No Condition Exists for Peace
Reader comment on item: [Is Israel] Winning by retreating?

Submitted by Glenn Klotz (United States), May 23, 2002 at 09:10

I couldn't agree more with this article. The enemy in this case, Militant Islam, given its nature and idealogy, would certainly increase its attacks if another unilateral withdrawal is undertaken by Israel. The example of the Sinai withdrawals after the formal Israeli /Egyptian peace (truce) treaty is not relevant to this struggle since the present "cold peace/truce" has been in Egypt's interest as neither Israel nor Pres. Mubarak wants war. When the existing Egyptian regime gives way to the Islamist onslaught or a more militant secular dictator (such as Saddam) then this border will also become a new front. The withdrawal from Lebanon two years ago is perfectly revelant given the present political and strategic configuration of the warring parties.

To have peace short term (armistice /truce) or long term (partnership) there must be either two parties in whose self-interest it is to have such an arrangement, or there must be a victorious party imposing peace on a defeated and demoralized enemy, as with Germany and Japan after WWII. Neither of these conditions is present at this juncture in the Palestinian / Israeli struggle or on the world front between the West and "Militant Islam."

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