BEIRUT: No matter how brutal, it is now clear, Sharon cannot deliver on his promise. Perhaps the Israelis are beginning to realize that is happening on the ground is their own doing. They placed Sharon on the helm, and they must bear the consequences, which threaten to embroil the region in a new round of hostilities, more complex and devastating than ever before. It must be clear to them by now that Sharon is not about to choose the road to peace and security.

The Arabs on the other hand, are beyond being disillusioned. Regardless of who they must deal with, The Arabs know their rights: Al Quds, repatriation, settlements borders, and water. They have negotiated with Begin, Shamir, Rabin Peres, Netanyahu, Barak and now Sharon. They know what the Israelis are willing to offer, they have long been prepared for the final status talks, which they know will be difficult.

Sharon certainly knows that if war breaks out it will bear no resemblance to any conflict between Arabs and Israelis in the past New forms of warfare exist, advances in technology and information strategy have come about. The conflict would be limited in space and time, but would inflict extremely heavy losses sine the Israelis political and military objective is to wreak as much destruction in as short a time as possible.

Sharon is facing a number of problems and he must sort them pragmatically and realistically. Sharon and his government must realise that the only way to a settlement runs through an understanding of the conflict’s nature, as well as other states and communities involved.

Israel will never eliminate the Palestinians or the Arabs. Nor will it achieve a decisive and permanent military or political viceroy over them. The best option for it is to pursue a peaceful settlement. Driving the Palestinian to despair in the hope of achieving temporary results will inflict disasters on Israel and the region as a whole.

The idea that a settlement could be reached that grants Israel all or most of its demands is unrealistic. Only a balanced settlement can pave the way for peace in the region. In other words a settlement must be sought within the framework of international law as embodied in Security Council and General Assembly resolutions besides other signed agreements. Sharon was elected because he persuaded his people that he could wave a magic wand and bring peace to Israel.

Sharon’s verbal support for a political settlement is simply a political manoeuvre a respite during which Israel can gather momentum and bounce back with more immigrants imported to popular the legendary state stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates. This is Sharon’s problem.