Israel's departure from Gaza is part of a larger strategy. Time will tell if it works. The Jews will still control access to the strip of land on the Mediterranean. Palestinians will not have effective control of vital ports and access to the larger world, a critical need for any people who want to play a constuctive role in the modern world.

Israel obviously feels this move is necessary to shore up the defense of the people and their land. They are constructing a wall to keep  terrorists out, or is it to keep themselves in? This is where the Arab "intifadah" has pushed the 57 year old war.

Charles Krauthammer has a realistic appraisal of the conflict.