Wednesday June 28, 2006

I've Been Thinking:

It seems counter-intuitive.
Why would Israel invade Gaza in the hope of find their missing/kidnapped soldier?
Wouldn't negotiations be a better route?

Terrorists don't think like other people.
These are terrorists and the chances of getting the young soldier back alive are maximized in a sophisticated strike, minimal in dialogue.
The point is to apply pressure on the captors which will, ideally, force them to try to escape or hide, or just abandon their charge and run.

What if it doesn't work?
Israel's threatened invasion is a tool of intimidation.
If the threat doesn't work, if it backfires, it may force the hand of the terrorists and the result would be the death of Gilad Shalit.

By invading Gaza, by encroaching on the terrorist's territory, Israel is utilizing the best weapon they have for getting to their soldier.
There is no way that Israel can, or will, negotiate with the terrorists.
Negotiations that have taken place did not include Israel, they were conducted by other countries and concerned groups pleading for the life of the Israeli soldier.

If Israel were to negotiate with terrorists each and every Israeli would become a target for terrorist kidnappings.