What Is Next? by David Bancroft

I wonder if this question has been on your mind as well in the recent weeks.  It seems that something unsettling crops up every few days concerning the war against terrorism.  And while the anthrax episodes cannot be minimized . . . the rattling of chains elsewhere could significantly alter the coalition and broaden into a much more dangerous scenario.

Setting aside historical and other complex issues associated with the Israeli and PLO issue . . . the recent assassinations of key leaders on both sides in the name of retaliation reminds one of the game of “chicken”.  The real problem here appears to be if Arafat has the ability (let alone the desire) to control all the factions within the PLO to collectively blink . . . and avoid a full-scale war with Israel.  When is one more time finally enough?  Cooler heads need to prevail now or Afghanistan will quickly become the second front-page story.

Then there is the India-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir that could easily escalate if the Israeli and PLO conflict broadens into a regional war.  Talk about a dream coming true for Bin Laden and his followers.

Let’s hope the leaders in these countries remember who is the one “trying” to push their buttons, and refocus their efforts on what is best for their and others’ innocent citizens . . . including "true" toleration of other religions in so called moderate Arab states.  Just look at what is being taught in the Saudi Arabian schools about Christians and Jews.