Of course I’m happy that Israelis are finally able to celebrate the return of the hostages held until now by Hamas. But I remain very skeptical about the peace deal, how long the ceasefire will hold, what Trump’s ultimate goals actually are, etc. He’s over there now basking in worldwide praise for the peace deal “he” brokered.* I’m sure he’s loving every minute of it and no doubt thinks now, finally, he’ll surely get the Nobel Peace Prize. (Given what he’s currently doing in and to his own country, I certainly hope not.)
I’m in good company, however. Adam Kinzinger has his doubts about all this, too. You might be interested in his Substack post, “What Comes After Gaza’s Ceasefire?” We both remember Trump’s plans to develop the “Riviera of the Middle East,” and Kinzinger explains how Britain’s Tony Blair has similar aspirations.
We can all be hopeful that this marks the end of Middle East conflicts, but I have my doubts. Conflict there is almost as old as the nations themselves. Hamas is as much an idea as an actual terrorist organization. And on the other side, Netanyahu has made it clear for years that he will never agree to a two-state solution.
But for today, at least, there is joy and celebration.
______________
*The peace deal was actually brokered by two businessmen, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, and Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East and special envoy for Peace Missions. Trump just showed up to announce the deal. If anyone ultimately wins the Nobel Peace Prize for this Gaza ceasefire, it should be Kushner and Witkoff.
Of course it doesn’t, Colorado ! – no way are those two throwing down their arms forever. Or possibly even for a week …
Sad to say but this break or pause is a good time for both sides to rest, recoup, and rearm, which strikes me as far more likely than a determination to never fight again.
In the cold light of day following the release of the hostages it seems to me that the deal was not altogether due to DJT. Other factors were the economic, military and industrial weakening of Iran, Hamaz’ principal supplier of arms and support, the lessening of support from other Arab countries, and the relentless violence of the IDF, starvation included. Nothing in the deal will end the religious hatred and violence which will continue to simmer beneath the surface.
I seriously doubted that Trump deserved all the credit he was taking and spent a fair amount of time trying to find out who really did all the legwork and behind-the-scenes negotiating. With no real success. My assumption, cynic that I am, was that Trump flew in just long enough to take the credit, bask in the glory, and leave, convinced that now, finally, he had earned the next Peace Prize (having just settled his 8th “war”).
johnthecook…Hamas released 20 living hostages. All of them were male, and not a female among them. TWO dead hostages were also released with more to come later, if that is even to be believed. Hamas has the authority of their” Koran” to straight-out lie to all non-believers of ISLAM and Mohamad their prophet. Let us all let that sink into our brains!
I’d not noticed that all the hostages they released were male. But it figures given the way they treat women. Just one more reason why I don’t think much of religion. Any religion.
johnthecook…follow Jesus Christ who is KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS. You can’t go wrong, and you won’t regret it, and it is not religion.
John, you may recall we discussed religion back in 2015, when I explained why I’m an atheist.