"The more destruction I see, the stronger I get"

Submitted by Avi E Smith (United States), May 23, 2002 at 11:57

"The more destruction I see, the stronger I get," and similar statements by Palestinians indicating that the Israeli military response is only making "winners" out of the Palestinians is probably true, but only in the minds of Arafat and other high-ranking PA officials.

The "leaders" don't live in the refugee camps with the rest of their "beloved brothers" and are still able to live somewhat comfortably. Meanwhile, they welcome Israeli defensive strikes because they know the world media will paint it as "Israeli barbarism." So long as they don't carry the brunt of the blast, they are indifferent.

They don't care in the least bit about the average Palestinian, who I am sure does not share their sentiments. The Arab leadership's primary interest is the destruction of Israel. Palestinian nationalism is merely the current fashionable means of achieving this end. As such, concern for ordinary Palestinians is minimal and is only displayed where it can be used to attack Israel.

Indeed, the Arab leadership relishes the opportunity to show the world Palestinian suffering. So in this sense, more destruction does in fact strengthen the Palestinian cause. This strategy was the Arab tactic since 1967. This is why Arab countries refused to absorb Palestinian refugees, and insisted on keeping them in camps. The sad part is that this tactic has worked for them.

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