Jesse Jackson: After pullout, onus for next step on PA

[DemsUnite]

In a surprising move, prominent African-American leader Reverend Jesse Jackson on Thursday congratulated Israel on the completion of the disengagement, and said that the onus was now on the Palestinians to take reciprocal steps.

Jackson called Israel's ambassador in Washington, Daniel Ayalon, and asked him to pass on his congratulations to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Jackson, one of the most vehement supporters of the Palestinians in American political circles, said that following the implementation of the withdrawal from the entire Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements, "the moral burden now substantially shifts to the Palestinians."

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http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/617312.html

[geek tragedy]

1. I was expecting "Gaza is no longer Hymie Town." eom

[fshrink]

2. Premature.

Sharon has a long history of lying, manipulating, plotting etc... but always in the same direction.

[Cocoa]

3. peacelover Jesse Jackson

one thing for sure, Jackson is following a course that he thinks will lead to peace.

[TomClash]

4. Hey, Jesse, Israel beat them to it

IDF fears escalation after five killed in Tul Karm

By Amos Harel and Arnon Regular, Haaretz Correspondents

The Israel Defense Forces fears that violence might escalate in the coming weeks following the army's killing of five Palestinians in Tul Karm Wednesday night. On Thursday, rockets were fired at both Sderot in the south and Moshav Margaliot in the north, though neither caused any casualties.

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas slammed the killings in Tul Karm and accused Israel of causing a deliberate provocation in order to undermine his efforts to maintain calm. "This behavior is disastrous for the security lull that was achieved with great effort, and it will provoke harsh responses that will endanger continued dialogue," he warned.

Also on Thursday, the United States called on Israel and the Palestinians to show restraint in the wake of the killings. "We always denounce any violence and we urge both sides to exercise calm," said White House spokesman Trent Duffy, speaking from Crawford, Texas, where President George W. Bush is vacationing.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/617414.html