Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over and expecting a different result. How many times, how many wars, how many incursions do we need to see that the occupation of territory and the imprisonment of 2.3 M people isn't working nor has it. We're seeing the recycling of violence, again. Hamas (or the group of the day) kills Israelis, Israel responds and kills Palestinians. And on and on it goes. I would venture a guess that none (or very few) of the dead are Hamas unless women and children have now been conscripted. The 'trick' is to make the people living in Gaza 'out' Hamas and abandon their leadership. But that trick has to have a carrot...the stick isn't working. More likely, the bombing is making more terrorists. On the ground, a 16 year old kid whose family gets wiped out and has to abandon the hovel that they call home isn't going to feel very good about Israel or the US.
The carrot would be real statehood, self governance and freedom of movement. The Palestinians have shown their resolve and their ability to survive in the worst circumstances possible. There aren't going anywhere. They are 'home' and they want to stay there.
Such a horrific, dangerous, and complex situation. It’s clear that Biden understands how he can helpfully influence Israel, and also the limitations of his influence. There’s only so much he can do, and he is doing it.
Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over and expecting a different result. How many times, how many wars, how many incursions do we need to see that the occupation of territory and the imprisonment of 2.3 M people isn't working nor has it. We're seeing the recycling of violence, again. Hamas (or the group of the day) kills Israelis, Israel responds and kills Palestinians. And on and on it goes. I would venture a guess that none (or very few) of the dead are Hamas unless women and children have now been conscripted. The 'trick' is to make the people living in Gaza 'out' Hamas and abandon their leadership. But that trick has to have a carrot...the stick isn't working. More likely, the bombing is making more terrorists. On the ground, a 16 year old kid whose family gets wiped out and has to abandon the hovel that they call home isn't going to feel very good about Israel or the US.
The carrot would be real statehood, self governance and freedom of movement. The Palestinians have shown their resolve and their ability to survive in the worst circumstances possible. There aren't going anywhere. They are 'home' and they want to stay there.
An excellent, thoughtful piece
Such a horrific, dangerous, and complex situation. It’s clear that Biden understands how he can helpfully influence Israel, and also the limitations of his influence. There’s only so much he can do, and he is doing it.
My heart goes out to the people on both sides.