July 17, 2006
I found an old broadcast script of mine written in the early 70’s. One of the stories was about unrest in the Middle East. Nothing has changed and nothing will, at least until the rationale changes in the West.
The latest violence – like all the other – is not related to Israel’s behavior. The violence is directed at Israel for existing: not existing within pre, or post 1967 borders; not existing in the Gaza Strip or West Bank, or withdrawing from parts or all of such territories. Just existing.
No negotiator, no deal, no understanding, no diplomacy will prevail against Israel’s sworn enemies who seek to wipe her out. There are no moderates. There is no two-state solution with a Palestinian state living side-by-side and at peace with Israel. For Israel’s enemies, there is only destruction of the Jewish state and annihilation of its residents.
Only by making those enemies pay a heavy and constant price do things have even the slightest chance of changing. Israel’s enemies hide among civilians hoping they’ll attract an air strike and the compliant Western media then shows pictures of dead women and children. But who cares about the Jews?
Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.