Learning from Oslo; not likely!

Submitted by Steven Chaimberg (Canada), Jun 10, 2003 at 18:57

Recent events seem to show that the US is proceeding on the "Oslo Road", by refusing to hold the new Palestinian Prime Minister to even the requirements of the "roadmap".

With Abu Mazen publicly stating that he will not take steps to disarm Hamas, Islamic Jihad or Fatah, how can the US possibly continue to pressure Israel to grant more and more concessions? The combined actions this past week-end, resulting in the death of 5 Israelis, provided the impetus for Israel's attempt to eliminate a top Hamas terrorist. After all, why should Israel simply allow terrorists living next door to its citizens remain free to plan further murderous assaults on its citizens?

Yet what do we see? The US criticizing Israel for taking such steps, with President Bush stating that "I'm concerned the attacks will make it more difficult for Palestinian leadership to fight off terrorist attacks. I also don't believe the attacks helped Israeli security."

The President has missed the boat completely with his statement of regarding the Palestinian leadership fighting off terrorist attacks. It is Israel that has been obliged to act, specifically due to Abu Mazen's refusal to act in accordance with the roadmap. Is the President willing to see Israelis continue to be blown up and targeted for death, with Abu Mazen mouthing empty words of condemnation? Would he accept the situation to exist, if the dead were Americans? If the new Afghan government were to tell the US that it was in the process of negotiating a "ceasefire" with Osama Bin Laden, would the US agree to such a "roadmap"? I would doubt it.

Israel deserves better from its principal ally.

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