Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Settlement Freeze, the New Torture


Getting politicians to operationally define terms is harrowing business. Few speak clearly. Fewer are willing to be accountable for their words. The Bush administration contorted the word "torture." President Obama made an early run at "settlement freeze." What does it mean, given Israel's decade long history of ignoring this critical peace requirement?

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says a settlement freeze includes "natural growth." That leaves a bulldozer sized opening. Will the front end loader kick up more dust for the 2002 Arab League Peace Plan? Israel clearly does not want peace with its neighbors.