The strategy of Ariel Sharon The cancelation of all relations with the Palestinian Authority in wake of a deadly attack in Gaza makes absolutely no sense. Demanding that the Palestinian Authority suppress all acts of violence before proceeding with any negotiations has, over the years, proved fruitless and self-defeating. This posture has given veto power over the fate of both Israel and the Palestinians to the most radical groups among the Palestinians.
The demand that Mahmoud Abbas, who was only elected a few days ago without the participation of the radical groups, is not possible. He cannot move immediately against these groups. He has to soldify his position politically and he needs outside help before he can try to be forceful. Given his contituency he is likely to attempt to negotiate with them first. But he needs to be speaking to Israel as well. To cut him off only disarms him more completely before the radical groups and fits in with their desire for a stalemate.
We have listened to Sharon make this same demand before, repeatedly. By this time he must know there can be no expectation of a positive result. The only conclusion one can draw is that he feels Israel is better off with the status quo of intifada forever rather than with the prospect of the compromises that will be necessary for peace.
In the end, it may be that the Palestinians can never make peace with the Israelis. It may be that they can never truly accept the Jews in what they consider their land. They may never throw off their self-defeating dream, but this is not something that is known. Sharon cannot behave as if there was no possibility of peace by making impossible demands.
I know it is a lot to ask, to accept that some attacks will still happen for some time, but they happen anyway. Why not attempt to make peace?Sharon should have condemned the violent incident, but vowed to keep up the search for peace and start the dialog with Mahmoud Abbas. Then Israel and the Palestinian Authority would have been in a stronger position to begin the process of compromise. Because of today's action, Hamas and Islamic Jihad are once more in control. Whose interest does that serve?
Melvyn Polatchek
11:55:32 PM 
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