I am not as puzzled

Submitted by Richard McMahon (United States), Dec 23, 2003 at 11:31

Dear Dr. Pipes,

I am not as puzzled by Sharon's actions. It seems to me that Sharon may simply be acting tactically, rather than strategically. It may be no more than his having concluded that to stretch the Israeli forces to fully protect citizens within these settlements is to dilute his resources dangerously and unnecessarily. A fallback to more defensible borders, combined with marshalling resources to maximize protection within may be viewed as a higher value alternative.

Consider too that he clearly plans on building the fence/wall around the retrenched security line. Given the highly publicized admonishing he has received from Washington concerning these fences generally, it would seem that the appearance of a significant concession would mitigate continued outcry.

Of course, as your article points out walls /fences and other defensive measures are tactical, and will not resolve the conflict. The implication is that Sharon is resigned to this conflict continuing indefinitely (i.e., that the Road Map will not succeed under any realistic scenario) and that minimizing loss of Israeli lives in the short term is the highest priority. You know, I think he?s probably right.


Rich McMahon

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