Winning the war
Reader comment on item: [After Sharon:] Israeli Politics Will Revert to Its Past

Submitted by Jerome Krasnow (United States), Jan 6, 2006 at 16:46

Return to normal for Pipes is a state of perpetual war until one side is defeated and capitulates. If Pipes is correct and only defeat can achieve peace, then Sharon's path would make war possible. By allowing the Palestinians to create a state (or two) recognized by the world, then that new nation can be fought if they attack Israel. A war to end war can be fought. When Israel controlled Gaza and the West Bank, they were Goliath against David. Israel could not fight back.

Since the flow of arms into Gaza goes unchecked, it is likely that militant regime lead by Hamas will win in the Palestian elections this month. Should occur, the war will happen, openly, and not timidly. But it will not be suicide bombers alone, but missles and more. Israel has the right of self defense against the agression of other "nations." A crushing defeat is possible.

But will that bring about peace? Pipes suggests yes. I say no. The extermination of an ideology is needed. The ideology that fuels "terrorism". That is a much broader war. Only when the oil runs out will the middle east plunges into abject poverty, when the choice will be food verses bullets - then food will win, and peace achieved. If we survive till then.

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