Israel, PA resume West Bank civil co-ordination severed in Jan.

"Have a good one Akram" Mark Lincoln. The good one is doing nothing .. nothing at all this was my advice for Israel and this is my advice for the Palestinians now. Time for peace and stability is not now. Both Israel and the Palesntians don't have the right leadership.It is no use making plans and trying hopless experiments for any changes NOW. The temprature is too high and those who have interest in the conflict are still in power. Any Peace that will be concluded now will be a time bomb that can deepen the danger and cost more blood . Any land Israel will give the Palestinians will be used against Israel and will cost more blood on both sides.So where is the wisdom and the merit in wasting time in negotiations for shadawy PEACE NOW ! The Old Thinking Failed. The New Thinking is not there. There is a bigger storm raging outside now. Israel MUST wait. We the Palestinians needs Peace Israel will have Peace.

His statements about using rifles against Israel come after the United States, aided by Ehud Olmert, over the last few weeks provided 7,000 assault rifles and more than 1 million rounds of ammunition to militias associated with Abbas' Fatah party, according to senior Fatah militants... He also used Quranic verses to claim Jews are corrupting the world. "The sons of Israel are mentioned as those who are corrupting humanity on earth," Abbas said... According to documents revealed Friday, the Bush administration will provide $86.4 million to strengthen security forces loyal to Abbas... Like other recent confirmed arms transfers from Egypt and the U.S., the latest American weapons shipments were driven through Israeli checkpoints by convoys protected by the Israeli Defense Forces... http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=119361

Releasing terrorists, financing, arming and/or training terrorists is to be one spirit with terrorists. Israeli leaders are on the side of, & united with Muslim terrorists in the war against Jewish innocents. www.israelnationalnews.com Abbas: "Raise Rifles Against the Israeli Occupation" Jan 14, '07 by WorldNetDaily's Aaron Klein "Raise [your] rifles against the Israeli occupation," Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas declared Thursday in Ramallah. In a speech commemorating the 42nd anniversary of the founding of his Fatah party, the PA chief called on Arab factions to put an end to weeks of infighting and instead fight Israel. "Shooting at your brother is forbidden. Raising rifles against the occupation is our legitimate right, but raising guns against each other is forbidden. We should put our internal fighting aside and raise our rifles only against the Israeli occupation," said Abbas in a speech in the Muqata compound in Ramallah attended by World Net Daily

It is urgent the public is educated via flyers and speeches regarding the cruel persecution and jailing of Jews who defend themselves from violent Arab Muslim attackers-ISRAELNATIONALNEWS article: Nissim Kurkus of Jerusalem. He was attacked by a group of Bethelehem Arabs, who wounded him in his head with knives and other means. He fought back and stabbed to death one of his attackers - and was ordered placed in an Israeli Prison Service psychiatric hospital for nine years. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/122988 It is Israeli government policy to persecute Jews who defend against Muslim attackers: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/123107 The public must know!!! Honenu need to set up a fund to donate for this purpose. Other organizations must help!

and the MURDER of AMERICANS. The American and Israeli governments owe Israelis and Americans an explanation of why they fully support a terrorist organization that calls for the murder of all Jews and the murder of Americans. STOP SUPPORTING the MURDER of JEWS and AMERICANS! Broadcast from Gaza mosque, Oct 13 2000, Dr. Ahmad Abu Halabiya, on Palestinian Authority TV (transcribed by Memri): "Have no mercy on the Jews, no matter where they are, in any country. Fight them, wherever you are. Wherever you meet them, kill them. Wherever you are, kill those Jews and those Americans who are like them..." Flash Video-What Americans need to know about jihad: Jihad's Goal is "Death to America" http://www.terrorismawareness.org/know-about-jihad/ Jihad Demands WAR on ALL infidels STOP Inciting Children to MURDER! http://www.teachkidspeace.com/flash.php

"Now, the Israel I knew when young, which wanted nothing more than normal peaceful relations with all it`s Arab neighbors, has no idea what it wants. Even though now that is what is offered" It might be because you're not reading what is written. Israel is being offered half a deal. Israel is being offered two Palestinian states instead of one Israeli and one Palestinian state. The right of return trojan horse is designed to turn Israel into another Palestinian state and to mingle into the Israeli population its worst enemies, those who explode babies with no conscience. But you knew that and you were just, as your wont, making propaganda. Go ahead and I'll stop reading your posts (and I'm not Cipor,a who is MUCH more precise and pedantic than I am)

Dana I wonder what you consider more brutal, a soldier checking you for entry (think passport control) or being blown up by a homicide bomb. I suppose for schizoid personalities there's much more fun and action in the explosion and shock and awe but for me, boring old me, I must admit that I'd prefer ANY DAY to stand in line.

Just kidding!

Say hello to President Rice.

I remember the belief after the Six Day War that this was what would give Israel peace. Striking first, Israel had smitten it's enemies and prevailed. Jordan foolishly entered the war and lost the better part of it's nation. Egypt had been rolled back to the canal and Syria would no longer be able to bombard Galilee from the Golan as if it were fish in a barrel. Up until 1967 all Israel wanted was peace. It wanted the right to live quietly and prosperously within the cease fire line of 1948. But after the 'easy" (it was not as easy as it later seemed) victory of the Six Day War things changed. Some Israelis, and American immigrants who would never have moved to the precarious Israel of 1966, set forth to build a 'greater Israel" composed of "Judea and Samaria" to say nothing of Gaza and Sinai. Now, the Israel I knew when young, which wanted nothing more than normal peaceful relations with all it's Arab neighbors, has no idea what it wants. Even though now that is what is offered.

"Only brave men can change the world and the world has very few of them." - Akram Zekaria A truth, as is that at some point in their lives everyone is a coward. "Brave leaders are those who admited the truth." - Akram Sane ones admit to the truth, whether brave or cowards. "Our conflict with the Palestinians needs a defeated leader who admit his defeat. We can only find such a leader in victory like the 1967 War." - Akram No, you are quite wrong. Israel needs a leader who will admit that the attempt to turn the occupied territories of the Six Day War into Greater Israel has failed. The hubris that emerged from that war has been the bane of Israel since. Have a good one Akram.

tell us about Kobi Mandel. tell us about Shalhevet Pas. tell us about this brutality that you know so well. oh these names don't appear in your selective arabist apologist sites that are the basis for your understanding and you regurgitate over here. in your name the following happened. A boy on a day hike who had his head cracked open by a heavy rock in a cave...go read about it and learn of the brutality done in your name. An infant fired upon and killed by a sniper, go read about this brutality done in your name. a sniper, had the infant in his sights when he pressed the trigger. yeah, go ahead dana utilize your internet education to pontificate on brutality in the shallow mind-numbing fashion that is your style. How one can spend so much time saying so little with such certainty and displaying a total lack of knowledge with such frequency is amazing.

Ronnie, you are talking to brick walls. Ofcourse all that you are saying and all others like mind are saying is true, Cipora, Hannah, Kathy and the rest. I reached the conclusion it is better to ignore those lik Khalid etc.. plus editorials like Amira, Bradley etc.. And concentrate on Jewish posters only. This will give us time to direct our attention to this Government and its dangerous plans for the future of Israel, and show our love to the land of Israel and stand as a shield for its protection in our very small way. I hope that by ignoring those who have the intent to write against Israel might have little chance to do their nasty job. And do what we can with those who matter. If you feel like it, please reply. Israel upto a grave danger now,though I am not worried about its future , but one can't see himself at rest in a time like now. With regards

"It is very obvious Hannah that you did not experience any of those checkpoints as you live in such a comfortable life." (Abu-Faisal) It is not that our right wing hannah doesn't know about the brutality of check points. It's that she does but doesn't care. As long as it is only some Arabs who suffer. Because that is the state of mind cultivated by her side (including the happy-go-lucky group of Jasmine/Cipora/nannine assembled for today's hit attacks) It's just funny that then they talk about peace, where - as Mark Lincoln - today's fall guy - said before, it is a PIECE OF LAND they want to keep. But it's good to let them vent - otherwise they might go poof! trying ever so hard to keep those balloons inflated, so they may not lose sight Of the stampede to the LOWEST Moral Grounds Which they claim to abhor, but secretly seek.

You are peeing in the wind here.We can see the problems all over the arab world.Keeping people locked into antiquated societies and protected only by their insistance that news be filtered. Being led my gangs and clans and any revolt is immediately put down. You Ibrahim live in America,a forward society so you have no excuse to defend these leaders. They have left the Palestinians in squalor. Barak offered the best deal yet and it was refused,better stay in refugee camps. Your insistance that there is some equivelance is way off the mark. You know the real story of Shatilla. I only called Abbas financing the Olympic massacre as a rumour. Your arab honour wont allow you to see the truth Ibrahim so you look to insult.

"I agreed his chance of survival are low" Mark Lincoln. This is the only point I find that has a grain of truth in it,sorry,in all your posts.It is not disgrading your intelligence or unadmitting your knowledge. No. It is just because this is the only grade of chances in all the present episodes, not exclusivly for Israel but for the world problems at large.No one, private or at any level can pradicate what the future will bring in both the near and the distant future. Only brave men can change the world and the world has very few of them.Brave leaders are those who admited the truth.To admit the truth one must be defeated first. Sadat was one of those defeated leaders and understand the ulternative to peace is destruction.Our conflict with the Palestinians needs a defeated leader who admit his defeat. We can only find such a leader in victory like the 1967 War.Nothing short will do. With my sincer regards

So Abbas is now the financier of the Munich terror plot? I see. Well, then let's add that Sharon was complicit in the murder of 2000 civillians in the Sabra-Shatila Camps in Lebanon in 1982...he was kicked out of government in disgrace then... ....and you were one of his greatest champions 25 years later. Sorry buddy, your hypocracy and double standards make you an unfit partner to discuss peace. I understand Palestinians commit murderous acts. You somehow live in la la land where Israel is immune from any blame guilt violence or anything else...

Since abbas' days are numbered (something that's hard to argue with), who do you think will follow? Also - I assume you expect to see an end-game of sorts playing out in the West bank - with fatah increasingly targeting hamas at Israel's urging and obviously not-so-tacit support. One must assume that hamas will fight back one way or another - and not necessarily militarily. The question is - what will the palestinian people do.. The US/Israel assumption must be that by now the pals had enough suffering and are cowed so will be in the right mood to bargain on Israel's terms. These bozzos' assumptions were quite wrong in the past. So will no doubt be so again. The question is at what cost and to whom? BTW - I see that you are the selected target of Cipora's furies' next attack. Not trembling in your Texas boots I trust?

and every time I ask GOD to please help it happen. May be naive but hope springs eternal.

YEP!!! Please stay in Gaza with the rest of the crazies. In the meantime peace moves forward with or without you. Have a nice day.

"It`s not checkpoints that are brutal. They might be boring and exhausting but they`re not brutal. It`s the terrorism that makes the checkpoints necessary that is brutal" (Hannah Right Wing) What exactly are you talking about? are you really trying to convince anyone that over 500 check points and road blocks are there to deter suicide bombers? including all those threatening sick people, old people, women trying to get to hospital and just normal human beings attempting to have a life? comm'n now - we all know what those check points are really about - they are designed to interrupt and humiliate the palestinians and break their spirit as a form of collective punishment. Your interest in peace is in one where the thug settlers roam free and the pals cower. You sneak in deliberately under another's name for a reason - to fight dirty for your colonial enterprise. Did they collect you from a kahanist rehab or hilltop refuge for extremist jewish taliban? Cipora - get a better one!

the Sadat for the Pals.

They always say within a year or the coming 2 years. Everybody heard this movie film many times before, but they never seen it.

The Saudis NEED Israel because of the threat from the Iranians.Israel is a perfect cover for them.They dont even have to speak to Israel.They just call the American president.That is good. The also tried Mecca.Mecca they thought would pull Hamas away from Teheran.But obviously Hamas were not sold on it and needed to make a power play against Fatah,probably with great encouragement and moolah from the mullahs. The situation finally worked for Abbas and Israel and the Saudis. Hamas is now isolated in the strip. But with all that Israel cannot think Abbas is the answer and wont put a lot into it. The Palestinians will get their country probably but everyone will be wary of the security there as Abbas is weak and Israel will have to do what it always does and police it for Abbas.

relationship with Hamas or vice versa? Or Abbas's relationship with Hamas? Or the Saudis relationship with Iran? Or the Iranians relationship with Hizbullah and Hamas???? And tell me when Hizbullah sends rockets from the democratic country of Lebanon and the government of Lebanon does nothing about it and Abbas and Hamas allow Islamic Jihads rockets from Gaza and does nothing about it,am I being incoherent. And are the rumours of Abbas being a financier of the killing of the Israeli athletes making me incoherent too???? What actually am I missing??? The fact that this kind of news doesnt reach your distict in Detroit?????

OLD time leaders, that is. Olmert should back off and let the ones that know what they are doing take over.

You seem to take great exception that Israel is an economic power house and the rich Arabs lust after her products. Well eat your heart out my extremist friend. It must be tough watching your Nation, the Arabs, wallowing in self pity, ignorance and self imposed terror while Israel is flourishing. Keep in mind that oil is running out and the biggest occupation will again be goat and camel herding.

if you want to invest in destroying Israel---as I've said before, Abbas and Hamas are simply two sides of the same coin--

why all those terrorists were turned loose, with their lying "agreements" to turn in their arms--and all three captured Israeli's still have not been heard from. The Israelis must be terribly valuable, since not even one is yet accounted for, but hundreds of pals are loose---pretty inequitable, don't you think??

Sheesh!! Talk about stupid! Any idiot with half a brain can recognize that they will be turned against Israel. Talk about a need for regime change--Israel sure needs some aol-time leaders with the courage to do what needs to be done--and it is NOT to appease the enemy. Abbas is just a wolf in sheeps clothing-as they will find out--

Where have all the postings gone? Long time passing Where have all the postings gone? Long time ago Where have all the postings gone? Slowman ate them every one When will he ever quit? When will he ever quit? Where have all the censors gone? Long time passing Where have all the censors gone? Long time ago Where have all the censors gone? Gone to party every one When will they ever work? When will they ever work?

After sixty years of war and suspicion it's natural for people not to feel very comfortable with each other. If we all want peace we will have to learn to trust each other gradually.

Looks like the beginning of STATEHOOD for the Pals. :) Abbas says within a year, I hope sooner!

I am also joining in and asking why ML doesn't want peace in the ME?

It is very obvious Hannah that you did not experience any of those checkpoints as you live in such a comfortable life. Talking about brutal, its obvious too that you have never watched tv and you have never seen the Israeli Occupation Forces BRUTAL practices....Killing kids, torturing elder people, Murdering mothers and commiting massacars here and there....sounds you did not watch the Israeli Glory in Lebanon while demolishing and destroying civilian buildings on the heads of innocent civilians to show off the strenght....I think BY NOW you know Hanna What BRUTAL Mean!!!

The checkpoint story is true as is the fact that Israelis had to turn their cars into tanks to run the gauntlet on the roads. Reality is that you have a mind-set that sees the potential for peace, but there is nobody in a leadership role within fatah or hamas that shares your vision. There is definitely nobody among the euro-trash rubberneckers who present themselves at talkback that share your vision either. There is another gentleman from Michigan whom I disagree with often enough here who appears to share your vision or type of vision whom I can see having a frank and open discussion with as well. I often feel that on a different forum I would be able to see eye to eye with you despite our many large differences.

The Jewish community in Mumbai is eyeing territory in Navi Mumbai Reagrds Shiva

Mark Lincoln and Lakshmi, I asume you guys are talking about people like Gabe and his friends, right?

For weeks, you've been bellowing endlessly on how bad Abbas is because he went to Mecca. Now you say it is good that Israel is in cahoots with the Saudis. You are incoherent, and possibly, a little brainwashed yourself. Let's stick to the basics: Two states for two peoples living side by side in peace and security.

Ehud, Israeli Jews have been involved in the mass murder of Palestinians, therefore the Islamic/Christian future state of Palestine, in protecting the life of non-Jews of this land, must resist all Jewish policy designed to make their life unbearable... bla bla bla. I hate that Jews have been killed. But I also hate that non-Jews are being killed and non Jewish civillians, millions of them can't live a normal life because Jews don't feel secure while they continue colonizing the West Bank. You are an arrogant human and you only care about your own tribe. PATHETIC.

I remain convinced that Abbas is a fundamentally decent man. He had an impossible situation and seems to have grasp at the vision Elliott Abrams sold him. That with US arms and money, Fatah could destroy Hamas, and then the US and Israel would be glad to help him. Too bad he fell for it. I agree that his chances of survival are low and declining fast. As usual, the Bush regime had no plans for what would be needed after 'regime change' had happened, nor had they considered that the coup might fail in Gaza. I don't think he will survive, but I am certain that anyone who follows him will be far worse for Israel.

I remain convinced that Abbas is a fundamentally decent man. He had an impossible situation and seems to have grasp at the vision Elliott Abrams sold him. That with US arms and money, Fatah could destroy Hamas, and then the US and Israel would be glad to help him. Too bad he fell for it. I agree that his chances of survival are low and declining fast. As usual, the Bush regime had no plans for what would be needed after 'regime change' had happened, nor had they considered that the coup might fail in Gaza. I don't think he will survive, but I am certain that anyone who follows him will be far worse for Israel.

Lakshmi, Israel's right wing psychopaths will do anything to destroy peace. The question for the future is will the government actually stop encouraging them and start thwarting them.

I actually believe that Israel is in cahoots with the Saudis and with the Americans and to me that is good,that is not bad.I also understand the very tricky situation the Saudis have with the arab street in general and the shiites in particular.The people have been brainwahed forever and it would be difficult for the Saudis to reverse that thinking quickly.Still I do support the Saudi/Israel/US/Fatah group but know that Israel is on guard over Abbas's inefficiences, Seeing Dahlan resign mayturn into a new beginning in some ways,not with Fatah but with another way.Im positive.

Palestinian Arabs students have been involved in the mass murder of Jews, therefore the Jewish state of Israel, in protecting the very life of the Jews of this land must have checkpoints. It is inconvinience, but it saves life. Jewish life. But you don't care about Jewish life. You only care about standing and waiting to pass through the checkpoint. Your Arab brothers are still alive, having passed through the checkpoints. My brothers and sisters and an uncle and two childred are dead, dead, dead never to be able to wait in any line!!! Do you understand what I say, or are you still looking down upon this Jew who claims that you are an arrogant person?

Mark Lincoln: 5# 'The sub-bottom line' "whom ever replace Abbas will not be such a decent man". *What makes you think that Abbas is a decent Man. He is as bad as Olmert; do everything to save his neck. 6# "Danite read this article slowly, the whole idea of building Abbas ..is wrong " *Lot of people said that and all of them are right.It is time to let the enemy crash himself. Hamas, Fatah are all the same. All fighting for themselves and that includes Olmert. There is no new for CNN in that no news of that in the CNN etc..No one can claim a prize for the obvious. 7- 'Which will be soon recinded'. *The entire history of the Left and now Olmert is one of them will be needing to be 'recinded' at a very high cost. 'If that does not happen then whom ever replace Abbas will not be such a decent man. *Is there any Decent Man in this dirty business Mark ??? The 'Only Decent Man' in this dirty business;Is 'A Defeted Leader'just like Sadat.

stop? In the last couple of days,the news is about settlers planning jewish outposts near Bethlehem.

It is you that needs a lesson in Spelling Balestinian is spelled with a "B". I have painted you into a corner and you cannot state your opinions for fear of making me look right and thus offending your Hizbulla symphatizers or members. You know who you are but are simply in denial. Who in the blazes in Elinor? Why would I care if she chases you or not? Perhaps she loves you for who you are. If I wanted to get on your site I would have no problem. But I am glad that you see anyone as ME thus chasing away unsuspecting victims from becoming members.But they would not last anyways.Deluded Freakish Sensibilities run rampant.

What does it mean sotred?

Margie, You notice anti-semetic, or gross Israel hating from the pro-Palestinian camp.... ....I hope you haven't overlooked the utter racist and hate filled post by the majority of Israel supporters on this site. Please do your part....so much is made about anti-semetism, but really, some of the garbage coming from GABE1, SHIMON, Nannette..etc...

"Is it that when it comes to the security and life of Jews measures are "draconian" and when it comes to the mass murder of Jews the measures are a matter of "resistance" for you? " Ehud, You are clearly ignorant of the situation. One example for you: One use to be able to travel freely between Ramallah and Bir Zeit. Last time I was there in 2006, a checkpoint blocked the road. I made it thru but I was told on any given day, students could not commute to college in Bir Zeit. Of course, this is nothing to you...Palestinians unable to live a normal life means nothing to most Israelis...to them, it is all about stopping the murder of Jews. I don't condone the murder of Jews OR Arabs. I value life EQUALLY for all peoples. That's the difference between us.

Or is it all about the coming Israeli election? and Olmert wants to make things look good.

Olmert can repeat same mistake as long as he has 78 MKs supporting him.

You seem to have appointed yourself my speechwriter despite the fact that neither you, nor anyone else was offered the job. Not only do you totally misrepresent me with your fabricated hate speeches - what's more, you can't even spell. How many times has that sloppy error appeared of "Palestinians" with a B instead of a P? You must be awfully bored or simply have no friends to spend your days attempting to penetrate the forum, writing my agenda for me, copying my posts, and writing vile messages to me from your armchair in Toronto, wishing you were a real Zionist like me. What a sad case you are! Think I reel from your vulgar posts? Na, I'm rocking and rolling with laughter at your pathetic gibberish. Elinor has been strangely quiet after frantically panting after me everywhere I post. So who's the next personage you'll come up with to try and penetrate ShaSa? A kilt-clad Jacobite from the highlands residing in Oman, perhaps? No matter. I'll spot you.

You have never met Tzfonit not have you ever been to the Arab occupied YESHA. So lets get this out of the way. You have to admit that you are whoring your soul for the benefit of your heroes Hizbulla. You claim to be a sympathizer but I think this may go further than that. You cannot get a word in edgewise without you chiming in for Tzfonit or vice versa. What does that make Tzfonit if not a ZSA Arabist. Why not marry the freakish deluded soul and move her to Beirut and you may not have to meet at the Fence. I am sure you have room to take on another wife.

Good idea, now when are the checkpoints going to be withdrawn?

Looks like the Lunatic SS has cme here on Haaretz. Shuli and Bracha the so called self hating Jews and Walid and Whodey the so called moderate Arabs who are in fact Extemists to the code. Is it not telling how both these groups hate to see Israelis defending themselves aganst the terror whores and SEWER RATS.

Sorry but you have to know what scarf you wear these days... I never heard of that one about marrying your uncle but my daughter so much things of my brother other than big uncle she get sotred big time! lol

Walid, I may disagree with you on a lot of things (as all people do in a normal life) but I have to agree with you on that one! There is not a single country in the world that is not doing things for it's own interests! there is no moral army, there are moral people! Israel may try and do something to make sure accidents don't happen but when you have 20 guys alone in the heat with guns and adrenalin, the text book may be thrown out of the window! Michael J Fox portraid it well in his only Vietnam movie! Take care.

According to you we are almost at the ONE State Utopia stage. What those darned Israeli governments have been doing is just preventing that Utopia. Israel has stood in the way of Balestinian disarnament by not supplamanting UNWRA and freeing more money for GUNS so the Balis can keep those guns in gun cases.If Israel only apologized for winning the war of annhihilation in 1948 and the threatened war of annihilation in 1967 we could have been living in that Utopia already. N'est Pas Ma Cherie D'Amour

I hope that you are right in your reading of the situation and that sufficient numbers of Palestinians are interested enough in peace for it to happen. The IDF is 'there' for the protection of Israel and Israelis as the PA security men should be 'there' for the protection of your people. I join you in your wish for a positive outcome from the diplomatic activity. I must say that the Palestinians writing to Haaretz recently have shown a much less angry face than in the past and are measurably more pro-peace and reconciliation than the knee-jerk anti Israelis from abroad, who show how their hatred of Jews in general and Israelis in particular overrules any consideration of the welfare of the area.

The peace choo-choo is in the station again. To all who really want to be a positive part of ending this insanity. All Aboard! In saAllah, Omein

According to you we are almost at the ONE State Utopia stage. What those darned Israeli governments have been doing is just preventing that Utopia. Israel has stood in the way of Balestinian disarmament by not giving more aid and supplementing UNWRA and freeing more money for GUNS so the Balis can keep those guns in gun cases.If Israel only apologized for winning the war of annihilation in 1948 and the threatened war of annihilation in 1967 we could have been living in that Utopia already. N'est Pas Ma Cherie D'Amour. Tzfonit lives in Israel and knows that she is on the right track and this is what Israelis want. Have you even ventured out of Ben Ami? Why do your neighbours hate you?

Is it that when it comes to the security and life of Jews measures are "draconian" and when it comes to the mass murder of Jews the measures are a matter of "resistance" for you? This arrogance tone, especially coming from far away America, is disgusting!

"The IDF was not there because of threats to Israel, they are there to protect the settlers." If that were 100% true, the IDF would have allowed the settlers to march on Homesh unobstructed. Would have let them stay in Amona, and even Gaza. The fact is, the IDF is there for BOTH reasons. On the one hand, a great number of plots to attack Israelis have been prevented by IDF action in the WB. On the other, the IDF certainly also protects the settlers. Perhaps, on some future happy day, when the PA really administers the areas under its control properly, the settlers there will not be threatened and will not need IDF protection; and there will be no threats to Israel out of Qalkilyah, Tulkarm, Jenin, Baka Al Sharkiyah, or any other PA towns; and the IDF will be able not only to leave the WB, but to release a WHOLE lot of Israeli soldiers to go to college instead of wasting precious years on glorified guard duty.

"The IDF was not there because of threats to Israel, they are there to protect the settlers." If that were 100% true, the IDF would have allowed the settlers to march on Homesh unobstructed. Would have let them stay in Amona, and even Gaza. The fact is, the IDF is there for BOTH reasons. On the one hand, a great number of plots to attack Israelis have been prevented by IDF action in the WB. On the other, the IDF certainly also protects the settlers. Perhaps, on some future happy day, when the PA really administers the areas under its control properly, the settlers there will not be threatened and will not need IDF protection; and there will be no threats to Israel out of Qalkilyah, Tulkarm, Jenin, Baka Al Sharkiyah, or any other PA towns; and the IDF will be able not only to leave the WB, but to release a WHOLE lot of Israeli soldiers to go to college instead of wasting precious years on glorified guard duty.

Gabe, your assessment of the Palestinian situation is way off base and that of Tzfonit is even further away. In fact you don't assess anything right so how do those poor clients of yours trust you to keep their books because from the way you talk, you sound like a bookeeper. You and your sidekick Pancho (Peter) Sanchez have this obssession about sex because you both keep talking about it.

The SS crowd of self hating Jews and the extremist Arab contingent has hit the pages of Haaretz. Whodey and Walid the self proclaimed moderates with an extremist agenda are being augmented by so called Jews like Sh and Bracha/Tzfonit. Why the spillover? Have you made a sale of Israel already?well you are not getting any absolution here and that I can guarantee.

Walid is not Rabid as that would indicate he is sick and can be cured. He is just a plain Hizbulla supporting Arab and an Extremist to boot.You and I know that he cannot be cured.

Margie, You are correct to say the PA never succeeded in policing their own areas. But you are way off the mark to say the reason is noone was interested in peace. That is quite ridiculous. Maybe you can give me an example in history where a people were asked to maintain law an order in isolated ghettos while an occupation force continued building settlements? The IDF was there not because of threats to Israel, they are there to protect the settlers. Hopefully all the diplomatic activity leads to something more serious than what we saw during Oslo...

Ronnie, it seems like good news but from your general tone, I presume you are very angry: Israel is talking about easing the draconian security apparatus in the West Bank (which makes it impossible to govern or for civillians to lead normal lives).... Olmert is talking about discussing FINAL PEACE issues with Abbas (who yes, actually visited Saudi Arabia a few weeks back to promote a national dialogue with Hamas). Heck, Olmert even said he is close to a photo op with the Saudis...who you see to loathe. While you wish all these developements fail, I hope they more forward with more momentum.

LET me be the first to nominate Tzfonit/Bracha as President of the PA. With a huge following of Walid and Karim she can get things done. You sure are making me look good with your ZSA Arabist pronouncements.Either let the IDF do their job or allow the Balis to do what they do best-KILL.And their killing each other is a good thing as it permits them to meet their virgins in hell.Do you actually have a problem with that, or do you prefer that they kill JEWS on their way to a ONE State solution. Why MA CHERIE D'AMOUR is this the wrong GOAL? Humanitarian aid only frees more money for the Balis to buy more weapons. Economics 101. I am curious as to who is the convert you or the sperm donor and was he an Arab? It is germaine as it would explain your Freakish delusional thinking.

Thanks for bringing up the original Polybios. Of course I am well familiar with his work. RE: His attitide that democracy means more than just elections, he wrote: "A state in which the mass of citizens is free to do whatever it pleases or takes into its head is not a democracy." (P.30, Rise of the Roman Empire, Penguin Classics)) Meaning, simply having elections, without a constitution of some sort, within the context of which majority rule can prevail, leads to mob rule. Yes, Polybios wrote of the cycle of rule, but as possiblities, not inevitabilities. "Every kind of state...is LIABLE to decline from two sources, the one being external, and the other due to its internal evolution." (P.350,Id) "Liable" because it's not inevitable. He was warning the Romans that they would decline if they stopped respecting their old Republican traditions and began regarding their confederates/allies as inferior beings. This all applies equally to the US and Israel today.

Mark, these are automatic responses on your part, no, not based on intra-Palestinian realities but on anti-Zionist and the theology of contempt that reflexively choose for you the supposedly more "integral" Palestinian voice. The problem is that there are multiple points of friction between Fatah and Hamas that have less to do with your stereotypical Orientalist imagination but with concrete differences in societal identification--such as rejection of Islamic religious law (veil, burkha, stoning of adulteresses, threats against discoteques, etc) by Palestinian secularists who wish to enjoy the same freedoms you take for granted in your real, as opposed to idealized fantasy life. Unlike yourself Abbas does actually represent a Palestinian base.

"In order to build confidence with the other side, you must deal with routine things," al-Sheikh said. He believes that the small gestures will build the confidence necessary for bigger things. "The political issue between Israel and the PA is one thing. But for successful negotiations you require trust. In order to build trust with the other side, you need to deal with day-to-day matters."

"My people are on the Palestinian side of the Erez crossing, and with the assistance of the Red Cross, ensure that the sick are allowed to leave for treatment in Israel. This is also the case at Sufa and Kerem Shalom crossings, where humanitarian aid goes through to Gaza.. We are now working on a solution to the problem of the Rafah crossing, but there is no official Palestinian side in Rafah." - al-Sheikh The Rafah crossing is the only one connecting Gaza to Egypt without going thru Israeli territory. Until the Hamas takeover, it was used for movement of people, not goods (because of custom agreement with Israel). Abbas now is objecting to its reopening. There can be PA border control people there, just as in Kerem Shalom or Erez, but Abbas refuses. The reason: This is the way to keep Haniyeh and the rest of the Hamas leadership locked inside Gaza without access to the world. If they try to cross to Egypt thru Kerem Shalom, they will be arrested by Israel. A very neat arrangement. To put pressure on Abbas, Hamas is not allowing people to cross thru Kerem Shalom. The Gazans stuck in Egypt will have to wait. Likewise, Gaza students needing to leave will have to wait. We will have to wait too, and see who wins this "war of wills". I am not ready to pass moral judgment yet, but am inclined to blame Abbas for "collaboration". It seems improper to rely on Israeli help in internal struggles.

How come a jewish girl can marry her uncel?

Mark, hang up the Texas Ranger costume, it's time for your nap. Hi ho silver and away!

Israel is more than just the galil or the Kiryot and more than Gush Dan as well, you should visit, it really isn't far. This drive for equivalence is not only short-sighted it is downright false. Comparing Israelis carrying neshek in Judea and Samaria with gun toting arabs is naive at best and an open lie at worst. Aside from the fact that the IDF cannot be everywhere and part of defense is the consideration that locals have neshek to protect themselves when deploying there are a few more factors. a) no Israeli fears another carrying an M-16 b) no Israeli runs loose with his M-16 firing willy-nilly and killing people. You can count on One hand the number of times in the last 40 years that there was firing with intent to kill. c) Arabs know full well that a "settler" carrying neshek will not put in his clip and fire or threaten firing. You don't find "settlers" emptying a clip in the air "just because", there is NO equivalence here at all.

Walido,the Americans and Saudis are in this together.Just as the Iranians and the Russians and maybe even the Chinese are. Of course America is there.They are fighting for democracy in the world no matter what the third world says.People complain about America and are just too happy to take the money and run and those that profess hate for America,if they are not obsessed with Islamic Fundamentalism are likely to want to make love to a Green Card. So dont get too excited about me talking about the Saudis and Iran.This is just the bigger LOCAL picture.Of course there are bigger players. How sensitive we can become. Wanna move to Massachusetts but cant get in,Walid?

Unitl we reach that happy day you suggest when there will be NO guns on EITHER side, I suggest that weapons only be held by government organizations: not by settlers, not by non-government Palestinian factions, or anyone else. This is the problem: anyone with any ideology congruent or not congruent with the government can carry arms, whether it be settlers or members of self-appointed militias, and anyone can take the law into their own hands. As long as Abbas is not in sole control of all weapons his forces should not have guns either. If his forces are responsible enough to trusted with weapons, let them also be responsible enough for gathering all weapons in the PA. There needs to be ONE arny and ONE government. The same goes for our side: ONLY the IDF can carry weapons. Until then we have something equivalent of the wild west.

What have shofars got to do with it? Didnt you have any sleep last night that you have to drag old red herrings out of the fridge?

Ronnie Wolman, your fixation with the Saudi princes made you totally oblivious of the American participation in all this game. It was the Americans who decided, not the Israelis that Hamas and Fateh should not be talking to each other and it has been the Americans who donated over $40 million in arms to Abbas' personal security force less than a year ago. They did not spend this money on Abbas to protect himself against the Israelis. This business of the 1000 rifles is a smoke screen of a much bigger package being sent to prop up Abbas. You left out the most important player in the whole story. You also left me stranded the other day with all your right winger friends.

That's precisely El Birawe's point. He was complaining that the PA never gets its act together. Here's what he says: The PA security forces inclusive are the most unprofessional of any security organizations in the world. Arafat and the PA used the security forces not to protect the people but to intimidate them and instill fear in them like other dictatorship in the world. What is needed is disarming of ALL partisan militias, and the creation of a true professional police force in stead of having all of these militias and thugs

If the IDF is in the territories to protect the settlers, then why do the settlers have to be armed too? Is the IDF in incapable or unable to protect them? I have no doubt that the soldiers are well able to police your settlers, the fact that they dont and never stop them when they stone or harass or shoot at Palestinians is probably due to the fact that they dont see anything wrong with it, not that they are too weak to stop them. Who protects the Palestinians, I wonder, who are attacked by settlers. Certainly not the IDF and a Palestinian policeman would never dare to interfere against settlers, knowing fully well the futility and dire consequences of such an action. I agree with ElBirawi, more guns is the last thing we need in this conflict.

Mark Lincoln, what is it you said that made the Jewish Spice Girls (Cippora, Hanna and Jasmine)think you were against peace? The minute you don't say something positive about Israel, you get branded as an anti-Israeli. Did you note that they did not dare ask you why you were against Israel but turned it around into why are you against peace to send you the subtle message that Israel is Peace. Cippora is in training to work for Netanyahu's coming campaign.

The monies have started coming in no doubt.These monthly checks(which include the 'national' poet Darwish's subsidy) is only the tip of the iceberg.Thank heavens for an incorrupt party that is still there both in Gaza and in West Bank,when the time comes.

Margie, you took El Birawi's positive post about total disarming and had to ride it like a donkey by adding that your settlers are clean as a whistle and have to stay armed because of the presence of "unpoliced weapons". Wasn't El Birawi mentioning that ALL weapons had to be taken away? You are so intent on tooting your Jewish horn that you don't understand the positive things non-Jews write here. Speaking of horns, can you sound the shofar or are you not allowed because you are a woman?

They don't feel safe enough with armed and unpoliced people around and I don't blame them. I'd feel the same way if there were people like that in Tel Aviv.

With Hamas and Fatah both the tip of a bigger conflict between the Iranian influenced forces and the Saudi Sunnis,Abbas is seen I think as the key by Rice and Company to curb the tide of Iran. Stopping Irans influence through giving Abbas some power seems to be what is happening. The Saudis thought that Mecca would ease Hamas concerns and they could be brought back into the Sunni orbit but I guess on the word of Teheran they jumped at the opportunity for a fight with Fatah and they won.But now they are confined in Gaza and Abbas is being bolstered. But is Abbas a good investment? When you look at the larger conflict,it really is the only strategy, but for Israel,Abbas cannot guarantee anything.He is too weak and too ineffective.So giving him some small arms and even making a safe deal is ok but the Israelis wont take this as being the answer to the conflict for Israel cannot trust his power and control.

"We`re well able to police our settlers but if they`re threatened by unpoliced weapons in the hands of Palestinians we can`t ask them to give up their weapons." M of TA Our army, thus our government is protecting them. Were it not, your argument might hold.

We all knew that Olmert delcared war against the Jews when he became PM by accident. BUT no-one would have expected him to HELP the enemy, by provinding then with the weapons to KILL Jews.

That is an easy question to answer. The guns trasferred to the PA will be used to maintain security within their territory. Weapons transferred to Syria, Hamas and Hizbollah by the mullahs of Iran are used to kill Israelis, including Israeli Arabs.

When ever you have these sort of situations where people are getting greedy it reminds me of H'evra Kadisha guys (israeli religious berial authorities). They will charge you an arm and a leg to be berries next to your wife and some time will agree on it but later will extort some more... We are so much alike... We, the simple people should stand up for this behaviour and claim what's right!

It will not surprise me at all if you are correct. It's not about El Kuds and never was! It's about power. I said it time and time again, the Harry Potter slogan is bang on the money in Palestine and Israel: "It's nmot about good or bad, it's about power and those too week too seek it!"

You make a good point. If there were no guns at all there'd be much less killing. The point is that the PA never succeeded in policing its territory. Nobody was ever strong enough or determined enough or interested enough in peace. The only reason that the IDF is there is because of the threat to Israelis. We're well able to police our settlers but if they're threatened by unpoliced weapons in the hands of Palestinians we can't ask them to give up their weapons.

The PA security forces inclusive are the most unprofessional of any security organizations in the world. Arafat and the PA used the security forces not to protect the people but to intimidate them and instill fear in them like other dictatorship in the world. What is needed is disarming of ALL partisan militias, and the creation of a true professional police force in stead of having all of these militias and thugs. An international police force in both Gaza and the West Bank and dismantling of all militias is a first step to coincide with disarming of all Jewish thugs in the Occupied Territories and of course ending the active presence of the IDF. Lose guns in the hands of thugs is a very bad business. The PA again shows that is the source of insecurity for the people. When I was in El-Bireh, many Palestinians expressed the need for the PA to simply go away.

How can a person who has an intense dislike for religious people, support Hamas and Hezbollah, two theocratic groups?

Hannah, you have given chilling examples, just a few of them, of what brutal means. I am glad that Jasmine has joined us.

I'm joining the two of you in asking the question. I'd also like to know why Lincoln doesn't want peace in the Middle East.

Watch your language Lincoln: It's not checkpoints that are brutal. They might be boring and exhausting but they're not brutal. It's the terrorism that makes the checkpoints necessary that is brutal. It's the hundreds of nails coated in rat faeces that tear into the skin of the homicide bombers' victims that are brutal. It's the roadside sniper's bullets that are brutal. It's the sneaky rattlesnake of an inhuman being that slithers into the bedroom of a sleeping child and slits its throat or shockingly breaks the stillness of the night with loud shots that is brutal. Now you might be getting an idea of what 'brutal' is.

I am joining Hannah in asking you why it is that you are opposed to peace in the Middle East.

I understand Olmert's logic and perpective. But past Israeli leaders had the same goodwill and good intentions. However , history and the facts have taught us , in the end these arms that are meant for good- are used against us. Many victims can blame their miming of killing of their loved one's , on shimon peres, yithak rabin and other well meaning Israeli leaders. So, the current government has a precedent and a lot of history to use as their huide. Even so, they have decided not to heed past experience , and feel they are smarter and more in control. What fools !. However , when the arms will be used finally against the Israelis but Fatah or Hamas, or some other group, who will bear responsibility?? Will Olmert- claim - I had good intentions , so he bears no responsibility of the potential outcome , or will he say - I made a mistake. I took a calculated risk, and it went bad, therefore I stand up to the accounting of the results and bear the responsibility.???

By arming its enemies instead of disarming them say Israel's sages of old e.g. Nachmanides Israel thus forfeits her own right to an independent state.

Whoever did not get it, the designated objective of these rifles is for Palestinians to shoot each other. The State of Israel worked hard at setting Palestinians at each others throats, including connivance in establishing Hamas. Unfortunately for all of us, Palestinians fell into the trap.

'Stop Olmert before he fuggs up again!' I despise the mealymouthed habit of not saying what you're obviously saying. Nobody's fooled. And nobody's fooled by your propaganda advice either. Why don't you want peace in the ME? How is it against the interests of your masters? Fascinating subject. Not that I'd expect you to answer but if anybody bothers to read this perhaps they'll answer.

Just don't give them any bullets!!!!

Excellent move.Somewhat shortsided however. Makes sense to provide marksmanship training so that fatah doesn't waste ammunition. If fatah does well, ship them machine guns and rocket launchers. Keep those good ideas coming. If the PA doesn't spend eurodollars/dollars on arms, they can buy more textbooks.

If 1,000 rifles are being sent openly to PA forces as a way to strengthen Abbas, how can anyone complain about Iran sending weapons to Hamas or Syria to Hizbullah?

... ""Another problem we are dealing with at this moment," al-Sheikh adds, "are hundreds of students who need to leave the Gaza Strip for their education." " It is news on the street now in Gaza... pay 3000$, and the PA coordination officers [under cover now] will help you cross Eretz to your university/hospital/family

Please see list of 328 Jewish civilians,soldiers and foreigners murdered by Fatah from 2000-2007. It appears in todays issue of Arutz Sheva- Israel National News. THE ANSWER IS CLEAR!!

When will it dawn on him that the Pals will not become policemen for Israel. Those weapons will be used to kill israelis, not other Pals. They already have more rifles than was agreed upon at Oslo. What happened to those weapons captured from "arrested" Hamas men and those supposedly turned in by Al-Aska Brigades? I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell if you believe the latter.

"Now, in a shiny suit, a fashionable shirt and well-combed hair, al-Sheikh sits in his fancy office, light years from the start of the intifada, ..." Every man has his price. Shiny Italian suits and silk ties are in big demand now among Abbas' men. They have to follow their leader into the fashion world. The PLO should change its name to PFO - Palestine Fashion Organization. Just ask any hooker on the street if she would rather live straight but a miserable life or satisfy her customers and live the good life of the rich?

Can the PA stand up to the Iranian style human wave attacks that Hamas will no doubt use? The little kids up in front and the grown ups behind. I don't know. Too bad the PA and Israel can't just be the same army. Then, Hezbollah and Hamas would have a problem. Gee whiz! Give the Pal kids something to do instead of throwing rocks and standing on the edges of tanks. Enlist them. Anything. Kids are kids.

... is israel trying to supply these rifles to Hamas, we saw how easily the PA security crumbled in Gaza ...

Israel gave Arafat over 50,000 assault rifles but Olmert can help himself and must give more. Certainly Surrender Livni and Retreat Barak are on board too.

Intervening and arming any of the Palestinian factions is playing with fire in more ways than one. Arming Abbas's forces to fight Hamas is merely encouraging more of their internal strife and killing. Iran is arming Hamas with a lot more than rifles. Will we give Fatah rockets too, in order to preserve the balance? How far is this going to go? We are slogging along blindly towards the wrong goal ? one that will ultimately do us more harm than good ? the goal of endlessly trying to prop up Abbas. Neither Fatah, nor Hamas, should be ruling the Palestinians, but a non-religious political entity that can bring them together, not divide them, and that is ready and willing to talk peace. We should be sending the Palestinians more humanitarian aid and know-how instead of guns, making them see that neither Hamas nor Fatah is their salvation. We should be encouraging the moderates to rise to power, not arming the extremists who kill their own bretheren?

...there are bad terrorists and there are good terrorists. Those that killed us in the past and will kill us in the future, and those that killed in the past but who is willing to make peace... i would go further... save save the FATAH people from Gasa and provide their safe passage to WB, give them gums and evel release Barghouti.

That action will instigate more shootings, and eventually fall into the hands of those hostile to Israel.

What happened to all the weapons Al-Aksa turned in? We just went through the charade of West Bank terrorists turning in their weapons and signing an agreement with the PA to stop "resistance" so that they would be pardoned by Israel. Where did all those weapons go & why does Abbas need another 1,000 ?? The answer is that the weapons turn is was a charade. And these 1,000 guns will once again be turned on Israel. We are a bunch of chumps....

Riddle me this: how many Israelis can 1000 rifles kill? Hint: Oslo.

We all know that ultimately that's what happens. In OUR land, only WE should have guns. Relying on our enemies- who have proven time after time that they will turn their weapons against us, is criminal negligence.

...with those very same weapons. There are none so blind as those who will not see.

How blind can a government, when will they learn

Gimme a break, so many weapons have been givin to these genocidal murderers since Oslo began, and a large portion of them are eventual used in attacks on Israelis, sometimes killing them. It's been tried, and failed, more than once. If you keep using the same recipe, you'll keep getting the same result. These weapons will definitely be used in attacks on Israelis. How many times must they repeat the same mistake?

From a micro-political-do something now, point of view the government must think they are justified in bolstering Abbas. Just think, if this didn't happen maybe Moshiach would have come on the ninth of Av. But, G-d saw the people were not ready...so many more must die...more despair, frustration, suffering, mourning... At some point in the future the soon to be Palestinian state will obtain weapons of mass destruction...and may I naively ask...who will they target? Who will supply them? Who will profit in the process? The American Jews who send billions to support Israel have a question...how are you spending our money, to what end? Do you think supplying these rifles is in everyone's best interest...please explain, with historical evidence...not a gambler's addiction excuse please...

"He says that since the renewal of cooperation, Israel has granted 19,000 entry permits to West Bank traders." - Haaretz Which will soon be rescinded. 19,000 permits is not an end to the brutal system of checkpoints. It is not an end to the settlements. It is not a solution, it is just further proof of how absolutely and abjectly the Palestinians are the slaves of the Israelis. And that is the problem. Abbas has not defeated Hamas folks. In fact Fatah failed in it's coup attempt and Hamas prevailed. Anyone who thinks Fatah is going to win and Israel will be able to continue the occupation needs to consider the facts. Hamas is far more a threat to Israel. Fatah is Israel's paid for lap dog. Fatah won in Gaza and Fatah ran like a cowardly cur with it's tail between it's legs. Now Israel is betting on Fatah to win. Big mistake. Stop Olmert before he fuggs up again!

It proves what I have been saying.. US supplied weapons to Fatah were intended to ensure the coup against Hamas. That coup failed, and the weapons fell into Hamas hands. You did not read this first from Fox News, or BBC. You read it first at Haaretz, and because I posted it.

"The Palestinian security forces loyal to Abbas continued their operations against a Hamas presence in the West Bank Wenesday." - Haaretz There it is folks, in this article, what I have been trying to tell you. The US and Israel have suborned Abbas and Fatah. Now the only thing that can save Abbas - if it is not already too late - is an immediate end to the oppression of the Palestinian people. IF that does not happen, then whom ever replaces Abbas will not be such a decent man.

Israel is taking sides in the civil war between the PA and Hamas, by arming the PA with the 1000 rifles. Not a very intelligent thing to do - the PA and Hamas will most likely come to terms, and those rifles could then be used against Israelis.

HOW MANY RIFLES WILL BE USED AGAINST ISRAELIS? All those rifles will be used against Israelis.Not just once. They will be reloaded and reloaded for use many times over. The Israeli idiots who approved transfer of these rifles will be responsible for every dead and wounded Israeli. There are no words for israeli stupidity.

We have seen this show before. The weapons will be "stolen" and eventually find their way into the hands of Hamas. When will you learn?

How many of those rifles will be used against Israelis?