Kick back
Truce
Roger Cohen writes in today’s Herald Tribune: ‘Mitchell, after 18 months of toil, believes Netanyahu will go the extra mile. I was shown minutes of a meeting this year with Palestinian officials in which Mitchell said: “Benjamin Netanyahu will be thinking about his legacy. My experience in Northern Ireland makes me strong in my belief. Ian Paisley blocked an agreement for decades. He hated Catholics and called the pope the Antichrist in Parliament. At the age of 82 he started thinking about his legacy, made a turn and was a key figure in reaching an agreement in Northern Ireland.” To which Saeb Erekat, a leading Palestinian negotiator shot back, “Let’s hope that Netanyahu reaches that conclusion before he reaches 82!” It’s hard to resist Erekat’s cynicism. Peace is tough when politics are dead. Netanyahu is only 60. So kick back, sing the praise of truces — and pass the remote.’
It never hurts to sing the praise of truces.
A truce is to peace what sex is to love.
Simplification
If George Mitchell is capable of simplifying the peace process in Northern Ireland to that extent then he should pack his bags.Pivotal to the Northern Ireland peace process was a change of strategy by the UK government (and of course an openness to dialogue on the part of Sinn Fein). The then Prime Minister, John Major, embarked on secret discussions with Sinn Fein. He chose to ignore protests by Paisley, even famously throwing him out of his office on one occasion.
In my opinion there will be no solution for Israel and Palestine until the US starts threatening with a stick instead of just dangling carrots.
Arnon
Will you be coming to the opening of the temporary Arnon Grunberg museum at de Slegte in Arnhem in october?Sex
Without a minimum of love ( consideration, kindness, respect, etcetera) sex is appalling. Although too much consideration, etc. makes the action simply impossible. Sex remains tricky business, if you ask me.Bernard
Are you arguing there is much to be said for masturbation?Arnon
I saw the update on your calendar and have just sent an email to de Slegte for a place on the guestlist. I dearly hope there will still be a spot left! I am very much looking forward to see you then.I think, you do not need arguments if you want to masturbate.
Some danger outside does not mean you have to stay indoors the rest of your life (and there is danger indoors too)
