David Frankfurter forwarded the following graph from Major General Giora Eiland of the IDF [click for a larger version]
Frankfurter explains:
In the 18 months from the start of the current violence until March 2002, there were 85 suicide attacks executed and another 31 foiled by the IDF. In March 2002, there were 135 Israeli deaths - and "Operation Defensive Shield" was launched as a direct result. In the 12 months from then until till March 2003, the Palestinians increased their efforts, but the statistics were reversed. 35 suicide attacks were successfully carried out and 145 were foiled.
Hundreds of lives were saved and thousands of injuries were prevented by the IDF. The cost in all senses to both sides is high, but these are the simple facts. Until the Palestinians effectively stop terror, the IDF must stay put. Roadmap or no Roadmap.
Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at May 26, 2003 05:21 PM
It's a bit hard to see the graph so perhaps I mis-read it.
The graph shows, as I understand it, that the IDF has increased it effectiveness in stopping attacks. Thank god and hard work.
What the graph seems to ignore is that while Sharon has been in charge, the attacks have increased. Obviously, I am not offering causality but merely correlation.
Nevertheless, while we should be extremely happy that the IDF is a superb fighting force, we should bear in mind that there is a great question (to put it mildly) about the wisdom, hitherto, of the Sharon policies.
While Israel must be aware at every turn that it faces real enemies, that does not mean that the settlement policy of the past 35 years has been very smart.
Both truths can exist simultaneously:
1. Israel faces vicious enemies who wish it dead and
2. the settlement policy in the West Bank and Gaza is flawed and does not help Israel's security.
I agree Israel should be tough and crack down against the Arab religious fascists. And do whatever it needs to do to survive and protect its people. Just stop plowing over fruit and olive groves (or at least explain why the f**k you do it!), and stop building settlements, too!
Posted by: Markus Rose on May 29, 2003 08:13 AM