[bitterlemons.org] Gerald M. Steinberg - Some analysts have called for "talks" and negotiations with Hamas, citing the progress in relations between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland or between China and Taiwan. But these cases do not involve radical Islamist factions: the nature of the core conflict is very different, as is the regional environment. The governments of the Irish Republic and the United Kingdom cooperated to bring about a negotiated settlement, but in the Middle East most of the outside governments, such as Iran and Syria, are part of the conflict. While there are no good options, if Hamas remains undeterred and the rocket attacks continue, Israeli leaders will have to choose a military scenario.
2008-12-26 06:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive