(Financial Times - UK) Gerald Steinberg - In spite of dozens of terrorist bombings, the Israeli response can only be described as measured, unity has been maintained, and it is Mr. Arafat who has become isolated in the world. If the Palestinians expect the break-up this week of Israel's coalition government and the increased influence of Israel's fringe rightwing parties to "unleash the real Sharon" and reverse this outcome, they will be disappointed: Mr. Sharon, like many Israelis, understands the Palestinian strategy and he is not about to fall into the trap now. With or without Labor, the most likely direction is continuity in implementing effective responses to terror attacks, while carefully avoiding policies that would lead to discord and isolation.
2002-11-01 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive