Thank you Edith,

The question, which is asked today by many observers of Israel's problem is: "What happened to Israel's prime Minister Ariel Sharon?" This man, who was always named a "hard-liner," acts, or re-acts today to Palestinians attacks like a toothless, old, and somewhat senile lion. This "hard-liner" suddenly became the darling of Israel's' leftists and is chastised by many of his own followers.

Some say, that as Barak's magnanimous offer toward the Palestinians had revealed the Arabs real goals - Sharon wants to prove by his in-activity, who the real attacker is. He want's to gain understanding and sympathy by the world - which for some obscure reason is hostile against Israel. Sharon's current tactic may be a good try, but the potential achievements are minimal and the consequences of failure - enormous.

We just have to look how the Media and the various governments present and comment on Israel's actions or rather lack there of.After the terrible discotheque bombing, when Israel did not react, the world was very pleased. It considered it to be correct that Israel was to serve as the punching bag and swallow it's tears in silence. But when Israel hits the culprit, the murderer, not in punishing, but as to prevent more of these kind of attacks, even Israel's greatest friend calls this "provocative and excessive."

History has proven that Israel's security can be trusted only to the Almighty and it's own people. Ben Gurion said: "We should not listen to - what the world says - but what is good for the Jews." But the world - biased by oil, trade and anti-Semitism has great influence. The Palestinians play this card successfully and incite the world by pretending to be the victim and Israel as the great Satan. The world will find willful and open ears to their claims and will not credit Sharon for his restraint of action. This is the reason, that Arafat constantly requests 'international' control. He relies that the international bodies will control Israel only - and not the Arabs.

We all remember when Arabs from Lebanon took three Israeli soldiers as hostage. This was not of great concern to the "world." The fact, not even the Red Cross was permitted to visit the soldiers and their fate is still unknown, did not excite the Media or governments. Israel received information that UN observers in Lebanon made a video tape from the abduction and asked for it. Anan Kofi's personal envoy, Mr. Staffa De Mistura knew about this tape and how the Indian UN-troops watched the kidnapping without trying to interfere. When Israel asked to see the tape he denied having it. Last week, under prove of evidence, he had to admit to having the tape, yet refused to hand them, or a copy over, as it would be a breach of the United Nations neutrality.

It is therefore understandable, that the Arabs are interested in international control. Israel has agreed to American observers, which already started to observe. The Palestinians are outraged and don't want to have the Americans, as they are not trustworthy.

When Nero burned Rome to the ground, he watched the flames cheerfully and played his fiddle. Antonius told Nero - before he commited suiced: "I understand that you laid fire to the town, but I don't understand why are you fiddling?" We also can not understand, how the Palestinians get away with igniting fire - and fiddle - and fake innocents.

It is hard to understand what kind of people the Arabs are? They are teaching their children to sacrifice their lives to kill a Jew. We also don't understand, why these fanatic clerics, who brainwash the children by telling them about the glory and happiness as martyrs, give away this happiness, instead of using it for themselves. If they would - it would not only bring happiness for them personally but also for the world.

I am Barry Cohen

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