The Telegraph's leader on the end of the Bethlehem siege has it right:
This episode has been emblematic of the strengths and shortcomings of both sides in this asymmetric struggle. The Palestinians, with a sharp eye for the role of the world media in the CNN era, have been keen to lure the Israelis into such a position for some time - whereby Jewish soldiers would appear to be threatening one of the greatest of Christian holy sites. The lumbering, slow-moving Israelis swallowed the bait and pointed the guns at the church during the course of their hot pursuit - when, in fact, they should have turned the spotlight on the abuse of this sacred spot for terrorist activity.Posted by Dr. Frank at May 11, 2002 10:58 AM | TrackBack