Word: likud
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...such a mobilization seems to be the goal of the chorus of commentators calling on Barak's left-wing Labor party to join Sharon's Likud in a "national unity" government. In a time of crisis, they argue, it is better for Jews to stand together to face their enemies. There is no room for political opposition in a time...
This argument goes too far, I think, in its cynicism about the current plight of Israel. Although the Intifada is making life extremely stressful and increasing the personal insecurity of Israelis, the country is under no real military threat. A unity government comprising Labor and Likud would shut down the internal discourse on peace within Israel, reinforcing the Palestinians in their belief that there is no real difference between the two sides...
...would be far better for Labor to stay outside the government as a conscientious opposition, continuing to search for a way to make peace even when the circumstances seem forbidding. By dropping the idea of "national unity" and letting the Likud form a coalition with the religious parties Labor will retain the flexibility to criticize the government's position on peace. Joining Sharon after his landslide electoral victory will not allow leftists to "moderate" Sharon's policies, as some have suggested, but simply relieve him of the need to respond to criticism from the peace camp...
...Winners ARIEL SHARON Looks like a sure thing. Israeli Likud leader builds up a 20% lead in race to be P.M. JOHN ASHCROFT Top cop. With slim win in U.S. Senate, Mr. Controversy becomes Attorney General SUBCOMANDANTE MARCOS The next soap hunk? Mexican rebel leader does TV gig and sees his popularity soar...
...Arafat will face a problem dealing with Sharon and the Likud party. Not even Netanyahu represented the true spirit of the Likud, which is that they don't make deals under pressure. In recent years, Palestinians have become accustomed to a "whispering peace." Yossi Beilin has a secret meeting and whispers something in Arafat's ears; Shimon Peres comes for a midnight meeting and quietly says the words Arafat wants to hear. This is not going to happen with the Likud, and they're going to refuse to talk while violence is continuing. So the Palestinians are going to face...