Dangerously optimistic, unfortunately
Reader comment on item: To End the [Palestinian] Violence

Submitted by Boris Galinsky (United States), Jan 8, 2003 at 13:30

I totally agree with Susan Ireland, comments by some Palestinian about tactics they use should not be viewed as an indication of their desire to live in peace with Israel.

Few comments:

1. The terror diminished, but not for the lack of trying.

2. Palestinians are not sorry for dead and wounded. The only reason Palestinians are sorry for starting intifadah is that the world can see their true reasons, and they can no longer claim their victimhood.

3. Yes, PA condems terrorist attacks, and some Arabs denounce terror, but only as a tactical weapon. Strategic goal remains the same - destruction of Israel as a Jewish state. You write - "The sooner Palestinians realize how counterproductive their violence is, the sooner they will end it." Counterproductive to what? To their goal of Israel's destruction? Should the violence stop, so they can be more successful?

PA still expect the peace offer made in 2000 to be on the table. They talk of their decision to start a war as if they had ordered a wrong dish in a restaurant or took a wrong exit on a highway. However, like in any other war, the victors must be able to dictate the terms of the peace agreement.

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