Conventional wisdom rides again. Arafat is buried, but the usual foolish policies rise from the dead

Jewish World Review ^ | 11/19/2004 | Jonathan Tobin

[Tolik]

In much of what we laughingly call the "civilized world," the death of archterrorist and murderer Yasser Arafat was mourned with the usual solemnity given to a distinguished head of state.

Indeed, much of the international media gave Arafat's send-off the "Princess Di" treatment, with lengthy biographies in which platitudes about his symbolic value as the leader of the Palestinian cause were augmented by euphemisms about the tactics employed by his henchmen.

Even many of those who didn't buy into the nonsense about this Egyptian-born former Soviet satellite being a heroic revolutionary leader were still liable to treat him as a major celebrity. In contemporary American pop culture, no higher compliment can be paid.

.....There is no more risible piece of conventional wisdom than the one that tells us that the primary roadblock to peace is the refusal of Bush to force Israel to give more territory and to refrain from acts of self-defense against Palestinian terror.

A decade of Oslo negotiations should have amply illustrated — even for those dimwitted experts — that all American pressure on Israel does is to whet the Palestinians appetite for more. The Israelis, desperate for a respite from terror and willing to go a long way to get it, can't buy peace if the Palestinians aren't selling. And the absence of a Palestinian will for peace is what has always been lacking.

…Bush and Rice are being asked a simple question: What do they believe — the facts about the Palestinians, or the worn-out theories of Friedman and Rubin and company? Here's hoping that Condi Rice is too smart — and Bush too stubborn — to get that one wrong.

[Tolik]

JWR contributor Jonathan S. Tobin is executive editor of the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent. Let him know what you think by clicking here.

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[Tolik]

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[Tolik]

[johnb838]

Not to worry. The Red States were rather repulsed by the aftermath of the death of the butcher Arafat. The New Media danced on his grave. I personally gave out cake and sweet candy to the children.

Never Forget.

[BJClinton]

Your pings have made an otherwis tedious day interesting, thanks.

[SunkenCiv]

"A decade of Oslo negotiations should have amply illustrated — even for those dimwitted experts — that all American pressure on Israel does is to whet the Palestinians appetite for more. The Israelis, desperate for a respite from terror and willing to go a long way to get it, can't buy peace if the Palestinians aren't selling."

Bravo!

[Tolik]

"..can't buy peace if the Palestinians aren't selling"

Its very simple and very true.

For the different reasons Arabs were allowed to remain uncommitted to reconciliation with Israel. In all other conflicts where the world decided to be involved a commitment for peace was demanded from the parties.

Arabs can believe that America is 100% behind Israel, but it does not change the fact that "The World" did not demand from them a change of attitude. (Up until President Bush refused to meet with Arafat, and still he is under tremendous stress from Blair and others to get wobbly).