Final Route of Jerusalem Barrier Approved (AP). So now we know!

[hansolsen]

If anyone still wonders why the neocons wanted war in Iraq, here it is in black and white.

Link: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&e=12&u=/ap/20050314/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_palestinians_21

Final Route of Jerusalem Barrier Approved
By MARK LAVIE, Associated Press

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has approved the final route of a barrier around Jerusalem that will include the largest Jewish settlement in the West Bank on the Israeli side, officials said Monday, prompting Palestinian complaints that Israel is endangering fledgling peace efforts. The decision means the barrier will encompass lands claimed by the Palestinians for a future state, including traditionally Arab east Jerusalem, the intended Palestinian capital. The barrier also will include a chunk of the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, south of Jerusalem, to encompass a Jewish shrine, officials said.

Israel began building a separation barrier in the West Bank two years ago, saying its aim was to keep out Palestinian attackers.
Palestinians say Israel could have built the barrier on its own territory if the only concern was security. They say the real intention was to grab West Bank land and draw a final border without waiting for a peace deal.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat warned that approval of the Jerusalem segment could destroy efforts to revive peace talks.
"This is a policy of dictation and not negotiation," Erekat said. "This prejudges and prejudices the outcome of permanent status negotiations."

***Snip***

Olmert said he expected no opposition from the United States, pointing to assurances by President Bush last year that any final Israeli-Palestinian peace deal would have to recognize demographic realities. Israel understood that to mean that Bush supports Israel's plan to annex large Jewish settlements in the West Bank as part of any deal with the Palestinians.

****more***

[redqueen]

1. If anyone is surprised by this

I would find their surprise downright shocking.

[hansolsen]

2. It is about as surprising as the sun rising in the east. N/T

[Mari333]

3. Bush base supports this as their end times FICTION

http://www.againstbombing.com/ArmageddonUpdates.htm

[hansolsen]

4. The Bush base believes in theocracy, not democracy. It's too bad so

many Americans don't understand that.

[newyorican]

5. Israel uses quiet period to steal more land

Now that's a headline.

[Name removed]

6. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Coastie for Truth]

7. Steal LESS land.

Your contribution is, as usual, appreciated, and my position is that I politely refer you and many other I/P appenders to Lala__Rawraw's append at
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=1305239&mesg_id=1306272

and to Colorado_blue’s append at
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=124x87930

This is not a Rule 17 change of subject violation of the Rules of Disinformation. Just a recognition of difference in opinion and style.