Focusing on incitement misses a more subtle, yet more fundamental part of the equation: the absence of contrary, counter-incitement Arab and Palestinian voices. Where is the Palestinian Peace Now? The Arab Voice for Peace? P-Street? The Palestinian movement to boycott and divest from Palestinian entities until terror and violence against Israelis is ended? Continue reading
Palestinian people
Mahmoud Abbas: First Obstacle to Peace
This column was originally published in American Thinker.
For reasons both financial (his $100 million fortune) and ideological, a genuine peace with a Jewish Israel is the last thing Mahmoud Abbas wants, and the last thing one should expect to emerge from current negotiations.
Life is good for Mahmoud Abbas. He is not about to mess it up by reaching a comprehensive peace agreement with Israel. Continue reading
Why Did Netanyahu Release Palestinian Prisoners?
Israelis may be masters of intelligence. They may be military geniuses. But they are inept when it comes to visionary diplomatic moves—especially those whose success hinges on the misplaced belief in the good faith of others.
This column was originally published in The Daily Beast.
Here is Abe’s interview on the John Batchelor Show on this topic.
The Democrats of 2012: For Israel, Is the Party Over?
This column was originally published in American Thinker magazine.
While Israel faces existential doomsday, the Democratic party– certainly the convention — seems firmly under the control of those ambivalent about, if not outright hostile to, the Jewish State and its people.
As the Democratic National Convention proceeds, watching the degradation of a once-great, once pro-Israel party is as sad as it is alarming. Continue reading
Israel’s Losing Diplomatic Strategy: Play Only Defense
This column was originally published in American Thinker magazine.
Why not play some offense? Why not play to win? The Jewish people have moral, historical, religious, and legal claims to disputed lands between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea that are every bit as strong — stronger, in fact — than Palestinian claims. These claims are recognized by left and right alike; remember, the settlement enterprise was initiated by Labor governments.
Why not state these claims publicly? Not just once, but repeatedly, until they are as much a part of the reflexive public consciousness as Palestinian claims? And repeat that in spite of Israel’s rights, it is Israel that is willing to forego many of its claims as part of a peace agreement; what reciprocation is forthcoming from the other side? Continue reading
Another country heard from: Abe Katsman weighs in 