Winds of Change.NET: Roadmap Roundup: 2003-06-25

Roadmap Roundup: 2003-06-25

by Joe Katzman at June 25, 2003 1:52 PM

These Regional Briefings run every Tuesday & Wednesday, and sometimes Fridays as well when we have additional material. This briefing covers the "Middle East Roadmap," which means a focus on the conflict between the Arabs & Israel.

Topics include: The financial dimension and importance of the middle class (new material added); Photodude's reality principle; a history of truces with Hamas; Arafat's ties to fundamentalism; terrorist attack statistics; the real weakness of the "Palestinian Authority"; Bush's rhetoric vs. his actions; why international monitors are a non-starter; Condi Rice, Lady of Steel; and Ghaddafi's growing role....

The key to peace? Judith notes the importance of PA Finance Minister Salam Fayyad and the Palestinian Middle class. An intriguing post, with lots of links.
Victor Davis Hanson indirectly explains why Israel is going along with this Roadmap: eyes on the prize. Clifford D. May, meanwhile, contrasts Bush's past words and present actions. Ted Belman explains why that discrepancy matters, to a level that may affect Israel's existence.
Why won't Dahlan and Abu Mazen use force against Hamas, especially if the prize at the end is a Palestinian state? Militarily, it would be no contest. True, says Stefan - which is why this refusal explains so much about the PA's real weaknesses.
Photodude weighs in with "The Reality Principle." It begins as follows: "In 'Tit for Tat on the Road Map,' I asked anyone to please, point out one shred of hope in the latest Middle East Mess. It was meant as both a cynical challenge and an honest plea, and it has generated interesting comments..."
Reason of Voice has an excellent roundup of his own, in a 3-way dialogue with Oxblog & Belgravia Dispatch.
Charles links to a chart of terrorist incidents in Israel over the last few months. It works out to about 100 per week. Isn't a Palestinian state supposed to be dependent on real performance? Of course, we all know LGF is biased... (Hat Tips: Bargarz, but permalink is broken)
Does this chart include the Al-Asqa Butterfingers Brigade? Just asking.
Meanwhile, Shark Blog has an excellent list of previous "truces" with Hamas. Given the group's avowedly genocidal aims, it's not hard to guess how things turned out - but Stefan tells you anyway. (Hat Tip: LGF). Meanwhile, Tal G. says that makes perfect sense - if you understand what hudna really means.
CIA agent Robert Baer notes Arafat's own origins within and long-standing connections to Islamic fundamentalism in these excellent blog posts ("Deep Ties" | Arafat and Hama)
Does assassinating terrorist leaders make a positive difference? Yes, says this Middle East Quarterly article. Maybe, but not now, says Armed Liberal. I vote with Nikita on this one.
Speaking of real weakness, Tal G. illustrates why "international monitors" are a non-starter.
Someone should explain this to the Jordan Times.
These developments in Lebanon are not encouraging - but they are a logical follow-up to the al-Qaeda activity in Ain al-Hilweh.
Meanwhile, Lebanon wants the Roadmap to include Lebanon & Syria. Let's. So, what's this I hear about an occupation up there...
Full MEMRI translation of the Palestinian Authority daily Al-Ayyam article re: Condi Rice: "Beware the Lady of Steel". Darn right - as the South Koreans found out the hard way.
Of course, someone has to pay for Arafat's bombs besides the EU. With Saddam out of the way, Libya appears to be stepping up its funding of terrorism. I think someone needs to pay Ghadaffi's house another visit... or maybe we'll just send Condi Rice.
Also on the Intrernational front, Italy's PM thinks the French "missed a good opportunity to shut up" about his recent visit to Israel. Bravissimo!
I still think this proposed solution is funny.

Kamil Zogby was supposed to be your host today, but he screwed up his back and is currently in la-la land on lots of pain killers. Please send get well wishes via Zogby Blog, which like Kamil is currently under Melissa's care.

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