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New Name to Give West Bank Barrier a "Softer" Image
Yeah, thatâll work. EFL:Israel is considering a new name for its massive complex of walls, fences and watch towers in the West Bank - changing it from a "security fence" to the "Terror Prevention Fence" in an attempt to improve its international image. Image is everything. The public relations battle over the contested fence is intensifying as authorities on both sides bring in high-powered legal and publicity advisers, reportedly spending millions of dollars, ahead of a Feb. 23 world court hearing on the wallâs legality. On Thursday, the court decided that the Arab League would be allowed to take part in the hearing, allowing Arab nations to testify alongside the Palestinians. Sounds like the court has already made up itâs mind. The name change was one idea tossed around at a meeting Wednesday evening between Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and high-ranking government officials, though a final decision was not made, foreign ministry spokesman Jonathan Peled said. Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard law professor who defended O.J. Simpson, has offered to help the Israeli campaign, officials said. Well, if he could get O.J. off, maybe there is hope. Some Israeli officials already are using the new name for the project. At a news conference in Jerusalem on Wednesday, a senior military official made a point of repeating several times: "This fence to my understanding is not a security fence, but an anti-terror fence." The Israeli official said the main idea behind the barrier is to prevent terrorism in hopes of creating an atmosphere in which peace talks can be re-launched. Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom on Thursday said Israel was upset by the involvement of the world court, which he said was hurting chances for restarting peace talks. "We donât think that this issue should be discussed there," he said. I think Rantburg readers can help by picking a new name for the barrier. And remember, "Line of Death" has been taken. Go for it. Posted by: Steve 2004-01-16 |
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