Lunch at the Labs

Arafat versus Sharon.

Here's a suggestion for working toward a settlement in the mid-east conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Both Arafat and Sharon should agree to step down if the other does also. It's pretty clear to me that each is an impediment to the peace process and both would probably be convicted by a war-crimes tribunal. If either one refuses this proposal, they will have to explain why their personal ego gratification is more important than peace. If they agree, then fresh minds without the personal animosity these two have for each other, can try to do what is best for their constituencies. Just as it took a change of administrations to get us out of Vietnam, eventually there will be new leaders in the Mideast. But why not speed up the process?

So why does George Bush just call for the removal of Arafat? Perhaps he should read Ronald Reagan's autobiography where he details diplomatic events when Sharon went on one of his killing sprees in 1982.

Despite our appeals for restraint, the Israelis on August 12 opened a new and even more brutal attack on civilian neighborhoods in Beirut that sickened me and many others in the White House. This provoked me into an angry demand for an end to the bloodletting. Here are excerpts from my diary:

Aug. 12
Met with the news the Israelis delivered the most devastating bomb and artillery attack Israel (sic) on West Beirut lasting 14 hours. Habib cabled - desperate - has basic agreement from all parties but can't arrange details of P.L.O. withdrawal because of the barrage. King Fahd [of Saudia Arabia] called begging me to do something. I told him I was calling P.M. Begin immediately. And I did. I was angry. I told him [Begin] it had to stop or our entire relationship was endangered. I used the word "Holocaust" deliberately and said the symbol of his country was becoming "a picture of a seven month old baby with its arms blown off". ...

(Ronald Reagan / An American Life (The Autobiography), pp. 427-28)

Remember, Sharon was censured by his own government for his actions, so this is not exactly a secret. Why is none of this discussed in the popular media? I've heard Sharon being interviewed and he is never asked about this. Since no one else is doing it, I want a job where I get to ask him these questions.

Posted by mjm at July 12, 2002 11:58 AM