[Peace-discuss] no green light?

[Stuart Levy]

On Tue, Jan 20, 2009 at 11:06:49AM -0600, C. G. Estabrook wrote:
> *Israel followed a similar schedule in its withdrawal from Lebanon -- in 
> the midst of the last administration.

Hmm, though remember that Israel's Lebanon bombardment had become
widely unpopular at home by the time they withdrew -- it was seen
as a major military failure.  The Gaza invasion seems to be still
highly popular in Israel, despite some internal and many external protests.
They could easily have stayed longer and done more damage.

I agree with Randall -- the timing of Israel's agreeing to a ceasefire
is not a coincidence.   It really might relate to Israel being cautious
about pursuing a universally condemned war at the time of inauguration
of a president whose support they want.