Israel in the news

Two stories about Israel in the news today offer an interesting view on the terror situation there.

Charles Krauthammer at the Washington Post has a column "Israel's Intifada Victory". He goes on to say Israel won by ignoring the conventional wisdom presented by Europe and much of the US "experts" and by not losing.

Krauthammer says terror attacks are down substantially due to Israel's targeting the terrorists leadership (and those that remain are too busy hiding to plan new attacks) and building the West Bank wall which is keeping the suicide bombers out. I agree but also want to add that with the removal of Saddam, Iraq is no longer sending $25,000 to each family of a suicide bomber. No money and fewer people are volunteering to be one. The combination of targeting the leaders, building a wall of separation and drying up the money are the actions that are bringing about the Israeli victory. The other component that is even more important then the other three listed is the will of the Israeli people. They did not buckle or demand peace at any price and have supported their government in its operation against the Intifada. Without their support, Israel could not have targeted the leaders or built the wall. But with the people's support, Israel was able to fight and finish the job. This does not mean peace will break out and everyone will play nice now, but the Palestinian Authority has lost the Intifada by not being able to bring the Israeli people to the point they sue for peace at any price.

The second article is from the ASSOCIATED PRESS on the technology Israel plans on using to patrol the Israel/Gaza border with remote control. This will free up soldiers for more effective work and reduce casualties. If this works, I believe other countries will imitate it because while the initial expense will be high, the long term costs will be lower because one will not need as many people on payroll and machines cannot be bribed as people can.