Originally posted by Biggles@6 February 2004 - 00:47
I have to say I am not surprised at these findings, or rather I am surprised they are not even higher.
With only a grievance to hold them all together and refugee camps that have become sprawling ghettos to nuture their children, it is not surprising that their emotions can be whipped up by those who preach the politics of hate.
Given that there is a bedrock of 40% who would appear still resistent to such calls just imagine what could be achieved if they actually had something worth holding on to. I tend to subscribe to the view that the Palestinians are so marginalised that they have little to lose from extreme and desperate action.
It will never be possible to stop individuals determined to blow themselves up, but it would be a mistake to allow them to dictate the speed of change and progress. it will, however, take a very brave, Israeli politician to make the necessary moves, it has already cost one Premier his life.I just can't help but think back to 1996 when Peres and Netanyahu were running for PM after Rabin's death. Peres was ahead in polls by 20% a couple months before the election while suicide bombing after suicide bombing hit Israel draining his support. I remember wondering what the hell Arafat was doing by not confronting Hamas and putting a stop to it.Given that there is a bedrock of 40% who would appear still resistent to such calls just imagine what could be achieved if they actually had something worth holding on to.
Since de-arming Hamas wa part of Oslo, Netanyahu used it to his advantage to point out that Arafat cannot be trusted.
59 died in those bombings and polls showed support for Peres dropping by the bombing with Netanyahu eventually winning by less than 1%. For the Palestinians to go from Peres (everything) to Netanyahu (nothing), wow.
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