Mike Pouraryan
SP Newsflash (12/23/2009): The Israeli Prisoner Exchange
IOne of the biggest stories of the past year was the capture of the Israeli Soldier Gilat Shalit. Israel and Hamas have been talking and I have been assessing the progress of the Israeli Prisoner Exchange over the past few days.
I have seen reports that one of the most prominent folks being touted as part of the exchange is Marwan Bargouti. From what I gather, his reputation is as iconic as Nelson Mandela within Palestine. In SP's sister site, Outsider Views, I wrote about my hope that the Israeli Prime Minister actually takes the courageous step to be a true statesman. But, for now, it appears that he is placating the far right in his country. In the meantime, the Palestinians continue to live in utter misery with no end in sight. Will the Israeli Prime Minister actually be courageous enough to do the right thing?
I have seen reports that one of the most prominent folks being touted as part of the exchange is Marwan Bargouti. From what I gather, his reputation is as iconic as Nelson Mandela within Palestine. In SP's sister site, Outsider Views, I wrote about my hope that the Israeli Prime Minister actually takes the courageous step to be a true statesman. But, for now, it appears that he is placating the far right in his country. In the meantime, the Palestinians continue to live in utter misery with no end in sight. Will the Israeli Prime Minister actually be courageous enough to do the right thing?
