Jan 19 2009
It takes two to cease fire
It takes two to cease fire
by Daoud Kuttab
The decision by the Israeli cabinet to declare a unilateral cease-fire lacks three basic components: a partner, a monitor and a political process.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak is famous for his saying that when talking about peace negotiations, it takes two to tango. The same principle applies to the cessation of violence. Israel might think that since it began the attack on its own, it can end it on its own. But the “durable and lasting” cease-fire that the White House has called for requires an Arab partner which has the ability to make it work. Israel’s blind refusal to recognize Hamas has forced it to carry out the unusual step of declaring a unilateral cease-fire with the hope that others can help encourage Hamas to abide by it. The Islamic movement says it is not bound by an agreement which doesn’t include it. Egyptian officials have been saying that both sides need face saving. Incentive is needed to help each down from the tree upon which it has climbed.
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