tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480763369736326403.post7009401289774779982..comments2023-06-08T18:12:39.596-04:00Comments on Water Over Rocks: Visit to J StreetAndy Bachmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12793260246107995501noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480763369736326403.post-4316986371685344372009-03-26T14:46:00.000-04:002009-03-26T14:46:00.000-04:00I think both the State and NSC points of view were...I think both the State and NSC points of view were that in contrast to the last 8 years in which there was very little engagement, we need much, much more. Many diplomats said there is tremendous will to move to action in the Arab world. And that with increased pressure, both sides will see this. Remember, Olmert is nearly at peace right now. There will be pressure on Netanyahu to continue in that direction.Andy Bachmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12793260246107995501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480763369736326403.post-25857554224497899722009-03-26T13:43:00.000-04:002009-03-26T13:43:00.000-04:00Talk is cheap in our tradition. Deeds are what cou...Talk is cheap in our tradition. Deeds are what count. Therefore, I'm dubious, even cynical about the value of "meaningful, deep engagement and dialogue." We can't do much to transform our adversaries but we can perform a deed that would show our bona fides on the subject of peace and, hopefully, move the process along in a meaningful way. Israel must stop the addition and expansion of the settlements and begin to pull them back now. This will not undermine its security but would show in a concrete way that it really wants to make the two-state solution a reality.<BR/><BR/>I'd like to believe that the political will still exists in Israel to do this, but I'm not sure anymore. While a majority of Israelis agree that a two-state solution would be for the best, it's not clear that the body politic is willing to pay the price in civil strife and the loss of cheaper housing that dismantlement would entail. I hope I'm wrong but the last election suggests otherwise.<BR/><BR/>In any case, constantly stating that we want peace but have nobody to talk to is a disingenuous posture set up to fail almost by design. The progressive supporters of a Jewish state need to favor something more honest, daring and meaningful -- the beginning of withdrawal. If peace is our true aspiration, we must do something more than offer to talk, we must act. It's also the best way to find out once and for all if there is anyone worth speaking to on the other side.aforhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08843330962192974198noreply@blogger.com