Here's an Interesting StrategyIsrael threatens to
assassinate Palestinian PM if soldier not released.
The unprecedented warning was delivered to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a letter as Israel debated a deal offered by Hamas to free Corporal Gilad Shalit.
It came as Israeli military officials readied a second invasion force for a huge offensive into Gaza.
Hamas's Gaza-based political leaders, including Mr Haniyeh, had already gone into hiding.
But last night's direct threat to kill Mr Haniyeh, a democratically elected head of state, sharply raised the stakes.It's certainly a startling announcement. I wonder if the British ever considered threatening to off Gerry Adams if the IRA didn't cease their nuttery.
It makes some sense. When terrorists kidnap or threaten their opposition, they usually have a list of demands. Essentially they are offering a bargain--each side gets something it wants in return for giving up something it doesn't want. The Israelis have changed the terms of the bargain.
I assume that at some point we'll hear bleating about how the guy was "democratically elected". Fine, he's also a leader of Hamas, just as Gerry Adams is a leader of the IRA.
