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It Won't Last
by Danny Rubinstein
 The increasing rivalry between Fatah and Hamas, the isolation of the Hamas government in the regional and international arenas and the serious financial crisis the government is facing: All these indicate that this government will not be able to hold on. The more difficult problem is that at the moment there is no sign that anyone will be able to replace it. (Ha'aretz)
Security Fence an Absolute Necessity
by Jack Kemp
 Contrary to the thrust of a recent Robert Novak column, Israel's Christian population has prospered and quadrupled in size over the last half century, in sharp contrast to the dwindling Christian communities in other countries in the Middle East. The fact that the barrier has contributed to a remarkable decline in terrorist attacks - approximately 90% - is evidence of its effectiveness. In planning the route of the barrier, particularly in the vicinity of Jerusalem, Israel has demonstrated particular sensitivity to Christian concerns. The route was determined, and in several cases altered, after a comprehensive dialogue with representatives of the various church denominations. (New York Sun)
Spare the Rod, Spoil the Peace
by J. Peter Pham and Michael I. Krauss
Legally and morally, neither the U.S. nor Europe owes the Palestinians any assistance - much less hundreds of millions of dollars worth on a continuing basis. There are plenty of needy causes to which to devote the scarce humanitarian resources of our overburden governments: Darfurians subject to genocidal campaign by an Islamist government, Congolese trying to recover from "Africa's World War," Tibetans sitting in exile in India, etc. The only justification for our governments' paying good money to the PA is our national interest in a stable Middle East - and we are hardly getting our money's worth if the dividend is a casus belli against Israel. (TCS Daily)
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Top Priority for the Fence
- Editorial
 Interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert must place the completion of the fence at the top of his agenda - first, in order to maintain security and save civilian lives. Despite the drop in the number of suicide attacks, which the fence is intended to stave off, Israel's home front is still vulnerable to terrorists. The plethora of warnings and concern over a renewed flaring up of the intifada make the need to end the foot-dragging regarding the fence's construction real. Second, completion of the fence is a prerequisite for implementing the convergence plan vis-a-vis the West Bank. (Ha'aretz)
Land of Missed Chances
by Youssef Ibrahim
A stark reality is coursing through Arab consciousness: No one cares about Palestine. It has been the case for at least a decade. What's new is that even reasonable Palestinian Arabs now acknowledge the truth of their lost state. The Palestinian Arab spin machine is alive and well. Yet reality creeps in. The outside world has underestimated the degree to which most Arabs have tired of Palestinian Arabs' whining, corruption, abuse of each other and outsiders, and their unique talent for what Israelis describe as "never missing an opportunity to miss an opportunity." (New York Sun)
Using Federal Law to Fight Israel Bashing and Anti-Semitism on Campus
by Susan B. Tuchman
 Jewish students need to know their legal rights, and the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights may help them. In November, the Commission held its first-ever briefing on campus anti-Semitism. The Commission is considering issuing a publication to inform students of their rights under Title VI. Jewish students need to know that they have recourse under the law. They need not, and should not, tolerate a campus environment that renders them afraid to be Jews or supporters of Israel. (ZOA/Jewish Light)
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