now this is not deeply reasoned with precise logical postulates, I know - but those who say Israeli abuse of Palestinians and refusal to give back the West bank are the root of all the problems seem to want to gloss over an obvious question that arises: if such is the case why does Israel persist? They hate the Arabs? Irrationally seek unremitting vengeance against them? They prefer chaos as part of a long term strategy? All in part or whole may contribute to policies if one assumes the policies are abusive - but there's a simpler answer and much more practical: Israel needs the West Bank in order to properly defend itself come an invasion from Lebanon or Syria - you need space to maneuver in order to defend in strength and the West Bank is that space. On top of which, should a future war go badly, it gives them something to surrender to achieve a truce. You never hear this military argument when people discuss Israel's posture towards the Palestinians and the West Bank but it's the argument that makes the most sense - it's also the argument that suggests that there's no way in hell they're giving up the West Bank. Unfair, sure, I guess - but abusive? Not necessarily.
[and when China makes the same argument viz Taiwan? will you be so accommodating of practical necessity then? god damn Chinese - we're on a collision course: I wonder what it means that they're such bad drivers? My, that's an off colour joke. Very nasty. When did an expectation of anything else become the norm? Not sure, but I'm willing to blame television]
QED
