Believe Sharon's precise words but not more

Submitted by Melvin A. Fechter (United States), Dec 23, 2003 at 22:26

1. Sharon has not said precisely what settlements will be dismantled.

2. He has said that the Palestinians will be able to make a better deal for themselves if they settle now and disarm their militants than they will get if they wait till he unilaterally implements his plan.

3. He has said that there will be new settlements or enlarged settlements that will more than compensate Israel for the settlements he will dismantle.

4. He has not said that any settlements will be dismantled permanently.

5. His language has been indefinite enough that he will have plenty of wiggle room if the Palestinians do not come to a full and final agreement that includes the disarming -- permanent disarming -- of their militants.

The Palestinians have been roundly trounced. Israel can respond with more than anything the Palestinians can dish out. It does not matter how much they outstrip the Israelis in birthrate or population. They will not be citizens of Israel.

Melvin A. Fechter

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