Roots of Crisis: Why the Arabs and Israelis Fight

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Dealing with Hamas won't be as easy. In Gaza, the main force that has tended to moderate the behavior of the militants has been public opinion, which has sometimes swung against the radicals when their actions prompted Israeli reprisals that punished the population. Now, though, Gazans place the blame for scores of deaths and deteriorating conditions squarely on Israel. Their anger and the prospect of an eventual prisoner exchange are strengthening the militants, which will make it harder for Palestinian Prime Minister Haniya to defend his agreement with Abbas if the current siege ends.

What should the U.S. do? Blair and other allies would like Rice to take a more active role in bringing first calm and then a return to peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians. Bush has showed no interest in engaging in the region in that way, and Washington is handicapped by its unwillingness to negotiate with four of the key players--Hamas and Hizballah, Syria and Iran--whose interests would have to be addressed. But crises can sometimes provide opportunities, especially since the U.S. can't afford to have another Middle East mess on its hands. At this point, U.S. intervention can't undo the reasons Israel and its enemies fight. But doing nothing is an even bigger risk. And summers in the Middle East can still get a lot hotter.

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