So, this blog was meant to be mostly apolitical . . . but there are some things that can't be seen without at least mentioning.

The cloud has begun over the so called Israeli withdrawal - "so called" because the Israeli government still wants control over the land, air, and sea passages. This brings to mind the old and cliché (and fitting) analogy of the Gaza strip being a prison, where the residents are prisoners: They too have 95% control of their land, and the prison guards have only 5%.

So what is this cloud? Several weeks ago, an Israeli soldier attacked and killed some Israeli Arabs. Today, a Gaza (ex)-settler killed three Palestinians on his way back from work. Hamas replies with "This crime is not going to pass without tough punishment. The enemy is opening the gate of revenge". Sharon has already stated that any "action" from the Gaza Strip will not be ignored and Israel will retaliate. How will this play out?

Update: Sharon wants to "continue and develop" Israel's settlement activity in the occupied West Bank. Great. That's the way to approach peace. Prediction 1: West Bank will not be given up for at least another 10 years, if ever. Why? Prediction 2: Israel will reenter Gaza.

posted by Lazarus, 1:24 PM