Excellent editorial. Take-home message: moderation and delicacy are preferable to extremism.
To Israeis: You have the clear tactical upper hand in this situation. This is 2009, not 1967. Egypt, Jordan, and the gulf states are partners in the peace process, if not yet enthusiastic allies. Israel is no longer surrounded by enemies. Rocket fire must not be tolerated, but neither should heavy-handed responses. As an American Jew having lived in Israel, I want to see today`s Israel looked upon by history as a seeker of peace.
To Palestinians: Rocket fire into Israel will certainly get you attention, but not the sort that you want. Peaceful (in both actions and words) protest and civil disobedience will engender much more support and sympathy worldwide than will support of terrorism.
To all: Your anger and fear is often justified, but your violent responses are not. Resorting to force detracts from the legitimacy of one`s claims of a desire for peace. The enemy is extremism. |
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