It was a Soviet tradition for an insignificant functionary to become head of state. The results were palpable. Not every minor bureaucrat can lead a state. And so we have Olmert, the town clown.
His condition for talking to the Hamas government: release our soldier, stop the rocket barrages. Wow! Israel is asking a minor Palestinian enemy for a favor. When Gaza was in our hands, the Arabs fired no rockets. When Sharon showed goodwill and gave the Palestinians Gaza , they started shelling Israel. The correlation is there for everyone to see. The policy implications are self-evident. Olmert tries to look tough: “Stop shelling us! (pleeeeaaaaseee)”
Decades ago, Israel used to take enemy hostages to exchange for our MIAs. Young Sharon kidnapped Jordanians. Like it or not, it worked. Go round up a few dozen Hamas parliament members, and don’t put them in jail. Then offer an exchange, but not from the PM level. Attention - that is what the terrorists look for. Don’t pay attention. Don’t stir media. The violence is routine.
