Sharon and Israeli PoliticsIsrael and Palestine
Two leaders dominate this discussion -- Yasser Arafat and Ariel Sharon -- even while the US and Israel try to promote Abu mazen.
There is little need to document the shortcomings of Yasser Arafat -- they are covered every day in the American press.
... But what about the other partner in the peace? What kind of man is Ariel Sharon? What's his history? What's the mentality and political picture in Israel under his leadership?
Thursday, December 11, 2003
What are unilateral steps?
What are unilateral steps?: "What are unilateral steps? | By Ze'ev Schiff | December 12, 2003
What does Prime Minister Ariel Sharon mean when he says that it is his intention to take unilateral steps if it turns out that Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia's government does not successfully combat terror? His remarks imply that these are real steps, but the security establishment does not know what the premier's intention is. Also, the Shin Bet security service has not been asked to give its opinion.
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What can be learned from the Prime Minister's Office is that Sharon has at least three unilateral steps in mind. One step is to continue building the fence between Israel and the territories at an accelerated pace. Another step is a deeper separation between Israel and the Palestinians, called "total separation," and a third step being talked about is "a different deployment of the Israel Defense Forces" in the territories.
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Many people no doubt believe that unilateral steps will take the pressure off Israel. Not necessarily. The opposite could be true if the unilateral steps are considered ploys to deepen and perpetuate the occupation. ...
What are unilateral steps?: "What are unilateral steps? | By Ze'ev Schiff | December 12, 2003
What does Prime Minister Ariel Sharon mean when he says that it is his intention to take unilateral steps if it turns out that Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia's government does not successfully combat terror? His remarks imply that these are real steps, but the security establishment does not know what the premier's intention is. Also, the Shin Bet security service has not been asked to give its opinion.
...
What can be learned from the Prime Minister's Office is that Sharon has at least three unilateral steps in mind. One step is to continue building the fence between Israel and the territories at an accelerated pace. Another step is a deeper separation between Israel and the Palestinians, called "total separation," and a third step being talked about is "a different deployment of the Israel Defense Forces" in the territories.
...
Many people no doubt believe that unilateral steps will take the pressure off Israel. Not necessarily. The opposite could be true if the unilateral steps are considered ploys to deepen and perpetuate the occupation. ...
