Congratulations, Hamas.

[The Magistrate]

10. That Is What They Need To Do, Sir, But I Fear They Will Not

You will recall it used to be said, unkindly but with some accuracy, that the Palestinians never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity. Over the last fifteen to twenty years, it seems the line would be equally apt for the Israelis, that for nigh on twenty years now, they have never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity. I do not see much difference, in quality or even in apprehension of reality, between the leadership of Arab Palestine and the leadership of Israel, nor do I see much difference in the collective wisdom and sanity of their electorates. Where people are making policy, making political and military decisions, casting votes in elections, on the basis of fantasies, of delusions, whether of grandeur or of persecution or even of divine favor and gift, no good result can be expected.