(Jerusalem Post) Uri Dan - It's worth knowing how to reply to the ridiculous arguments that were heard immediately after Shehada's elimination: "This act will cause additional acts of revenge by Hamas." Not true: Suicide bombing attacks are clear Hamas policy and, as such, are carried out at every opportunity and in every place, employing explosive belts, car bombs, and shootings. Shehada's targeting has caused serious, long-term damage to Hamas's suicide capability. "Why did Prime Minister Sharon decide to eliminate Shehada just as political talks were commencing with the Palestinians? Yassin told Reuters he was prepared 'to consider' a cease-fire if Israel withdrew from the West Bank, halted the targeting operations, and released Palestinian prisoners." There were, in fact, no political talks. Sharon had authorized Foreign Minister Peres to talk to the Palestinians about economic issues like how to release money that could alleviate their economic/social/humanitarian difficulties. Even the US administration has declared that the Palestinians have to elect a new leadership if they wish to commence a peace process with Israel.
2002-07-25 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive