First off, a dispatch from Michael Oren, author of one of my favourite Middle East books - the Six Day War. Oren is an Israeli citizen and was recently called up for reserve duty, joining the troops for the Gaza disengagement. Here's a short excerpt, but be sure to read the whole thing, for it is good: A Soldiers Story.
| The disengagement from Gaza, originally scheduled to take three weeks, was completed in almost as many days. A few injuries were incurred, none of them serious, and no Israelis were killed. Only two of the troops refused to carry out orders, and in one case, a unit of religious soldiers stood and watched as their rabbi was evacuated. While the settlers' overall restraint should be recognized, the bulk of the credit can only go to the IDF. Never before has an army relocated so many fellow-citizens against their will and in the face of continuing terror attacks with so extraordinary a display of courage, discipline and compassion. |
Next up on my recommended list, an analysis from the astute Dennis Ross. With all the advice he has been giving on late, you kind of wonder whether he is sending a signal to Bush that he would be happy to again take up the US Envoy mantle: The Roadmap after Gaza.
| Fourth, the administration must build a bridge to the future. The two sides have very different expectations on what will happen after disengagement: Sharon wants a pause to absorb the emotional trauma and Abbas wants next steps. Each needs an explanation for what is next. The administration should declare that it will take the moribund roadmap and negotiate a common understanding on every Israeli and Palestinian obligation. It won't be easy and will take time. It will take the kind of mediation that the Administration has avoided until now. But Gaza disengagement creates an opening, and it will close for Sharon and Abbas unless the Administration recognizes where we are and what is now necessary. |
Lastly, I recommend a piece found at JewishWorldReview.com. It's a biting attack on the editorials found in the New York Times. Trying Times.
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