Allowing the extreme on any side to rule is folly. The Israeli - Palestinian peace process has been sabotaged in the past by two things.

A rash act by some extremist, and

the other side taking that as a declaration of "war".

Then it all goes to hell. People who see "war" at every turn can overreact and make the situation worse. The perpetrators need to be taken out, don't misunderstand me. But the saddest part is that one can say that "war" has been declared upon them, and never have to look at the causes.

At one time both sides could have taken care of their extremists. The Israelis could have stopped the settlements, the Palestinians could have come down real hard on there folks.

But one couldn't happen without the other happening.

So, instead of everyone dealing with the nuts on their side, it was easier to see "war" and inflame the populations. And not do anything about what your side was doing to make it worse. Just claim that "war" had been declared upon your side.

Tragic. Saw a bumper sticker the other day. "Don't believe everything you think". Somehow seems to fit.

Arf