israelinsider: After Jerusalem blasts, "Sacrifices for PR" has run its course

Dr. Aaron Lerner is co-founder of IMRA, Independent Media Review and Analysis, an Israel-based news organization which provides an extensive digest of media, polls and significant interviews and events relating to the Israeli-Arab conflict. imra@netvision.net.il.

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After Jerusalem blasts, "Sacrifices for PR" has run its course
By Dr. Aaron Lerner November 28, 2001

"Sacrifices for PR" - the Israeli strategy not to respond to Palestinian terrorism with decisive action in the hopes that Israeli gains in good public relations would ultimately serve Israel's interests - has run its course.

It has been established beyond any doubt that Yasser Arafat and his Palestinian Authority not only decline to take serious measures to end terror - they encourage, promote and direct terror against the Jewish State.

At this stage even Oslo-philes such as Foreign Minister Shimon Peres do not dispute this. The only issue is if the proper response to this situation is to attempt to bribe Arafat with concessions to achieve temporary quiet until the next impasse, or to crush the terrorist state in the making.

It should be noted that Peres himself never ruled out such decisive action - he only argued that it was first necessary to "test" the Palestinians yet again to determine "what" the PA is.

Yasser Arafat has left no doubt that Gen. Zinni's visit to the region to achieve a "cease-fire" is seen as no more than yet another opportunity for photo opportunities and worthless meetings.

What next?

President Bush has taken a strong public stand against terror and terror states.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has said that he would do what is necessary if Arafat fails "tests".

Israel finds itself at the apogee of public understanding for decisive action.

At the same time the US war against terror has a "window" that does not rely substantially or critically on support from the Arab states.

The decisions taken in the coming hours will determine if Israel continues being sucked to oblivion or breaks away from the Oslo nightmare.

Views expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect those of israelinsider.


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