Duh, that's the freeking point !
Pull out now giving one more chance for Yasser to save face and then when he doesn't the "world" can't say sh*t about it.
Exactly the plan. I agree with Sun Star that this was pre-planned. The media (and, therefore, most world leaders who don't know him) constantly underestimate Bush. I'm a bit disturbed by the hypocracy of the rhetoric, but it is all for show. Look, here it is:
1) Israel knocks the @#$% out of the Pallies. This accomplishes a few goals - first, actually taking out a bunch of terrorists, seizing their weapons, disrupting their plans, destroying their infrastructure. Second, Sharon looks good to his people for finally doing something. Third, the terrorists are taken down a notch without US troops, similar (though better) than Afghanistan.
2) Bush criticizes both sides, putting pressure on Sharon to withdraw. Sharon resists, Bush complains more. Bush sends Powell, but slowly. Sharon continues to fight, Bush ups the criticism. Sharon withdraws a bit, squealing all the way. This accomplishes a few goals also: First, Sharon looks strong for resisting Bush, increasing his popularity at home. Second, Israel reinforces its image as a kick-ass country. Third, Arabs (radical and "moderate") put off guard by Bush rhetoric and Powell trip. They think that they've won when, in reality, Bush is snowing them into this whole thing.
3) Powell finally arrives late this week, spends a bunch of time kissing Arafag's @$$, Sharon pulls out (screaming all the way). Powell comes home, Bush a hero.
4) Some Islamic crazies (OK, I know that this is a large group) resume suicide bombings in Israel (i.e. back to square 1).
OK, what happens then? Sharon goes back in, REALLY cleans out the rat's nest this time, and Bush reacts by calling Arafag and the PLO a bunch of terrorists who are not interested in peace. At this point, the US or Israel also releases some intelligence information (which I believe they already have) that conclusively shows that Saddam is involved in Israeli terrorism and WMD. Don't be surprised to see evidence that he's been involved in terrorism against the US, including the 1993 WTC bombing and Oklahoma City, possibly even 9/11. At that point, we and the Brits, possibly joined by Turkey, invade/bombard Iraq. The game is then on. Israel takes out Syria and helps out a bit in western Iraq. If Iran gets involved, we will pound them also.
War is coming. Bush and Sharon know it, and are on the same side. Most of what has happened is simply a smokescreen to confuse our enemy, i.e. masterful strategery.
How many times have we asked Israel to give Arafat and his thugs "one more chance"? About as many times as Charlie Brown has trusted Lucy to hold the ball, and with the same results. Now we have a new cheerleader (G.W.) who is telling them the same thing. And we can expect the same outcome.
