The Sad Case of Shimon Peres

Shimon Peres, Irrelevant Peacenik

Shimon Peres is a sad, tired figure in Israeli politics who should have retired long ago, well before the numerous beatings he's taken at the polls. But he manages to hang on, because the Israelis are decent people who continually delude themselves into thinking they really can make peace with people who have no interest in making peace with them, and Shimon Peres is a decent person (a hero, of sorts) who has over the years simply become consumed by the peace "process." Even most dovish Israelis have relucantly come to the conclusion that the Palestinians are not interested in peace at this time, and have begun considering Israel's options more realistically. But Shimon Peres presses on with one peace plan after another, oblivious to the fact that he's become the subject of ridicule. Indeed, he calls the nonexistent peace "process" his "reason for being in the government."

This "unity" government serves no purpose. It undermines Sharon, and it gives Peres too prominent an office to make a fool of himself. It would be better for Israel if he left the government and forced elections. And it would certainly be better for him.

[Posted at 23:38 CST on 02/14/02] [Link]