RE: [Futurework] Because We Can

[Karen Watters Cole]

Yes, I agree with the red herring part, which is why Sharon is motivated to make peaceful gestures and propose radical departures.  As head of the only real democracy in the Middle East, he has no other choice, really.  The framework is coming together from the Palestinian side so the pressure in on the Israelis to demonstrate their authenticity. KWC Lawry wrote:   If Israel reaches a just peace with the Palestinians, groups like Islamic Jihad will essentially evaporate. There will be a few die hards left, as there will be a few die hard Israelis, who will continue their murderous ways, but the scale will be such that the Israeli and Palestinian governments, working together will be able to proceed with the establishment of normal relations, and with security cooperation.   So the real issue is not the militants on either side, but what the shape of a settlement might be that would be viewed as just by both sides.  I am not optimistic.   Palestinian violent resistance is, in terms of obstacles to peace, a red herring.