Building a Wall, Breaking a Relationship

[Scurrilous]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A61947-2004Jan29.html

<snip>

"Israel's plan to build a security fence inside the West Bank is beginning to bulldoze its friendly relationship with neighboring Jordan, which for decades has been one of its few reliable Arab partners.



With Israel under continuing assault from suicide bombers (such as the terrorist who attacked a Jerusalem bus yesterday, killing at least 11 people), Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has pressed ahead with his plans for the barrier. Sharon argues that if the Palestinians won't control the suicide bombers, then Israel must take unilateral steps to protect itself -- including the fence.

But to Israel's consternation, Jordan has taken a leading role in opposing the barrier. The Jordanian foreign minister, Marwan Muasher, told his country's parliament on Jan. 21: "Construction of the wall would kill every opportunity for a viable Palestinian state." He said it would pose a "direct threat . . . to Jordanian national security because it might revive the transfer option despite all Israeli assertions to the contrary."

Sharon has warned Jordan to keep quiet. He blamed the Hashemite kingdom for "leading" the campaign against the wall and said it had "much to lose in worsening of its relations with Israel" if it continued with its anti-wall campaign. Jordan countered that it wouldn't be intimidated by Sharon's threats. As the bickering continued, Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom canceled a visit to Amman planned for this week."

[Muddleoftheroad]

1. Oops

I read this piece in today's Post and I find it disturbing to see such a one-sided assessment by someone allegedly "in the know." There are a few details the ridiculously biased account neglected to mention:

* That the PA not only refuses to stop terror, it backs it, supports it, endorses it and funds it. Does the Karin-A mean anything to this guy?
* That the periodic PA crackdowns on terror result in a much photographed arrest or two, followed quickly by letting the same terrorists out of jail.
* That, despite claims otherwise, Arafat has NEVER changed the Palestinian charter to recognize the right to existence for the state of Israel.
* That Hamas and others of the mighty Palestinian terror network have sworn not to just get Israel "out of the territories," it has sworn to destroy Israel.
* That despite complaints about the wall's location, the same people would be complaining if the wall were going up exactly on the Green Line. Pro-Palestinian forces believe that the Palestinians have every right to not just travel in Israel, but to do so without even having any checks at the border. They fail to recognize that the Palestinians are not Israeli citizens and it is common for non-citizens to go through security. A lot more common when even new mothers carry bombs.
* Of course Jordan is concerned. How could someone write a piece about Jordan's concerns about the Palestinians without that little bit of history in September 1970 when the Palestinians tried to conquer Jordan and thousands died?
* That Barak made a peace offer and, rather than respond at all, Arafat declared the Intifada.

Ultimately, there is no way to make peace if your enemies don't want peace. Until there is a movement among Palestinians to end terror and accept Israel, Israel should disengage and let them encounter the daily reminder that they DO need Israel -- for jobs, for hospitals, to travel to Gaza and back, etc. Maybe then they will opt for peace.

In the meantime, I expect America to give its full support to its ally Israel, not to its enemy Arafat.