So, what's gonna happen?
Eitan Haber offers nine reflections on the current situation
Identification
How do we know that a leader, any leader is in trouble? Here's one way of recognizing such a sticky situation: The leader's spokespersons will frequently announce that he, the leader, minister or whoever, "is calling for", "demanding," "commanding," "instructing," "has decided."
The time has come
Similar to Cato the elder who called for Rome’s attack on Carthage, the current nuclear issue is an existential matter - to be or not to be. There's nothing more important. Therefore, the time has come to establish a national emergency cabinet with the participation of almost every Knesset faction. The importance of this matter has yet to filter into our political awareness, but it will get there. Hopefully not too late.
Prophecy
Although since the destruction of the temple, prophecy is considered to be an act of the foolish, too many Knesset members from both the coalition and the opposition believe that the current government will not make it as far as this winter. Brrr…
Environment
We should hope, believe and pray that the prime minister's advisors and associates are telling him the truth even if it's not so easy to hear. Olmert's is in a difficult situation all around. You can't see it on him of course, because he's an experienced politician who knows when to demonstrate happiness and when to appear sad.
If he is arrogant and knows the truth, so be it. If he is presumptuous because he is not aware of his and our situation– then we're all in trouble.
The honey trap
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Dan Halutz acted wisely by convening some 100 reserve major-generals Tuesday to explain the last campaign in Lebanon. The scathing criticism against the IDF, its commanders and its military moves emerged from these very ranks.
However, this can turn into a trap for the chief of staff and his associates - the major-generals at the current General Staff headquarters. If he and the major-generals just relay reviews, they will make the reserve generals, who already have a bellyful, rise up against them. If they allow the reserve generals to have their say, the chief of staff and his associates are in for some hard times and harsh words.
The last to know
Some irksome journalists are attacking Noam, the affable father of abducted soldier Gilad Shalit. "What, weren't you updated on the talks?" "Don't you know?" "Haven't you heard?" Aren't they letting you know, are they keeping things from you?" They're not keeping anything from him.
Families of abducted soldiers have always been told very little and are usually nicely surprised just a short while before their sons are returned home. There's no reason to attack Noam Shalit and other parents in the same predicament. They'll prefer not knowing anything as long as their sons are returned home safely.
Sins and transgressions
It's not the story about the political appointments at the Enterprises Authority that will make Ehud Olmert lose his seat. If anything, it will be the accumulation of stories: The apartments, the appointments, everything together. If this is what will actually happen, it will be rather regretful, because among other things, we wanted a different prime minister – different – one that hasn't transgressed.
The stock exchange is going wild
The bourse of names for presidential candidates is blooming, and it can only be regretted that I don't have stocks in this bourse. Hardly a day goes by without another new name being thrown into the air, everyone is recommending everyone. Persons whose names haven't been mentioned so far are invited to register.
By the way, those who really want to become presidents are advised to find themselves three to four Knesset members who are gambling enthusiasts.
Upside down world
It is being said that the last war in Lebanon should have been led by a chief of staff from the ground forces – but we didn’t have one. Ahead of the next war, if heaven forbid one breaks out with Iran, we shall certainly need a chief of staff from the Air Force. Based on our recent luck, world order will once again be reversed.
