I admit I have lulled into hoping one more time that peace could be negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians, especially if it could avoid yet more bloodshed in the bloody region. But the terrorist attacks keep coming, the innocent Israeli dead keep piling up, even as the Palestinian leadership calls for an end to the attacks.

Is the answer to keep plowing ahead with the negotiations no matter what, because that is the only way a "final solution" can be achieved, or do we (Americans) say fuck it and go along with what this guy says? I honestly don't know right now.

There's only one way to deal with those who find glory in slaughtering children: Kill them. The bomber's wife said her husband died fulfilling his dream of martyrdom. The man had two kids of his own, and yet his life's dream was to die killing other people's children.

You can't negotiate with that level of ignorance, hatred and religious insanity.

Yet Israel, at the insistence of the United States, has come to the bargaining table. It has offered extraordinary concessions in the name of peace and taken good faith steps, including dismantling settlements and pulling back troops.

....Palestinians blame their violence on Israel's oppression and brutality. But the truth is that Israel has not been brutal enough in the face of terror. Its answer is surgical strikes, targeted assassinations and a catch-and-release prisoner policy.

Meanwhile, terrorist chieftain Yasser Arafat sits unmolested in Ramallah, and the leaders of the terrorist networks hold press conferences and rally crowds in village streets.

Always, Israel's fist is restrained by the United States.

But to end the violence, Israel must strike with terrible force. To be blunt, the Palestinians must be brought to their knees, made to feel the pain of allowing terrorists to act in their name.

....Israel has a golden opportunity to launch its own version of a shock and awe campaign. It can drive the terrorists out of the territories, eliminate the threat from the Syrian-hosted Hezbollah along the Lebanon border and, if Iran chooses to join the fight, good — another problem checked off the list.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has played Washington's game. He's reached across the table, spoken words of conciliation, restrained his fury in the face of horrible provocation.

It's time to let Sharon be Sharon. He's a warrior. And bringing peace to the Middle East is now a warrior's job. [Detroit News]

Subtle Finley is not - could he be right? I have no doubt that Islamist terrorists must be eradicated, their hateful fanaticism cannot be negotiated away. Are Palestinians any different? I'd like to think so, but wishing doesn't make it so.