Give him (PM Sharon) a break!

Submitted by Robert B. Arbetman (United States), Apr 6, 2005 at 12:46

I'm not an Israeli citizen. As a committed supporter of Israel, I defer these issues to Israel and its ELECTED government.

The Israeli military is going to pull out of Gaza. The alternative to forcing Israeli civilians (note: I didn't say "settlers") to vacate Gaza is allowing them to stay and face the brunt of expulsion by the PA. I don't think that would be a very pretty sight.

A LOT of Israelis think that vacating areas with heavy Arab populations and building a separation barrier is the best way to protect Israeli citizens with minimal impact on Arabs. These Israelis include more than a few military planners.

Frankly, I question whether this will actually provide the security Israeli seeks. Today's generation of Israeli military planners are concerned about suicide bombers. They have forgotten the threat from artillary that existed before 1967. But hey! They don't listen to little ole me and I don't really expect them to do so. That's just the way it is.

Israelis have to do what they think is in their best interest. I don't think it's fair for affluent Americans to say "Israel should..." even if they support Israel as strong (or stronger) as I do. I hope it goes without saying that I don't think it fair for affluent Americans to say "Israel should..." when they are hostile toward Israel.

That being said, in a perfect world far, far away, EVERYONE would just leave Israel alone. That includes the Arabs, the State Dept. the EU, the news media and even academics.

I know Dr. Pipes means well, but this poor teeny tiny little country has the whole world telling them what to do. It's so mind-boggling, the end result is that Dr. Pipes' essay is just another voice in the wind.

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