Israel will soon begin lowering the range of ground operations in Gaza. That’s my take on the recent series of visits by various US high level officials here. The US pressure to reduce civilian casualties, something Israel cannot ignore. But neither the US nor Israel has shown any indication of a plan for what will happen when the fighting stops. The American Secretary of State has listed a five point plan, including their favorite “2 state solution”. It’s a wonderful exposure of the lack of understanding of the Middle East that pervades the American State Department. Contrary to the views held by most Americans, western style democracy is not an important value to most residents of the Arab world. The rule of law is important when talking about the Sharia (Islamic Law) but much less so when discussing ‘International Law’. Without a long period of education a “free” election in Gaza will result in another governing body dominated by some form of radical, or near radical Islam. The US wants Palestinian Authority involvement? Have they forgotten that Mahmud Abbas was originally elected to serve as PA president until 2009. He’s still in office now, in 2023. Lebanon is in chaos now because the population cannot agree on a new president. Syria, Iraq, Iran, Jordan and the Gulf states all have some form of theocratic, autocratic or dictatorial leadership. Do they think that Palestinians will accept a western style compromise involving 2 states? There is a reason why Israel and the PA are unable to negotiate such an agreement between them. Palestinian education teaches a different history. That’s why there isn’t any political entity on their side that advocates real peace. The PA recognizes Israel, but with a caveat that this is until Israel is replaced by a Palestinian one.
Re building Gaza will be an expensive project. It has been costly after every previous spasm war. Who foots the bill? Well, this time Israel, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have all said they won’t be involved. Previous funding was always administered through the Gaza governing body (Hamas). That ensured that much of the money went directly to the senior Hamas leaders (who amassed large personal fortunes and built palatial homes) and to building that massive network of underground tunnels where they concealed their weaponry. How will that be avoided this time?
Wetherhorn 