Barak is a real expert in security and strategy. He can see the distance, although he is not great on the tactics that will get him there. But he is undoubtedly one of the smartest people in Israeli politics.
The fatal problem Barak suffers from as a political party leader is that he really does not understand people and doesn`t care much about them. In particular, he has no "social" agenda. Labor under Barak (and other generals) keeps declining in the public esteem. Even after the country`s experience with Olmert, Labor is expected to lose about a quarter of its seats if led by Barak.
I find it very strange that Barak did not see fit yet to bring Peretz back into the government in some "social" position. Peretz is the most authentic social leader in Labor. He failed as Defense Minister, but he can still be a social leader. Without somebody like him, Labor is run by former Generals. The party needs to get back its soul. |
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