Netanyahu's perverse insistence on maintaining and expanding Israeli settlements on the West Bank may be several steps removed from the latest round of Gaza fighting, but it is as detrimental to any — even chimerical — hopes of peace as Hamas's commitment to terrorism and the destruction of Israel. That's a problem that's not going to be addressed tomorrow.
One thing that might come up for consideration, after the Israeli elections in two months, is the economic embargo of Gaza. The embargo on imports may still be necessary to keep Hamas from re-arming with greater ease. But would an easing of the embargo on exports be a possibility — in a move to encourage the growth of a merchant class that might grow tired of Hamas?
There are, as usual, more questions than answers after the latest round of fighting. But as Islamist and anti-Israel sentiments continue to grow on its own borders, friends of Israel have to wonder how long its government can follow a policy of maintaining the current state of affairs.
Israel has once again proven it is stronger than its adversaries, but it's time to join with the United States and prove that it is smarter.
Related:
What's wrong with the Palestinians' U.N. gambit, How is Obama doing?, A fool for everyone, More 
- What's wrong with the Palestinians' U.N. gambit
The Palestinian campaign to upgrade their diplomatic status at the United Nations is a train wreck in the making.
- How is Obama doing?
In response to a question from Oprah Winfrey about how he would grade his time in office, President Barack Obama gave himself a "solid B-plus."
- A fool for everyone
Time to dispose of a few inconsequential gubernatorial candidates.
- Impeach John Roberts
It is time for an enterprising and courageous member of the US House of Representatives to file articles of impeachment against the chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, John Roberts. The charge: lying under oath.
- Where's the outrage?
Holy hell broke loose six months ago when a self-appointed truth squad sponsored by a right-wing propagandist broadcast an Internet video that appeared to show African-American employees of ACORN counseling a white pimp and his equally Caucasian hooker on how to dodge a variety of laws.
- Gonna change directions
That’s not intended as a negative reflection on the Son of God, who can’t be held responsible for the deficiencies in Beardsley’s early campaign style.
- Library woes
In an attempt to save four Boston Public Library branches that are slated to close due to budget shortfalls, some state legislators from Boston have threatened to block all state funding the library receives if it shutters any of its 26 branches.
- Oil, oil, everywhere
It is not enough that British Petroleum’s wounded oil well in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico continues to bleed millions of gallons of viscous crude oil, killing marshes that could offer protection from future hurricanes, destroying habitats for migrating birds, fouling coastal commercial-fishing grounds.
- Just a reprieve? Unless Republican leaders learn from the past, another Iraq is in our future
In his address to the nation Tuesday evening, discussing the end of American combat operations in Iraq, Barack Obama took great pains to be apolitical, nonjudgmental, and even gracious toward his predecessor.
- Reliving the nightmare
Somebody should thank Scott Brown.
- Governor Fuzzy: Has Deval Patrick lost his edge — already?
Some folks — including this newspaper — who supported Governor Deval Patrick's re-election and wish him well as he wrestles with the daunting task of steering Massachusetts through the next four years are scratching their heads.
- Less
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The Editorial Page
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