The big fault of Sharon in reaction to the assassination is that he obviously acted with his heart and not his head. He never declared what the IDF was doing in the first place. Was it to end the PA, now and forever, as Ghandi's assassination was the last straw? No, he didn't say that. Was it a preventative act--in other words, we're so sure that the Palestinians are about to go and assassinate more ministers, I have to do this to protect my buddy Shimon Peres. No, he didn't say that either.
This 'we will treat the PA as a terrorist organization' unless the assassins are handed over implies that, according to the IDF rules of engagement, Arafat is a legitimate target. But, right after the PA tells the Israelis to go screw themselves, the whole government tells the whole world that, no, Arafat is not a target.
In fact, it's pretty clear that he's backing away from the whole extradition concept in any event. Now, they're going after the killers, which is fine, and I'm totally happy with the action last night. But why wasn't that the goal in the first place? Why give Arafat time to meet a demand he wasn't going to meet?
As the IDF tanks inevitably withdraw tomorrow, Sharon will have to eat many words--not good, for Israel's deterrent capability. The Arabs--correctly--will realize the IDF can be held in check by a few well placed phone calls to Foggy Bottom. Since the Palestinians act in one-day attacks, and not sustained movements, this gives them yet another leg up on Israel in the assymetric warfare.
Sharon must be the worst chess player in the world, he doesn't even think one move in advance. LIke the Chamberlain comment. If he felt compelled to say it publicly, why did he back away the very next day? Did he think Bush would appreciate the comment? Or, if he really doesn't want to tick off Bush, then why say it in the first place?
This is why the last election featured one of the worst turnouts in Israeli history. It's obvious the vote was, 'Get rid of Barak,' and not, 'Bring on Sharon.' Because Sharon's leadership skills are pretty horrible.
WRONG.
Israel had a very successful foray into the West Bank.
LOTS of baddies captured, killed, whatever. Over 20 terrorists nailed, two assasins found....AND THAT WAS THE POINT.
If Arafat won't nail them Israel will. AS WE WOULD.