Both lucid and comprehensive

Submitted by Ron Thompson (United States), Jan 29, 2008 at 22:37

Just wanted to say these comments seem to be a remarkably lucid description of the strategic situation, especially in saying, "far from a nation, they are in essence an "anti-nation" unable to unite behind any other cause".

One quibble. Why say, "holy sites for both."? For I've never understood why the 3rd 'holiest' site of Islam should trump, or share 'equal billing' with, the 1st (and only) holy site of Judaism. And since those who wish to destroy Israel aren't likely to agree to anything else suggested by G. Marcus, unless the West finally achieves the right combination of analysis and willpower to join Israel in facing down the ultimate existential threat the Muslim Middle East represents to the United States and the West (indeed to the whole planet), why concede that the 3rd should be equated with the 1st?

And besides, this would only become a new 'sticking point' to replace the Palestinian sticking point which this splendid memo otherwise so impressively addresses.

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