A few days before the election, Defense Minister Mofaz started making noises that Israel might have to reconquer the Gaza strip. Amira Haas explains just how absurd such an action will be:
“One hundred and fifty human beings – human beings, both Israelis, including soldiers, and Palestinians have been killed around Netzarim. And all just for a few dozen families in that Jewish settlement. You say that you if you leave Netzarim now, it is admitting defeat. Is it really worth so many people killed?”
One assumption most people make about their leaders is that they don’t want their citizens to die. But the evidence seems to indicate that leaders like Sharon (and Bush as well) actually want terrorism, since terrorism gives them power. Today’s election results are the proof. Israelis have never been as bad off. No Prime Minister was as big a failure as Sharon. His policies though, fueled the worst fears of the Israeli public, and paradoxically that makes them cling to his power-mongering even more.
Americans need to learn this lesson fast: Bush’s relentless push for a war will increase the dangers to the American people. But remember, the last terrorist attack pushed his ratings sky high. You might think me cynical, but how else can you explain Bush’s relentless push for war, against the will of the whole world and the American people, unless you consider that war and terror will cause the American people to rally around the flag and their President?