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Editorial: Revenge in the Mideast The Herald, Rock Hill, S.C. June 12 The ray of hope for peace in the Middle East resulting from President Bush's trip to the region dimmed in the face of violence last week. Peacemakers can only hope that those perpetrating the violence on both sides are not allowed to derail the process completely. ... Terrorist attacks such as last Wednesday's suicide bombing are reprehensible. But Israel also bears responsibility for the continuing wave after wave of violence. Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon has turned a blind eye to new Israeli settlements in the occupied territories; he has bowed to pressure from the right wing of his Likud Party to meet violence with violence; and he has scorned the entreaties of the Bush administration. Fair or not, Israel is the only party capable of breaking the cycle of violence. As Bush noted, the assassination of terrorist leaders does nothing to enhance Israel's security. If Israel retaliates in kind after every terrorist attack, it will have relinquished control to those who are determined to subvert the peace process. The situation requires statesmanship on Sharon's part. Unfortunately, Bush may be pinning his hopes on a man who is less statesman than bully. This road map may lead only to more of the same unless Sharon and the Israeli people are willing to pursue a strategy designed to provide real security rather than one that merely satisfies a thirst for revenge. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -