Wednesday, December 31, 2003

Golan Settlements

I keep reading about how Israel's plans to expand settlements in the Golan Heights are expected to set back the peace process with Syria. I think, however, there's another lens through which this move could be viewed: If Sharon were serious about removing West Bank settlements, he would have to do something to keep the far right in his coalition happy. Syria's conventional military capability makes it a serious long-term threat to Israel, but Palestinian terrorism is an immediate threat and the one he seems more concerned with. Of course, I don't know what percentage of settlers and their supporters would find new settlements on the Golan an acceptable compensation for removing some in the West Bank. Still, I should probably start paying more attention to this situation.

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