How Not To Negotiate
Today, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert promised the following at the conclusion of the regional summit in Sharm el-Sheikh
For our part, we received a committment from Abbas to bring about the release of Gilad Shalit from Hamas (which he cannot possibly do, since he heads Fatah, the group with which Hamas is engaged in battle), and some very nice photo ops.
I can just imagine the negotiation.
Olmert: I see you need help, so here’s what I’m willing to do. I’ll release 100 Fatah prisoners without blood on their hands.
Abbas: 150.
Olmert: 250.
Abbas: Deal.
Olmert: But they cannot return to terror.
Abbas: You can get them to sign a note. They are men of their word who would never lie.
Saeb Erekat: Massacre!
Olmert: Ok. And I’ll throw in improved freedom of movement, frozen tax funds, and a bonus set of steak knives. Just don’t give them to the prisoners we release.
Abbas: Ok.
Olmert: Shucks, I see you are still a little sad. So I guess we could also supply Gaza with electricity, water, health servicesand food. After all, one cannot punish the people because they are being ruled by the terrorists of Hamas. It is not like they voted for them or anything.
Abbas: *cough*
Olmert: Ok, and I’ll clearly state that we recognize your government and we’ll work to bring about a palestinian state. Damn, you drive a hard bargain.
Abbas: Sucker
Olmert: Sucker. He doesn’t know I also would have thrown in my Get Out of Jail Free card.
An Australian immigrant to Israel, Aussie Dave has been blogging since early 2003.
