Free Barghouti Now

Thank you for your nice words and I just want to make a comment. I think the situation today vis a vis Israel and the Arabs is a little like trench warfare during WWI. In WWI, the countries involved in the conflict got bogged down in the trenches for a real long time. If they stepped out, they were liable to be shot at by the enemy. But in this case, people on either side are liable to be shot at by people from their own side if they step out and make any bold moves towards peace. You know, I saw Rabin in person and heard him speak to us in LA. I'll never forget him. His voice was like the sound of a thousand angels blowing shofers, when he spoke about saving Soviet Jewry. You know the rest of the story. What a waste because of that mishuganah Amir that got him!

"If I cave in of my own free will, not under blackmail, I`m strong" So? A strong torso with a peanut brain is still stupid.

Always like and respect your input. Erekat doesn't seem to be a candidate though. Maybe his hands are just too clean for a Palestinian public that backs violence , bloodshed and hatred to such an extreme. Maybe he wants his hands to stay clean.Maybe he's afraid. Maybe he's just seen as a fat-cat who has prospered on the back of their misery as much as all the corrupt leaders of Fatah. Bargouti can't make thing worse, can he? Seems like a no-win situation, but its a move that could open up a play a step or two down the line, maybe.

Barghouti was convicted and sentenced. Is the conviction just? Is the sentence just? Those should be the only questions that matter. I understand that it must be tempting to operate like any other Middle Eastern country, where justice can be overturned in the name of political expediency, but I would urge Israelis to follow the rule of law. That's what sets you apart from your neighbors.

Given Barghouti's inclinations releasing him from jail would increase the chances of an agreement between Fatah & Hamas on Hamas terms for hardened hostility towards Israel.In any case,the recent history shows that Hamas has no compunction to murder or maim any number of Fatah members or other opponents. So if Barghouti was to deviate from the extremist ambitions of Hamas & its sponsors in Iran, he would not last very long & Israel would have to deal with a much worse situation.

The deep & violent divisions in the ranks of the Palestinians, agravated by outside well funded extremist forces with their agendas garantees that any peace attempt with any "moderate" faction is bound to fail. As long as a large fraction of the Palestinians have their hopes high that such rogue entities as Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah will "wipe out" Israel,there is no chance for a lasting peace. So releasing a criminal like Barghouti to reinforce Fatah & advance peace is nonsense.

If Wikipedia says it, it must be true. Let them also solve the problems. Meanwhile let the Israelis take care of their security issues.

Terrorists are terrorists ! They have killed Israeli people. This is insane to even consider ! Do we have to go back to an eye for an eye? Being NICE..has only caused more problems for Israel... Nice guys finish last !

What a ridiculous post Cipora. Of course Barghouti is Israel's problem - he is languishing in an Israeli jail!! This leader cannot adopt his role with Israel freeing him. Also, how can an Israeli ever claim that it is wrong to have 'killers' in leadership positions? Just look at the history of your prime ministers!! The fact remains, Barghouti can unite Palestinians and genuinely wants peace. This is enough of a partner for Israel, if the Israeli establishment really wants one. The real question is whether Israel is prepared for the peace Barghouti can help bring.

Froy "They don`t want peace with the palestinians, they don`t want a Palestinian state. They want to finish the job they started in 1948 and finally ethnic-clease the whole land West of the Jordan". Froy - 1m Arabs live free in Israel, whilst in the Palestinians areas, Jews have been ethnically cleansed to the point that they can only live in complexes with armed guards. Your lack of knowledge on this subject is astounding.

Let him combine with Fayyad (the true Palestinian hero in all this being a bureaucrat, not a murderer) and write a document proposing a new Fatah policy which will do away with all the wiping out of Jews and instead show a 2-State solution that might work. Capital in Ramallah, but religious institutions in Jerusalem. Then let the Pals vote on that, similar to David G's idea but adjusted to include a new constitution for Fatah / Palestine which has peace at its core. Maybe this hardman can assist Fayyad better than Abu Mazen to bring a self-determined future for the Palestinians.

"if a killer wants to be released, he must show that he has done something positive and concrete to deserve freedom" Well he will not be an effective leader if he is simply seen as an Israeli enforcer. As for achieving anything whilst behind bars {no simple task cipora} he was instrumental in the prisoners document peace proposal some time ago.

Bradley, that's THE recipe for killing a candidate's electoral chances. That's how Hamas got elected and you're evidently not too keen on Hamas. Isn't it time the Palestinians got the opportunity to decide on their candidates for themselves? The result might be some peace-loving honest Joe you've never heard of. Wish we could find one for ourselves! Meanwhile, one can't let the title of this article pass without a deafening FREE SHALIT NOW!

Brad, The guy is a mass murderer. Would you free Charles Manson or Richard Speck? Why do we Jews have people who think like this?

Burston maintains that "Barghouti "is the only one" capable of bringing the Palestinians to a final-status peace deal with Israel." ... but that's precisely what Bibi wants to avoid at this stage... it's nowhere near the top of his agenda... procrastination is the name of the game... meanwhile new Jewish neighborhoods go up in East J'lem... the settlers play footsie with the building-inspectors... and the coaltion's wet-dreams are becoming reality...

"he right to self-determination, national independence, territorial integrity, national unity, and sovereignty without external interference has been affirmed numerous times by a number of UN bodies, including the UN Security Council, UN General Assembly, UN Commission on Human Rights, the International Law Commission..." _____ Exactly. It is the foundation for legality of Israel actions against the Arab terrorist formations with stated goal to destroy the member of the UN - Israel. Arab criminal activity is still criminal activity and punishable whatever cover is invented.

Sir, Care to name the specific "international Law"? 17 "[ix] The right to self-determination, national independence, territorial integrity, national unity, and sovereignty without external interference has been affirmed numerous times by a number of UN bodies, including the UN Security Council, UN General Assembly, UN Commission on Human Rights, the International Law Commission and the International Court of Justice. The principle of self-determination provides that where forcible action has been taken to suppress the right, force may be used in order to counter this and achieve self-determination. The Commission on Human Rights has routinely reaffirmed the legitimacy of struggling against occupation by all available means, including armed struggle (CHR Resolution No. 3 XXXV, 21 February 1979 and CHR Resolution No. 1989/19, 6 March 1989). Explicitly, UN General Assembly Resolution 37/43, adopted 3 December 1982: ?Reaffirms the legitimacy of the struggle of peoples for independence, territorial integrity, national unity and liberation from colonial and foreign domination and foreign occupation by all available means, including armed struggle.? (See also UN General Assembly Resolutions 1514, 3070, 3103, 3246, 3328, 3382, 3421, 3481, 31/91, 32/42 and 32/154)

Article 1(4) of the 1st Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions, 1977, considers self-determination struggles as international armed conflict situations. The Geneva Declaration on Terrorism states: ?As repeatedly recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, peoples who are fighting against colonial domination and alien occupation and against racist regimes in the exercise of their right of self-determination have the right to use force to accomplish their objectives within the framework of international humanitarian law. Such lawful uses of force must not be confused with acts of international terrorism.? In the exercise of their right to self-determination, peoples under colonial and alien domination have the right ?to struggle ... and to seek and receive support, in accordance with the principles of the Charter? and in conformity with the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States. It is in these terms that Article 7 of the Definition of Aggression (General Assembly Resolution 3314 (XXIX) of 14 December 1974) recognizes the legitimacy of the struggle of peoples under colonial or alien domination. The Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States (General Assembly resolution 2625 (XXV)) cites the principle that, ?States shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.?

"Only in the occupied territories wich is his right to resist occupation guaranteed under international law." Kaska Sir, Care to name the specific "international Law"? 17 Sir, you answer. "[vii] Articles 2 and 3 of Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, 1951. [viii] Principle VI, Principles of International Law Recognized in the Charter of the Nuremberg Tribunal and in the Judgment of the Tribunal, adopted by the United Nations International Law Commission, 1951. [ix] The right to self-determination, national independence, territorial integrity, national unity, and sovereignty without external interference has been affirmed numerous times by a number of UN bodies, including the UN Security Council, UN General Assembly, UN Commission on Human Rights, the International Law Commission and the International Court of Justice. The principle of self-determination provides that where forcible action has been taken to suppress the right, force may be used in order to counter this and achieve self-determination. The Commission on Human Rights has routinely reaffirmed the legitimacy of struggling against occupation by all available means, including armed struggle (CHR Resolution No. 3 XXXV, 21 February 1979 and CHR Resolution No. 1989/19, 6 March 1989). Explicitly, UN General Assembly Resolution 37/43, adopted 3 December 1982: ?Reaffirms the legitimacy of the struggle of peoples for independence, territorial integrity, national unity and liberation from colonial and foreign domination and foreign occupation by all available means, including armed struggle.? (See also UN General Assembly Resolutions 1514, 3070, 3103, 3246, 3328, 3382, 3421, 3481, 31/91, 32/42 and 32/154).

it is not israel's business to solve palestinian leadership problems. if they were really interested in peace, they would have more appreciation for fayaad who is the only one who has actually done something for his people's welfare. of course, he is not a terrorist, so he does not pass for a leader. barghouti is a killer. if a killer wants to be released, he must show that he has done something positive and concrete to deserve freedom. as for netanyahu, he has done quite well under the circumstances. the fact that the left does not like him should not blind them to the fact that he has certain leadership qualities.

"Comparing Begin, Shamir and Sharon to Barhouti is disgusting. Moral equivilence seems to be a condition that afflicts individuals in modern society."gershon. Kokhav Ya'ir (literally "Ya'ir's star") was named for Abraham Stern, who went by the alias Ya'ir, the founder and leader of the Lehi group, a militant Jewish underground active during the British Mandate of Palestine. It was described as a terrorist organization by the British authorities[6] and was banned by the newly-formed Israeli government under an anti-terrorism law passed three days after the group's September 1948 assassination of the UN mediator Folke Bernadotte.[7] The United Nations Security Council called the assassins "a criminal group of terrorists,"[8] and Lehi was similarly condemned by the subsequent United Nations mediator Ralph Bunche[9]. I await your response.

"Only in the occupied territories wich is his right to resist occupation guaranteed under international law." Kaska Sir, Care to name the specific "international Law"?

The Greater Israel. Just read the Likud Charter to understand why Israel has no intention of making peace. Sure they made peace with Eygpt and Jordan. Like we dont all know why. Here is the Charter---anyone tell me where it allows for a Palestinian State---anywhere ????. ""Likud charter * The 1999 Likud charter emphasized the right of settlement in "Judea (and) Samaria" (more commonly known as the "West Bank") and Gaza,"[8] and as such, brings it into direct conflict with Palestinian claims on the same territory. Similarly, their claims of the Jordan river as the permanent eastern border to Israel and Jerusalem as "the eternal, united capital of the State of Israel and only of Israel," do the same. * The 'Peace & Security' chapter of the 1999 Likud Party platform ?flatly rejects the establishment of a Palestinian Arab state west of the Jordan river.? The chapter continued: ?The Palestinians can run their lives freely in the framework of self-rule, but not as an independent and sovereign state.?[8]

It sure is a bold and visionary idea. It would be beneficial to both Israel and the Palestinians. In Barghouti Israel will have a partner for peace and I am sure he will be able to deliver what he may promise. On the other hand it will also provide a new beginning for the Palestinians.The old and corrupt present leadership will be swept away. Is there a bold enough leader in Israel to take on this challenge?

Comparing Begin, Shamir and Sharon to Barhouti is disgusting. Moral equivilence seems to be a condition that afflicts individuals in modern society. It is pathetic how desperate leftists will sink willing to try anything that "could dramatically" change the situation.

Burston has lost it. He's been overwhelmed with so much Palestinian propaganda that he thinks Bargutti supports a 2-state solution. He doesn't Bargutti is Fatah. Here is what Fatah says on their own website: http://www.e-fateh.org/paper_full_3.aspx Goals: Article (12) - total liberation of Palestine and the liquidation of the Zionist state economically and politically, militarily and culturally. Article (13) - the establishment of independent democratic Palestinian state with full sovereignty over all Palestinian territories [no two state solution anywhere in the goals of Fatah]

Have you ever condamned massacre in Damour where 180 civilians were killed by Palestinians and Syrians? Did you ever think of the bereaved of those killed by Palestinians in Shekka where 95 civilians were killed? Don't try to impress with fake sympathy for those killed in Qibya when you are indifferent to the Palestinian killing in Lebanon.And Jordan.And Israel.And Gaza.

Release him ONLY IF he wins an election! That's actually quite a brilliant idea. Maybe you ought to be running Israel.

Begin et al were fighting FOR something. There is no evidence whatsoever, that aside from the murders he can claim, Barghouti was ever known for leadership. I am aware that in the Arab perspective, that is a foggy line.

and considering that israel has refused to release him as part of any shalit exchange... it may already be in the offing.

Same principle here.

Why not? If you can not acknowledge that human beings have populated for hundreds of years the area you call Israel and accept that fact. If you are bad with someone, the someone will be bad with you. Wise people would resolve it, but either side is wise.

Why would Israel not want a strong Palestinian leader? Unless as I always suspected they really don't want either peace nor a two state solution only reducing the level of terror to "acceptable and wait until the Palestinians loose their will to fight. Shame!!!

"There will, of course, be those who will who dismiss and disqualify Barghouti as a terrorist. Most Israelis, however, need look no farther than Menachem Begin,Yitzhak Shamir" Brad has overlooked the fact that neither of these men were the first PM of an Independent Israel... After a pal state is established and if Barghouti is still alive after 5 life sentences then sure he can try to become the PM of the pals... I wonder if Brad has enough gull to go the familes of Marwans victims and ask them if it would be worth letting him go for the faint chance that he could bring peace? The pursuit of peace is a nobel one but a street thug who relies on violence and bombing children should never be freed... For that would be playing russian roulette with the lives of all israelis...

And let's say they don't vote for whom we "give" them? Bring Gilad Shalit home and pay the price. It's time we gave ourselves someone decent to vote for and left the Palestinians to decide on their someone themselves.

Netanyahu doesn't wan't to make a reasonable compromise with the Palestinians, and if he releases Barghouti he will come under more pressure to do just that. If anything, this article will convince Netanyahu not to release Barghouti

If we reLEASE ANY prisoner unconditionally, you can be sure hamas will kidnap other soldiers. The whole point is to stop the vicious circle, by deterring hamas. Otherwise, we might as well pack our bags and leave all the land to the pals.

'...Barghouti "is the only one" capable of bringing the Palestinians to a final-status peace deal with Israel.' Etc. All reasons why Israel will never let him go. He could make peace a real threat.

You may argue until kingdom come that we can't negotiate with people with blood on their hands. And thats bullcrap. I have blood on my hands. So do some 10 percent of all Israelis. There is NO WAY IN HELL that the palis will end up with a pacifist leader. It will not happen in a million years. And we? Would we vote for a pacifist? Don't make me laugh. Most of our PM:s were killers before they became politicians. IF you want to make peace, you have to make it with the ENEMY. Now - who is the enemy? If in doubt, ask your self who you hate, can't stand, want to see burnt alive, who you loathe and despise and fear - that is your enemy. Not Abu Masen but Hamas. And, in the best case scenario, the very best, it might be Barghouti.

Liberals always ALWAYS assume that suddenly springing some insanely pro Palestinian symbolic act will magically 'change the rules' and the Palestinians will fall over themselves to love them. The problem with this is that a) it's never worked, and b) makes no earthly sense even in theory.

The crux of Israels plans for stealing west bank territory has to do with keeping the Palestinians divided. A united Palestine scares Israel, since it never plans on giving up the land and providing Palestinians with their own homeland. Like you said, releasing Barghouti would be the best thing for a peace deal, if anyone in the world believes that is what Israel really wants. Peace and Israel are two words that will never be used in the same sentence if it means they have to stop stealing someone else's land.

In one sense it's academic, as others have listed the string of Israeli terrorists who became Prime Minister. Many more enjoyed high office and financial reward, when they should have been locked up for life and the key thrown away. But I read the charge sheets again just now. Unless I am missing something, he was not charged with murder at all. His 'crime' was to be the quartermaster who supplied the weapons and the commander who defined the targets. On that basis, we could have locked up all the brave resistance commanders in Norway, France, Holland, Greece and Poland who fought the Nazi occupation. That would of course have been unthinkable, they had right on their side, legally and morally. Resistance to an occupying power is, in a democracy, a sine qua non. Albeit targeting civilians can never be condoned, any more than the Israeli terrorists' bombing of the King David hotel. Barghouti's trial was a complete aberration and affront to justice.

There is nobody else with his credibility and, is seems, common sense. David

OMG, why aren't there more intelligent, perceptive Israelis of Burston's calibre? He cuts through the issues like a knife through butter. This bit is seminal: '(Barghouti) is the key to the future of the two-state solution, and therefore, to an Israel which is democratic without qualification, peaceable without biennial war, demographically Jewish without apartheid, a true neighbor to its neighbors - for once, a full member of the community of nations...' It takes a lot to break the weary, petty, racist mold Israel is stuck in. Thank goodness at least some can raise their eyes and see a different and altogether brighter future. Of course the last thing the recalcitrant Israeli leadership wants is a tough, popular, democratic figure leading the PA. They will do everything possible not to release him because he completely outclasses the pedestrian Netanyahus and Liebermans of this world. But it needs to be done, the EU and USA need to apply some muscle here to make sure he is freed.

Nothing on earth--certainly no law--gave Bargouti the right to murder civilians, I don't care where they're living. The laws I know allow for murderers to be kept in prison for life, and some even allow for capital punishment. Too bad that's not available in humanitarian Israel.

Check Wikipedia. Marwan Barghouti supports two state solution. Israel and Palestine, side by side, in peace and security. He never conducted attacks inside Israel. Only in the occupied territories wich is his right to resist occupation guaranteed under international law. He wants Israel completly out of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Palestine's guaranteed right under international law. No one in the world recognizes the settlements.

He's a murderer and a conspirator. He hasn't changed his position or views. Jefferson Davis was popular for 100 years after he lost the war and his death and his memory caused much trouble and death in the USA and Bargouti is much the same. Justice comes first. No man who resorts to murder can be allowed to be a leader of the living as he will lead them to murder and mayhem. He's a butcher.

What's wrong with that? Menachem Begin was a terrorist and he became PM. If one had to bet who is responsible for killing the most innocent civilians, Begin, Sharon, or Barghouti, I would bet on Sharon.

Bargouti is no Ghandi or Mandella, this is not a man who believes in diplomacy, diplomacy, diplomacy He believes that terror should be used alongside diplomacy. So we have a man who thinks terror is part of the diplomatic process In the Prisoners Document he wrote whilst in jail which is his peace plan idea violence would be a legitimate form of resistance Arafat at least PRETENDED he was all diplomat Bargouti doesn't even pretend to be interested in only diplomacy he is proud of the fact that he sees terror as something that can be used as a diplomatic tactic He cannot unite all factions, even Arafat couldn't do that which is why we kept getting terror attacks throughout the oslo years. If Hamas want to carry out an attack they don't give a dam if its Arafat, Bargouti or Abbas they will do what they want and Hamas are not going to find everybody deserts them to rally around Bargouti Bargouti knows how to manipulate Obama & Israels left &trouble for Israel not a partner for peace.

Having a strong, charismatic and unifying leader is the last thing Israel wants for the Palestinians. Mr Burston line of thought would make sense if Israel did want peace and two separate states, but over time it has become clear enough that the opposite is the truth, instead. They don't want peace with the palestinians, they don't want a Palestinian state. They want to finish the job they started in 1948 and finally ethnic-clease the whole land West of the Jordan. If the world wants to see the Palestinian Mandela free, there is only one way to achieve this: like the world made Apartheid South Africa free Nelson Mandela: through enormous international pressure on the rogue regime and far-reaching sanctions against it. Israel will never do it by its own good will. And for those who hypocritically call Barghouti a murderer (forgeting the atrocious crimes of their own leaders): have in mind that Mandela was the leader of the MK, the armed wing of the ANC (South Africa's Fatah's Tanzim).

It is interesting that you have such problems with "the pain of the bereaved of those murdered by this man's actions". Did you ever think of the bereaved of those killed by Sharon (his direct orders) at Qibya? SS officers were hanged for retaliation exterminations of villages; he was elected head of his country.

It would be an interesting argument if Bradley Burston would have written what Marwan Barghouti's views on a two state solution is. Does Barghouti support a two state solution ? Does he want to flood Israel with millions of refugees ? I suppose on this subject there is not much to write. Barghouti might be charismatic, fighting corruption within Fatah, but if he supports the destruction of Israel, there is no point releasing him.

He is a convicted murderer and not merely a pawn for politicians to use to gain popularity. Besides Abbas is a perfect leader for the non-violent Arabs seeking another state. Barghouti already has blood on his hands which would encourage others to follow the same course.

And Israel would send a message that they are not up to their sacred duty to protect Jews.

as there are far more politician leaders on the other side, who i'm sure committed far worst crime than him. I'm sure he would be able to go FREELY in many countries in this world. but can some Israeli polticians who can dare go to UK,Belgium. etc without fear of being arrested?

To do this means to upset the equation by which Bibi stays in power. He has weighed up the costs and incentives to de-occupying and concluded that he loses nothing by doing nothing. Setting Barghouti free ruins his equation. So it won't happen. We're stuck until....?

I guess the insignificant fact that Barghouti was convicted of murdering 5 Israelis (and implicated in the murder of 22 others!!!) escapes all the "goody two shoes" Jews who are pleading for his release. Releasing Barghouti would make a mockery of the entire Israeli judicial system (which the Israeli Supreme Court has succeeded in doing long ago). It would also send a strong message to all arabs who are contemplating murdering Israelis; Kill as many Israelis as you can and if somehow you are caught,you'll eventually be released and be hailed as a "moderate Palestinian leader".

So releasing him will accomplish absolutely nothing

These fantasies--delusions, actually--that the next Palestinian strongman will be the peacemaker have persisted for decades, and each time it's just been the next stage in a continuing dysfunction. Israel built up Hamas against Fatah, then rescued Arafat when the PLO was bankrupt, and now Bargouti the murderer? Wake up, people. It's not going to happen. Accept that, move on. When they develop real statesmen and not just bigger and better murderers and kidnappers, we'll know it when we see it.

...the issue! The Palestinian Arabs WILL make peace with Israel when they will be good and ready, NOT before. The idea of fostering would be Palestinian "peace makers" has backfired on Israel at least twice. Rabin tried it first with Arafat in the early 90s and Arafat was grateful to be extended a lifeline after his disastrous support of Saddam against Kuwait BUT then he kicked Israel in it's proverbial behind. Then, the wishful thinkers pushed Abbas and Dahlan to the forefront and billed them as "peacemakers". They too turned out to be some peacemakers huh, Bradley? Now you are advocating the same with this murderer Barghutti. Why don't you just quit while we are all behind and let nature take it's course. The Palestinians WILL make peace with Israel when they will realise that Israel IS here to stay for GOOD and when they WILL decide to put their children's well being ahead of their desire to destroy the Jewish state. It may take a long time Bradley, but IT WILL happen.

If as Mr. Burston suggests Barghouti is a valuable as a leader in moving forward the two-state-solution (a plan I am personally skeptical could ever work). Then he needs a leadership position first. Let him run from jail for President of the Palestinian Authority. If he wins he is automatically set free. Such a situation will do more than show Hamas did not free Barghouti, it will allow the Palestinian people to do so ?a vote for Barghouti is a vote for his freedom? such sayings could go. In that vein Hamas will be hard pressed to run someone against him, thus being accused of wanting to keep him in jail. Note though this could all backfire if he proves as corrupt as Arafat or as impotent as Abbas, only time will tell though.

Hoping to see Barghouti/Mandela released.

As far as we know Mandela has not killed anyone or instigated such.He worked for understanding between opposing forces and TRUE peace. Bargouti is just another Arafat. Those who equate lsrael with S A apartheid are dying to prove a parallel leader among the arabs. There is not one.

Israel had its PM Manhahem Begin who was a the leader of IRGUN AND GANG STERN terrorist groups!

you must not forget israel had its terrorist leader Manhahem Begin as PM. you know he was the head of Irgun and Gang Stern terrorist groups!

Ygal killed one Jew, Barghouti tens. Ygal Amir must be free before Barghouti!

Marwan Barghouti was and still is strictly opposed to targeting civilians INSIDE ISRAEL. His attacks were only targeted at the occupation army and the illegal israeli settlers (who, please admit it, during the intifada acted just as bad as palestinian terrorists, kniffing, attempting to place bombs, sniping a girl in the head for free...) Now whether you like it or not, under International Law Barghouti is not a terrorist. International law guarantees the right to resist occupation wich is what he did. Only Israel considers him terrorist and as Bradley points out, in the current situation releasing him will actually help you.

Look at your country in the mirror. You elected someone who was found guilty for Sabra and Chatila, machete massacre of 800 unarmed men, women and children, Rwanda style. I think you can allow yourselves to talk with Barghouti. He was convicted with "only" 5 accounts of murder and 1 attempted murder. Far from Sharons 800+ record. Everyone's leader there has blood on their hands, get over it.

Solving the Mideast Crisis seems about as improbable and perplexing as solving the USA and the World's Economic Crisis. It seems to me that people are just digging in and trying to hold on to what they have in all cases. Now when you look at what Governments are doing, basically you see a couple of things. You see Governments arming themselves and there is a big emphasis on quelling internal dissent. I'm just a thinker and a watcher but I'd say if we're not coming up with anything more creative than what we have going on right now, the entire World is liable to go kablooee in ways that would be very hard to predict. If you think releasing that guy would make things better, go ahead. But personally, I wish Erekat could solve it all because he's never hurt a fly.

it looks like Barghouti is Mandela of Palestine. Israeli Officials said in the past Palestine is lack of Mandela. Might be Mandela is born.

It is insulting and assinine to keep comparing Begin, Shamir and Sharon to Barghouti. None of them intentionally targeted civilians. They fought to create a state and to protect the state. What did Barghouti, do. Thei great leader only targeted civilians. He was not man enough to take on armed soldiers. In addition, he sent others out to do his dirty work. He is chicken poop, and is exactly where he belongs.

The rationale of the proposal to free Marwan Barghouti as an isolated act of the Israeli government is sound and clear. However, according to Ortega and Gasset, "human beings are themselves and their circunstances" and I think that freeing the man as a "benevolent act" will likely diminish the impact of his release because it may sound opportunistic and with a smell of compromise between him and Israel. However, on the other hand it could work as it worked with Mandela. A shot in the dark!

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I know we have to make sacrifices but does the author of this article care about the pain of the bereaved of those murderered by this man's actions. By his logic we should free all terrorists for it pays, all terrorists should then become respectable politicians and we should shake hands and congrat them. We may have to release him yet let us never forget why he is such a hero to the Palestinians- he murdered their enemies in cold blood (Jews...) and was idolized for it. He has no regrets for what he has done either. So do not expect much less.

Why stop with Barghouti? Why not preemptively commit suicide in order to beat Hamas to the punch?

"A stand-alone Israeli decision to free Barghouti is a sign of strength, in stark contrast to caving, hands wrung, to Hamas demands." Bradley Burston No matter how much you spin it Bradley, the truth is it's because of Hamas that Marwan will be freed. "The Palestinians are at least as deeply disenchanted with their current leadership as Israelis are." Bradley Burston Wrong again Bradley. The Palestinians live in hell because of Israeli politicians. Hamas, Fatah, and resistence to occupation is their only hope. Marwan Barghouti is a great man, loved and respected by Palestinians. I also admire him. So do many realistic Israelis. His imprisonment was a farce. A bargaining chip? Consider this Bradley, he may unite Hamas and Fatah. This will make their justified resistence stronger. Marwan won't kneel to Israeli demands at the expense of his people. Salaam/Shalom

... to how many Jews he had killed. This creates a peculiar logic in Burston argument about Barghouti - that Israel can only make peace with murderers and, thus, Israel must help those murderers. It is a bit hard to swallow, Bradley.

Soon the Stockholm syndrome will have a new name, the Tel Aviv syndrome.

Recently, Israel had supported the inept Abbas as their cats paw against Hamas. Abbas was not up to the challenge, so Israel gave him nothing for his efforts. This caused Abbas to snipe at Israel, but in his usual inept fashion. The infighting between the Palestinian factions is engineered and nurtured by Israel, although, truely, the Palestinians are willing victims in this regard. Barghouti would unite the factions and provide a strong and motivated front against Israel. Barghouti can turn into Ghandi or Mandella, in the same way that Menachem Begin and Itzhak Shamir turned from bloody, murdering terrorists into Israeli Prime Ministers. This is nt something that Israel wants to happen.