It is a confusing situation, in a number of ways. For one, I'm a bit more comfortable with eb in front of me. I'm sure he started out extremely pro-Israel in this mess, don't know what may have brought him to the altar, if indeed he's here.

Another confusing matter is Sharon's blatant disregard for Bushs' public statements. At first I suspected a back-channel message from Bush to Sharon telling Sharon to do what he thought he had to do in spite of the public pronouncements. Evidence for that was Powell taking the scenic route to the area.

However, it has gone on too long, Bush has been too adamant, and Sharon too recalcitrant. I doubt if Bush is as irritated as he sounds, but he's looking foolish. He doesn't mind being foolish, he doesn't like to look it.

On the other hand, Sharon obviously feels less pressure to listen to the US than did Israel in the past.

Sharon is clearly convinced the other Middle East nations are not going to war over this, and this time Israel doesn't need American logistical or political support as they have in the past.

Israel is going to continue to exist. In previous encounters that was a legitimate issue. Israel as a nation, despite Sharon's hysterical statements, is not threatened this time.

And without the threat of the Arabian "big guns" defending the Palestinians, Sharon doesn't seem to be inclined to need the US to force a settlement.

This is another fallout of the Cold War ending. In the past there was always the threat of the Russians supporting the Arabians, the US supporting Israel, and the situation escalating into WWIII. Without that threat there's no incentive for Israel to accept "peace" as the world calls it, "quiet" as Mary Anne more accurately describes it.

Neither side is going to conquer the other, and neither side can "give" with dignity. Israel can't confront it's right wing over the settlements, the Palestinians cannot tolerate encroachment without protesting.

As far as a UN Task Force goes, I think they would need blue tanks with blue shells, blue Sukhovs, blue APCs and blue rockets. Maybe blue tracers, too. Blue body bags, blue crosses on aid stations, as the Israelis don't pay any attention to the Red Crescents.

It would be easier to tell the Israelis that if they don't withdraw immediately they are on their own, no US support, no help. I don't know that would be a great idea, and I don't think the US has the political will to do anything like that.

It is a puzzlement.

Arf