Sharon: PA leadership that objects to terror will soon arise

[Darranar]

MOSCOW - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who is on a
visit to Russia, said Monday he believes that
"very soon a Palestinian leadership that objects
to the path of terror, violence and incitement of
Yasser Arafat will arise, and will
be prepared to act with us to honestly implement
the road map. When that happens, they will find us
to be a serious partner, and together we will
bring peace and quiet to both our people. I have
no doubt that this will happen."

According to Sharon, speaking
to leaders of the Jewish
community in Russia, "we have
already started to hold
contacts with Abu Ala's
people, in order to exhaust
all possibilities to advance
relations between us,"
referring to Palestinian
Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia.

Palestinian sources said that Shin Bet director
Avi Dichter met Sunday night with Palestinian
National Security Adviser Jibril Rajoub, to
pave the way for a meeting between Qureia,
Sharon and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz.

Sharon reiterated his promise to make "painful
concessions" for a true peace, "despite the
fact that were are conceding parts country] that are the cradle of the Jewish
people."

Haaretz
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Hmm... when will we see an Israeli leadership that "objects to the path of terror, violence, and incitement" disguised as "self-defense"?

[tinnypriv]

1. Yeah yeah yeah

I guess this is why Israeli intelligence was warning (a few months ago) that Hamas would take control of the territories if Arafat was "expelled"? That cabinet decision is looking pretty fucking stupid right about now :eyes:

[Darranar]

2. This doesn't make any difference...

this new government is already falling into the trap that Abbas fell into - refusal of real concessions by Sharon (whatever junk he might say about being willing to give "painful concessions") matched by undermining of their every move by Yasser Arafat...

This isn't going anywhere, though it would be even more stuck if Arafat had been "expelled."

[tinnypriv]

3. The real problem is the lack of pressure from the United States

Sharon is quite naturally going to go as far as he can, and stretch his room for manoeuvre as wide as possible. It'd be stupid to expect otherwise - any leader would do the same.

He knows he can do anything he wants, provided he doesn't "heat up" the situation too much. Meanwhile, the wall continues to be built, the settlements expanded, land confiscated, peace undermined, people driven into the arms of Hamas etc.

Israel got the WB, Golan, East J and Gaza by force. It won't give 'em back unless forced. Simple principles of statecraft.

[Darranar]

4. That is indeed a major problem...

which once again ties in to our country's need to beat that foul fool in the White House in '04, and hopefully elect a Dem who isn't a Likudnik...