— Many commentors are using the word “desperate” in connection with the situation facing Israel. In a story on fundraising in California, a donor notes:
People here feel anguish and a lot of deep, deep concern that something about this crisis is clearly different,” Fishel said. “Many of us believe that what we’re looking at is the survival of the Jewish state.
In the TNR editorial that Megan links:
Are either of these options attractive? No; they’re both hideous. But unlike the status quo–which prevents Arafat from stopping terrorism and prevents Israel from stopping it as well–each at least offers a vision for how Israel can once again be made safe. Why should Israeli and American leaders gamble on plans with so high a likelihood of failure? Because that is how desperate things have become.
Sobering, isn’t it? All it took to bring the situation to the brink was a few suicide bombings by Ayat al-Akhras and others, and Sharon’s temper.