The campaign for the release of Gilad Schalit is over. This now leaves us with this reality, for the future: - one freed Gilad Schalit. - 1027 freed terrorists... - ...and over the past four years, another 1223 freed terrorists; altogether 2250. - promises by Arab terrorists to continue kidnappings. - no lessening of anti-Israel propaganda by either Hamas or Fatah. - no signficant weakening of Hamas, rather emboldening. - weakening, however, of Israel''s and Israelis'' security. - weakening of Abbas as head of PA. - strengthening of Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt (where they are linking up with Hamas) - ramifications of the amazing inability of GSS/IDF to locate him or free him over 5 years. - lessening of Bibi''s posture as 'terror expert'. - unease of Americans who looked to Israel to be a beacon of 'stand firm against terror'. - 1 American/Israeli, Ilan Grapel, still left in Egypt - 1 Israel''s spy left in America - Jay Pollard. - Jews seeking revenge. - human rights groups can''t be trusted. - weird anti-Zionists unsatisfied. - encourages anti-Israel sentiment in the US. Do you feel happy or...uncomfortable? Fearful? Unsure of the future? And yes, I have read this by Elliott Abrams: But those who think the determination to free Gilad Shalit wrong have at least as heavy a burden—and in humanitarian terms a greater one—to bear than those who believe Israel''s government made the right decision. Nevertheless, I think I am pointing to a major problem. Consider also these two polls. ^
(photo credit: The Jerusalem Post)