Your Dec. 14 editorial “Israel’s great procrastinator” concludes that Israeli intransigence is souring U.S. relations with key Arab countries and does not advance the cause of peace or U.S. interests. Having served as chairman of Rotary International’s Fellowship for Conflict Resolution and having some knowledge of Mideast matters, I would submit that you lack perspective on these issues.
First, in an environment of terrorism, whether directed at Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait or Saudi Arabia, I very much doubt that business or professional people in any of these countries believe appeasement will satisfy terrorists or radical Islamic leaders.
Second, our allies in the Mideast know where their interests lie. If an attack were launched against Israel, Jordan or moderate Arab oil-producing states, no one in the Mideast should doubt that the United States would intervene. To say that Israel stands between the U.S. and its Arab allies is nonsense.
Third, you speak of the cause of peace as if it were a self-defined goal. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is a process that may never be achieved but is worth pursuing in a responsible manner. When terrorist bombs start exploding in Chicago, or Scud missiles rain down on Michigan Avenue, your perspective of responsibility may take on new meaning.
A weakened Israel will only lead to instability in the Mideast, threatening all of our friends in the region. From my experience, the Mideast may be the first place to defend but is the last place to force a settlement.
