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Letter: Mideast conflict -- a test for Obama
Thu, 01/08/2009 10:36 AM | Reader's Forum
Obama's statement on various occasions during his campaign that he would deal with the Middle East conflict from his Day One in office is really being put to the test. Barely days before his entry to the Oval Office, the hot region, namely in the Gaza Strip, is flaring up again.
Only a week after the 6-month cease-fire ended on Dec. 27, Israel pounded the Gaza Strip with heavy bombardments causing heavy casualties to the Palestinians and Hamas' infrastructure, taking more than 400 lives. Entering the second week of the operation, Israeli ground troops have now moved in with higher casualty figures expected.
This operation was launched only two days after Prime Minister Ehud Olmert issued his last-minute warning through the Al Arabiya television channel appealing to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to reject their Hamas rulers and stop the rocket fire at Israel.
Considering this warning, at least three reasons stand behind Israel's massive military operation: first, to retaliate against Hamas' rocket and mortar attacks into Israel; second, to strengthen Israel's bargaining position in the face of Obama's future Middle East policies; and third, to appease Israeli voters since the coalition government faces a general election next month.
The Israeli army said that, immediately after the truce ended, Hamas fired around 200 rocket and mortar attacks into Israel. Hamas countered saying the attacks resulted from Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip for the past three years.
Secondly, with President Bush labeled by many as the lamest duck the US has ever had, Israel need not worry about being challenged for launching a full-scale military operation in Gaza Strip by that ally, not to mention the mum United Nations.
Thirdly, on Feb. 10, Israel is slated to hold a general election to put in place a new prime minister following Olmert's exit as a result of a corruption scandal.
For Obama, Israel's full-scale operation, the most devastating clash in the more than 60 years of conflict, has made things more delicate for him and wiped out whatever chance there was for peace initiatives to take hold.
The best thing he could do, starting from Day One on Jan. 20, would be to consult with all conflicting parties -- Israel and Palestine and moderate Arab states -- and to map out new peace plans with reference to the Oslo and Annapolis agreements in which the two-state solution was put forth.
M. RUSDI
Jakarta
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Briend (not verified) — Mon, 01/12/2009 - 2:34pm
And all parties would show up except Hamas - they always add one condition which they already know is not going to be accepted. They prefer the notoriety. They will cease to exist if peace is made.