Olmert is an experienced and even talented party politician. It helps him bring benefits to his party, and keep his coalition intact.
The problem with Olmert is that he has little talent for statesmanship. His actions are typically motivated by political needs rather than by vision and state needs.
One could see his lack of basic talent in the opening of the Lebanon war. Olmert declared as goals the destruction of Hizballah and the return of the soldiers. Both goals were UNATTAINABLE without the invasion and capture of most of Lebanon. Who would declare unattainable goals? It goes way beyond inexperience.
In the recent past, there were a few peace offers to Israel, which Olmert rejected out of hand but came to realize their significance months later. There was the Saudi Peace Plan, The Syrian offer, and Even the Unity Government in the PA which would have allowed Abbas to negotiate with a referendum to follow. All were tossed out as soon as they were made.
I believe that Olmert sincerely wants to reach peace now. But he has other needs too, mostly political survival. Would Olmert give up his coalition, at least the participation of Lieberman? And does Olmert even understand what kind of concessions need to be made? I doubt it. |
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