gaza, now this is serious, page-79

Hi EAGLE888,

I see Hamas firing rockets into Israel as a futile and largely symbolic gesture but I view through they eyes of someone who has never known hunger, who travels wherever he likes and who can choose the very best healthcare, education and lifestyle. Gazans would see their own lives from a very different perspective and I expect many of them feel a measure of hope in the defiance of the rocket attacks.

Israel has stated that firing of rockets and smuggling of contraband from Egypt are key concerns but I think their underlying concern is maintaining the legitimacy of the State of Israel. The rocket attacks and smuggling activities undermine that legitimacy as does Hamas' refusal to acknowledge Israel's right to exist. For the record, I personally do support Israel but as a secular state within defined and internationally accepted borders.

One underlying cause of the current instability, is in my opinion, Israel's refusal to accept the democratic election of Hamas in Gaza. Establishing the economic blockade was a foolish, counterproductive response and maintaining the blockade is absolutely insane. Israel has always been in a position to exert enormous economic pressure on Gaza but the sensible way to go about it would be to keep the trade gates open as long as there were no aggressive acts by Hamas. If Israel were to temporarily close the barriers in response to rocket attacks, then there would be commercial pressure from within Gaza for Hamas to desist.

With the economic blockade in place, Hamas has little to lose on a day to day basis when they fire their rockets. Only when Israel responds with overwhelming force does Hamas stand to lose but then Israel loses of credibility as well. In turn, this loss of credibility undermines Israel's legitimacy as a state. It is ironic, but one outcome of Israel exercising enormous military power is a decrease in the long term stability of Israel itself. Israel would do well to remember Roosevelt's borrowed proverb; "Speak softly and carry a big stick.". The stick is better carried than wielded and the soft voice of diplomacy requires opponents to be on speaking terms.