Israel's "plan"
Reader comment on article: Does Israel Need a Plan?

Submitted by David Schechter (United States), Feb 2, 2003 at 11:43

Brilliant article, very clear-minded thinking about this "conflict".
It's unclear to me how the "defeat" of the Palestinians occurs that is called for near the end of this piece.
Is it primarily military, with door to door removal of weapons, killing of terrorists, etc. Is it political, working to get US and (G-d forbid) European support for ending the Palestinian refugee situation and forcing acceptance of Israel prior to agreements?

I agree that the Palestinians must be
1) defeated
2) make a change of mind regarding Israel's existence
3) that the same change of mind needs to occur in the Arab/Islamic world

But how?

If the US is the only hope for the political aspects of this program, then is the US strong enough to make this worldwide change in approach? Are the aftermaths of a US led war against Iraq, followed perhaps by a war against Syria or Iran the key starting points?
I wonder...

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Daniel Pipes replies:

I feel (1) it is premature to get into the details before the general point is accepted and (2) as a U.S. foreign policy analyst, it is not for me to give the Israelis tactical advice.

DP