended promises. The new Palestinian Authority honcho/puppet, Mr. Abbas, who comes to the bargaining table with very bloodstained hands, basically told Bush and the media the following: "I can't really crack down on those pesky little, undercover terrorist organizations committed to Israel's destruction. Why risk now alienating the masses? But, Scout?s honor, I'll talk to the boys about a ceasefire. Now, hand over the goodies."
These ridiculous deals also give terrorist-sponsoring groups precious time to continue their evil ways. Furthermore, they're one-sided, for the terrorists have no intention whatsoever of keeping their part of the bargain. For them, it's a win-win situation: get free handouts; lots of moolah; world sympathy; plenty of pictures and TV Nightline interviews. And, keep on keepin' on with the suicide-bomber-blues. They smile at the very word ?negotiation?, for it enables these corrupt regimes to continue the oppression of their own people, and to engage in their usual anti-American, anti-Israeli, and anti-democratic ways.
Time and time again the PA has shown its true colors. Rather than use all their multi-millions of dollars for positive social endeavors, they've turned to Syria, Iraq, North Korea, Iran, and other wonderful countries, for illegal weapons. Although Arafat tried to suppress the video footage, we saw them dancing in the streets on 9/11. They held recent massive demonstrations in support of Saddam - one of the most popular names given by Palestinian mothers and fathers to their children. The PA leadership urged their followers to rush to Iraq to "destroy the infidels," promising a swift victory in the name of Allah. (Too bad they all didn't go.) At any rate, there's no doubting where their sentiments lie.
Question for the Prez and current US administration: Why spend billions, invest so much time and energy, risk American and coalition soldiers, alienate an entire world, to get rid of one terrorist regime (Iraq) only to empower another called Palestine? And, get this, it?s in the same part of the world, no less. Curly, Larry and Moe would've loved doing this script.
This "road map" is like trying to read AAA directions in the dark. In fact, it's a map that leads to nowhere fast. Well, let's qualify that. It goes full circle, coming back eventually to where we started. Turn on a light and we'd all realize that Israel should, in fact, be following the American example on how to deal with terrorists: Defeat them militarily. It's a lot quicker (and much safer) than dragging on this war of attrition, words, and one-sided treaties. Let's repeat this one mo' time - defeat them militarily. Once this decision is made, and the IAF is called into action, this battle would be won in days, not weeks. The entire region and the world at large would breathe a sigh of relief. Only then will brutal dictators and regimes be disposed and the citizens they once controlled feel free to make some important changes in attitude.
Israel has won, thank G-d, all of the wars imposed upon it by huge, hostile Arab neighbors. Rather than reward Israel with the bounties of strength and true peace, the US has continued its misguided notion of empowering the wrong side. Trying to appease the militant Arab world with the almighty dollar is like the Off-the-Road Map; it's doomed from the get-go. The Arabs and their partners-in-crime might not like it, but only a strong Israel can bring about true peace and positive change in the Middle East.
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Dr. David Lazerson, the founder and director of Beth Rafael ? The Alternative Yeshivah High School in Miami, Florida, is the author of Skullcaps and Switchblades and Ammunition.
Not so long ago, when I was growing up in the ?50s and ?60s, Palestine always referred to Israel, and Israelis were called Palestinians. And what we now call the Palestinians, well, back then, they were often known as Jordanians. That was until Jordan got fed up with their crazy violent ways, killed thousands of ?em, and booted the rest clean out of the country. My, my, how politics creates its own sense of Hollywood reality.
Anyhow, back to the most recent mishugas - the (Off-the-) Road Map. Every previous treaty, agreement, declaration, handshake and paper signing that was supposed to accomplish a more peaceful co-existence meant two things: Israel made concessions; the "Palestinians" got land. And cities. And money. And weapons. Often given to them by Israel, no less. The Palestinians were also supposed to make a few ever-so-slight changes as a show of good faith. Things like, okay Israel, we recognize your right to breath and walk. We'll allow you to take busses and eat in your pizza shops and celebrate your Passover holiday with your grandparents without getting blown to bits.
Only problem is that the PA never came through on their end of the deal. Instead, they felt more empowered and continued their corrupt, terrorist ways.
One would think that the West, and in particular President Bush, would know all too well that one cannot compromise with terrorism. To the terrorists, "peace deals" and "land treaties" and photo-ops on the White House lawn mean one thing: the other party is weak. It means their methods can reap some mighty nice dividends: shaking hands with the heavy hitters and big-wigs of the planet; lots of signing bonuses - all those extra zillions for signing on the dotted line; maybe even cover pics on Time and Newsweek magazines. And just think, all that without having to make any real, substantial changes, other than vague, open-ended promises. The new Palestinian Authority honcho/puppet, Mr. Abbas, who comes to the bargaining table with very bloodstained hands, basically told Bush and the media the following: "I can't really crack down on those pesky little, undercover terrorist organizations committed to Israel's destruction. Why risk now alienating the masses? But, Scout?s honor, I'll talk to the boys about a ceasefire. Now, hand over the goodies."
These ridiculous deals also give terrorist-sponsoring groups precious time to continue their evil ways. Furthermore, they're one-sided, for the terrorists have no intention whatsoever of keeping their part of the bargain. For them, it's a win-win situation: get free handouts; lots of moolah; world sympathy; plenty of pictures and TV Nightline interviews. And, keep on keepin' on with the suicide-bomber-blues. They smile at the very word ?negotiation?, for it enables these corrupt regimes to continue the oppression of their own people, and to engage in their usual anti-American, anti-Israeli, and anti-democratic ways.
Time and time again the PA has shown its true colors. Rather than use all their multi-millions of dollars for positive social endeavors, they've turned to Syria, Iraq, North Korea, Iran, and other wonderful countries, for illegal weapons. Although Arafat tried to suppress the video footage, we saw them dancing in the streets on 9/11. They held recent massive demonstrations in support of Saddam - one of the most popular names given by Palestinian mothers and fathers to their children. The PA leadership urged their followers to rush to Iraq to "destroy the infidels," promising a swift victory in the name of Allah. (Too bad they all didn't go.) At any rate, there's no doubting where their sentiments lie.
Question for the Prez and current US administration: Why spend billions, invest so much time and energy, risk American and coalition soldiers, alienate an entire world, to get rid of one terrorist regime (Iraq) only to empower another called Palestine? And, get this, it?s in the same part of the world, no less. Curly, Larry and Moe would've loved doing this script.
This "road map" is like trying to read AAA directions in the dark. In fact, it's a map that leads to nowhere fast. Well, let's qualify that. It goes full circle, coming back eventually to where we started. Turn on a light and we'd all realize that Israel should, in fact, be following the American example on how to deal with terrorists: Defeat them militarily. It's a lot quicker (and much safer) than dragging on this war of attrition, words, and one-sided treaties. Let's repeat this one mo' time - defeat them militarily. Once this decision is made, and the IAF is called into action, this battle would be won in days, not weeks. The entire region and the world at large would breathe a sigh of relief. Only then will brutal dictators and regimes be disposed and the citizens they once controlled feel free to make some important changes in attitude.
Israel has won, thank G-d, all of the wars imposed upon it by huge, hostile Arab neighbors. Rather than reward Israel with the bounties of strength and true peace, the US has continued its misguided notion of empowering the wrong side. Trying to appease the militant Arab world with the almighty dollar is like the Off-the-Road Map; it's doomed from the get-go. The Arabs and their partners-in-crime might not like it, but only a strong Israel can bring about true peace and positive change in the Middle East.
--------------------------------------------------------
Dr. David Lazerson, the founder and director of Beth Rafael ? The Alternative Yeshivah High School in Miami, Florida, is the author of Skullcaps and Switchblades and Ammunition.