A.P. photo/ Hatem Moussa -- Gaza relatives of Arab prisoners
Some of the most revealing insights into officials and reporters came out in an update to the Israel-Arab prisoner trade.
Germany was attempting to broker the trade. Its Foreign Minister Westerwelle said, “I can simply express the hope that the talks will lead to a good and human solution.”
One of the Arabs whom Israel may release is Marwan Barghouti, serving five life sentences for terrorist murder. Tens of thousands of Arabs have spent time in Israeli prisons, in the past 40 years (Isabel Kershner, NY Times, 11/25, A14).
Hamas has asked for 1,000 convicted Arab terrorists to be released. At the 40% rate of recidivism, 400 would resume terrorism. They probably would murder and maim at least 50 Israelis. Thus the trade means that Israel would end the suffering of one person but facilitate suffering and death for 50. By what measure is that humane or a solution? Does Germany believe that is either? Doesn’t Germany know that Hamas works only to advance its oppressive cause, which makes problems not to resolve problems?
The reporter mentioned Barghouti’s sentences. It did not mention his likely involvement in much more terrorism, considering his former position. He also was Arafat’s man in charge of launching the second Intifada, which he did not succeed in doing until his supposedly moderate regime pretended that Ariel Sharon’s quiet visit to the Temple Mount was an affront to Muslims. As the Palestinian Authority prepares a third Intifada, rather than negotiate peace, Barghouti is likely to lead it. How many will he get to murder, then? Why doesn’t the reporter or the editor put 2 and 2 together, on this?
If, as the reporter keeps stating, Barghouti is popular among his people, doesn’t it reveal that people to be eager for terrorism against Israelis? Considering that tens of thousands served time in Israeli prisons for terrorism, what does all that indicate about them? Not moderate!
In connection with this proposed release, let us review the other releases. Did they bring about the goodwill that some of them were said to be done for? No. Did they “bolster” Abbas’ power to make peace? No. The requests for concessions to Abbas to “bolster” him keep coming, like a continuous gravy train. He refuses to negotiate and threatens war.
Prior releases were marked by recidivism, more Arab demands, ill will toward Israel, and a boost in the Arabs’ war morale. When their morale rises, they are less likely to make the reforms in their mores needed to make peace with other faiths.
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