Tuesday July 5, 2011

I've Been Thinking:

Israel is in the final stages of handing over to the Palestinian Authority the bodies of 84 terrorists. Some of these terrorists were responsible for the most heinous attacks against Israeli citizens.
Approval for the handover was given months ago. The list was drawn up and it, too, was approved.

There is no quid pro quo. Israel is getting nothing for their generous gift. The Israeli response is that they received a request from the PA and they are gladly fulfilling the request.

But is this really a gesture of good will? If it is, how much more good will is on the horizon? In general, good will does not rank high in the respect quotient of the Arab world. Giving something for nothing is a sign of weakness - not an investment in good will.

I know the Israelis know this. I know that the advisers of the Prime Minister are all aware of it. And yet, they still are handing over the bodies of 84 terrorists.

The only conclusion I come to is that this is a gesture meant for the United States and not for the Palestinians and not for the region. The United States sees gestures as a sign of strength and magnanimity.

The problem is that the United States has it backwards when it comes to the Middle East.

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