h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Probably a wise enough move from al-Rantizzi's point of view. Sounds unlikely that the US will engage him in dialogue all the same. He's too much of a hard man, and its obvious that he doesn't see any alternative to terrorist attacks against Israelis at this time.

Speaking of hard men, it will be interesting to see how the US behaves towards Sharon, now that he is starting to show his true colours. There are one heck of a lot of annoyed people all around the the arab world at the moment.

Glad I'm not the prez.

I'm wondering whether Ariel Sharon is now looking around for friends and finding a lot of people with their backs to him.

I notice that America was one of the few nations not to deliver a strongly worded condemnation to Israel. I also wonder if that is because America feels the same way about terrorists and how they should be treated.

I am hoping that Hamas is leaving a door open for future US led negotiation, but I also believe that they are concerned that an overly confrontational stance will strengthen US resolve to back Israel. It's a smart move. Can America justify support of a country that is doing what it has invaded another nation for doing?

Interesting quandry, and Hamas is taking a step away from terrorism and towards ANC country.

I would be a bit surprised if Hamas are in any mood to do a deal at the moment, given that al-Rantizzi urged his supporters yesterday to hit out at whatever, whenever and however yesterday. Fighting talk. Hamas are also determined to liquidate the state of Israel and set up an Islamic state etc., so there won't be much point talking to them.

I think though that the issue that the US has to face up to is how it works and dialogues with other Arab governments, and how the roots of militancy in each of the Arab states can be confronted. An awful lot of the problem is that very few of them are really democratic, and in some states the ruling elite have little consideration for the well-being of the masses. Some of them nurture militancy within their borders, because it bolsters their security. Without doubt, if you were to ask these Arab countries what their biggest beef with the US was, the answer would be Israel. However, it is my understanding that most of them accept Israel as a fact, and that the bigger issue lies with the ongoing Israeli behaviour to the Palestinians. I just think that there needs to be a very high profile forum set up between the US, the Arab states, possibly also the EU, and if Israel wants to be involved, them also. And, rather than shouting at people, it might be a time to start listening.

All true.

I'm wondering whether the Americans will see this as a vindication of the 'War on Terror' or whether they will realise it's a different kind of statement...

...America also has to get over this idea that it knows best. Granted, it is probably the most democratic nation on earth but that doesn't make it right.