Wash, Rinse, Repeat: Prospects for the Middle East

10/20/2023

Like many of my fellow Americans, I, too, have been consumed by what’s happening in the Middle East — and what’s likely going to happen. I’ve been struggling to get my bearings as to how Israel should be responding to the horror that started on October 7 at the hands of Hamas. I’ve come to the conclusion, however, that any real resolution will require considerable involvement by the international community; and at this point, it appears that the leadership role in that effort is being left to America.

For the most part, I think Biden is on the right track, as far as his public statements. What we’re not hearing, however, is what’s going on behind the scenes in the non-public, diplomatic efforts; and it’s there that I think will be the factors determining when we might be able to see some sense of normalcy returning — if ever.

To reiterate Biden’s public position: (1) Hamas’s attack on Israel involving slaughter and abduction of civilians of all ages and genders was and continues to be an abomination. (2) Israel must defend itself and take the steps necessary to eliminate Hamas. And (3) Israel needs to respond in a way that complies with the rules of war. Biden doesn’t rule out a land war in Gaza. He just wants to do it in a way that minimizes the pain and suffering of the non-combatants — i.e…