Syria’s Rhetoric is a Cherished Illusion, not a Moment of True Peace!
January 15, 2006
http://www.tribulationperiod.com/
The three articles, which follow our blog comments, were taken from the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. They describe quite well the current situation facing Israel in the Middle East.
1. The impossibility of a peaceful settlement in the Middle East
2. The growing strength of fanatical Muslim extremists
3.
The increasing ability of Syria to influence Middle East Affairs
Begin the Three Articles
Article 1. Drop This Cherished Illusion
Yosef (Tommy) Lapid
Does anyone really think it is possible to reach a settlement with the Palestinians that will guarantee peace between us
? How can one not see the rift among them, their inability to administer their own lives, Fatah’s helplessness, Hamas’ abysmal hatred, the murderousness of the popular resistance organizations, the destructive influence of radical Islam, the interference of Iran, and the belief – so deeply rooted in almost every Arab heart – that,
sooner or later, Israel will disappear off the map?
Even if Israel agreed to withdraw to the 1967 borders (and it doesn’t); even if Israel agreed to allow the refugees to return to Israel within the 1967 borders (and it doesn’t); would Hamas ever recognize the right of a Jewish state to exist in the heart of the Muslim Middle East? True, anything is possible. But not in the foreseeable future.
Not in this generation. And if not the Palestinians, then radical Islam will make sure there is no peace agreement with Israel.
The writer is a former Israeli cabinet minister.
(Jerusalem Post)
Article 2. A Moment of Truth in the Middle East
Nadav Tamir
Historically, conflict in the Middle East was defined by the struggle between Israel and the Arab world. Today, a new conflict has emerged between pragmatic moderates and fanatical extremists.
In this new conflict, Israel finds itself on the same side as the moderate Arab community. Both support the implementation of a two-state solution to resolve the ongoing issues surrounding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Moderate Arabs also call for the renunciation of terrorism, and progression toward modernity and enlightenment.
On the other side of the divide stands an alliance of strong forces.
Iran has proven to be a leader in promoting chaos and terrorism and exporting Islamic extremism throughout the Middle East.
Syria cultivates an alliance of convenience with Iran in a desperate attempt to divert attention from its brutal machinations in Lebanon. Consequently, both Iran and Syria support Hizballah, Hamas, and other Palestinian terrorist organizations as proxies in Lebanon and in the Palestinian territories.
In the wake of the war between Hizballah and Israel, moderates in the Arab and Muslim world are beginning to grasp the danger of supporting these extremists. In the Arab world, there is a discernible fear of fundamentalism in moderate regimes, including Jordan, Egypt, the Gulf, and the Maghreb states. These nations are wary of Iranian ambitions and the dangers of a destabilizing extremist alliance.
The writer serves as consul general of Israel to New England.
(Boston Globe)
Article 3. Syria Poised to Assert Itself
Seth Wikas
Although Bashar Assad does not possess the same state-building skills as his father, the American quagmire in Iraq, Syria’s strong ties to rising power Iran, and Damascus’ support of Palestinian terrorist groups have all recently converged to offer Assad his first real opportunity to manipulate Middle Eastern affairs on a grand scale.
Syria still plays a dominant role in Palestinian politics.
With Hamas leader Khaled Meshal ensconced in Damascus, Assad is a welcoming host, allowing his guest to be the main arbiter in the formation of any viable Palestinian government. Damascus – with its influence over Hamas and Hizballah – continues to be the key to the settlement of a lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors and the formation of a Palestinian state.
The writer is a visiting fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
(Baltimore Sun)
End of the Three Articles
Comment
If Syria and Iran decide to convince Hamas, and the rest of the terrorist groups, that the only way to defeat Israel is to lull her into a false sense of security by recognizing her statehood, and going along with the formation of a Palestinian State within the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, then a temporary false peace will come in for a brief period. It will end with the fulfillment of the following Scriptures.
I Thessalonians 5:3,4 – For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
[4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Zechariah 13:8,9 – And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.
[9] And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.
Jeremiah 30:7 – Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.
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