Posted on 04/21/2002 9:10:08 PM PDT by John Twenty 28
Now that we have a clearer understanding of recent events in Israel, it's time to acknowledge two spectacular successes.
First is the success of Israel's security efforts in the territories. While terrorist sympathizers will attempt to hide the truth, the truth is Israel has brought terrorist attacks to all but a full stop. And this is because the leadership, skilled manpower, communication, and supplies required for terrorism, what has come to be called the "terrorist infrastructure", has been largely dismantled.
Second, and more heroic, is the success of the Bush administration in relieving international pressure so that Israel could complete the required operations. Secretary Powell was only sent on his diplomatic mission when twin crises threatened U.S. and Israeli interests. One crisis was the overt support for the palestinians from Europe. The second crisis was the pressure for action within arab states. Powell's trip defused both crises. The weeks of diplomatic cover provided by this mission made the difference between success and disaster for the U.S. and Israel.
This was an heroic as well as spectacular success. Heros are those who are willing to pay the price required for a greater good. Bush's foreign policy has been widely derided as incoherent or a failure in the aftermath of Powell's trip. It is neither. The criticism is nothing but the price of heroic action.
If this thesis needed any confirmation, it is found in President Bush’s recent endorsement of Prime Minister Sharon as a man of peace. Of all the things Bush could have said, this with stark clarity says that Sharon and Bush are jointly on the only road that will give us peace.
One other success that the press has overlooked is that Arafat was looking toward the Islamic Terrorists in Lebanon to cause trouble along Israel's Northern border.
On the day after the first meeting between Powell and Arafat, Powell went to Lebanon and talked trash to some folks (Lebanese and Syrian leaders). There has been little trouble from that quarter since.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.