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He Came, He Saw, He Muddled
(Jerusalem Post) Herb Keinon - It takes a certain artistry to irritate and annoy not only the Israeli left and the Israeli right at the same time, but also both Jerusalem and Ramallah. Secretary of State John Kerry has found that artistry. Kerry presented a proposal to Israel that included many of Hamas' demands but none of Israel's. This provided Hamas with a badly needed tailwind. Sure, they were getting clobbered, but they were getting what they wanted. The world was talking to them, recognizing their standing in Gaza, presenting their demands. In 2002, just a week after Israel launched Operation Defensive Shield at the height of the Second Intifada and moved back into the major West Bank cities, then-U.S. President George Bush lost patience with Israel and said he expected Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to withdraw "now, not tomorrow." Sharon's answer: Israel would continue to "fight relentlessly" against terrorism. Israel views its interests differently, and when it feels its vital interests are on the line, will act as it sees fit.