Lives for Bucks
by Alvin Rabushka, director, Division for Economic Policy Research

President Bill Clinton promised former Prime Minister Ehud Barak an additional $800 million aid package, but the Congress did not approve this request before Clinton left office.  Israel has been actively pursuing this additional aid since Ariel Sharon was elected.

The Jerusalem Post, in its story, says that half, $400 million, will be released when Israel implements steps outlined in the Mitchell Commission report.

During the past few weeks, a Palestinian suicide bomber killed 21 teen-age Israeli girls and other bombings and shootings have killed more Israeli soldiers and civilians.  Despite calls for retaliation, Sharon and his security cabinet have chosen to exercise restraint.

During the prior negotiations, the tradeoffs between Israel and the Palestinians were (1) land for peace, and (2) land for "bucks."

Now, it seems, the tradeoff is lives for "bucks."

The implications of this deal, for the first $400 million, for the remaining $400 million, and likely sought after billions more, need no elaboration.

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