Re: #659: Pipes explains in NY Sun "How Israel Can Win"; and #657
Reader comment on item: Thoughts on the Israeli Incursion into Gaza

Submitted by Richard Finn (United States), Jul 1, 2006 at 08:22

Dear Dr. Pipes,

In view of the present situation of the IDF/IAF attack on Gaza to free Corporal Shalit, I think that an opportunity exists for a bold strike by Israel to the end that you have described in these two postings. The strike I have in mind is an air strike to destroy the Hamas headquarters facilities in Damascus. I would like to believe that the IAF has the capabilities to do so. In your opinion, is such a bold action doable and advisable? How severe would the recriminations from Israel's friends and enemies be? Would the Israeli government even consider such a strike?

However, I do not believe that the "World", aka the United Nations, will ever allow either side to secure victory over the other as you describe, or at worst, would allow the Islamists destroy Israel. The UN is an irrelevant body, run by an grossly incompetent and anti-Semitic Secretary General who obtained his position as the result of a quota system, and unable to fulfill the requirements of its charter. Most members are governed by their own self interests, and many of them are anti humanitarian.

Another observation, if I may. In a December 2004 posting, you stated that a settlement between the Arabs and Israelis would occur after a generation (30 years). I believe that my recall is accurate, but if not, I owe you an apology. The point that I want to make comes from a conversation that I had with Charles Radin, former Foreign Desk editor of The Boston Globe. I mentioned to him the December posting. He looked back at me, smiled, and said: ".. and you believe that Daniel is an optimist". "Yes, I do" I answered, based on an encounter that I had with a young Arab Palestinian boy (10-12 years old) in Bethlehem in May 2000. I believe that an attitude adjustment will not occur in Palestinian society for at least two, and possibly three generations. I find your postings very informative; you and Steve Emerson are about the only ones who recognize the world as it is, not what most of the supporters of Israel wish it to be.

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Daniel Pipes replies:

And don't forget that "Hamas Trains Terrorists in Syria." But I don't think this is the moment to turn attention to Damascus.

Yes, compared to some, I am optimistic.