puzzlement

Submitted by john w. mcginley (United States), Apr 23, 2006 at 18:53

When I first read of the Olmert reaction to the bombing in Tel Aviv I by taking residency privilges away from the four Hamas officials I was surprised. But I read the story further and found out that 38 terrorists or terrorist supporters -- including the bomber's father -- were rounded up the day after by Israeli security forces. I also read that the security forces do this on a regular basis. I was disappointed but thought that perhaps doing such is a very effective way of thwarting future bombers and not incurring collateral damage. I thought of the proverbial iron fist in the velvet glove.

But your report made me wonder what really happened to these four officials. The paragraph preceeding your mordant "Good Question" closing made me wonder if the "punishment" against these officials was actually taken or is merely pending? If this last is the case, then I wonder what's going on. "Sharonism" without Sharon may not work.

"Kadima" appears to be going backwards. But then again I am not privvy to all the variables -- including cooperation with the US on a strike against Iran's nuclear capability -- which may have led the Prime Minister to be so cautious. I hope that such or something like that is the case. Otherwise the future looks bleak for Israel.

John W. McGinley

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