Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah are denying responsibility, but even if they didn't set the bomb, they set the example, they set the tone and they obviously provided a warm welcome for whoever did it. Arafat and several other palestinian figues have issued condemnations. Real ones. Not the wink-wink kind they issue when Israelis are massacred but almost sincere sounding stuff that makes you think they really might be concerned about the consequences.
So how will we respond? Will we respond?
Dennis Ross, appearing on Fox earlier, had stern words for the palestinians. Something along the lines of "If you do this one more time, you guys are in big trouble. We really mean it, this is your last chance. You'd better dismantle those terrorist organizations or else." President Bush said something along the same lines. Gee. I shudder to think of the consequences if they don't comply. Really. One could almost break a bead of sweat over such stern language. Especially if one hadn't heard it so many times before.
Yes, "the United States is shocked." But not shocked enough to realize the folly it continues to pursue. Not shocked enough by a long shot.
Meryl's had a really interesting and informative (and somewhat less depressing) post up on the attack since early today, with lots of original source material. Read up.
