LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR HYPOCRISY

THIS IS WHAT SOME ARE SAYING NOW. SIX MONTHS FROM NOW, THEY WILL FIND A WAY TO BLAME ISRAEL FOR THE INEVITABLE FAILURE OF PALESTINIAN RULE AND THE CONTINUATION OF PALESTINIAN TERRORISM AGAINST ISRAEL

After Gaza Pullout, Still Much to Do - Dennis Ross
By taking this unprecedented step to dismantle the 21 Israeli settlements in Gaza, Ariel Sharon has created a historic opportunity for the Palestinians. If they can show the world and the Israeli public that they can govern Gaza effectively and fulfill their security obligations, they will be in a strong position to argue that the Gaza model should also be applied to the West Bank. If they cannot, if Gaza devolves into chaos and violence, who is going to argue for Israel's turning over more territory for an eventual Palestinian state? (Miami Herald)

See also A Mideast Crossroads - Editorial
If Gaza is swept by riots, or if Hamas is allowed to rain rockets and AK-47 fire on Israeli soldiers and civilians as they depart or after, Israel and the world will rightly doubt not only Mr. Abbas's leadership but also the Palestinians' readiness to take control of their own state alongside Israel. (Washington Post)