Terrorist War on Diplomacy

The terrorists who coldbloodedly attacked an Egyptian tour bus filled with Israeli vacationers appear to have achieved a measure of what they wanted, at least for now.

High Israeli, Egyptian and Palestinian officials all agree that the brutal assault, which killed at least 10 and wounded 18, was intended to sabotage any movement toward international talks about the future of Palestinians living under Israeli control. At a minimum the outrage has forced postponement of further steps in this direction. The task facing responsible leaders now is to make sure that a profound human tragedy isn’t allowed to become a permanent political setback.

In Israel, Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir’s Likud Party has delayed a crucial central committee meeting that had been called for Wednesday to consider his policy regarding talks with U.S. and Egyptian officials about West Bank elections. In terms of peace prospects, that’s just as well. Shamir has never softened his assertion that Israel has aright to sovereignty over the West Bank. That hasn’t spared him from attack by Trade and Industry Minister Ariel Sharon and other right-wingers who bitterly oppose any possible concessions on the West Bank’s political future. Better for Shamir to make his case to his party after the mood of sorrow and anger has had a chance to subside.

The Egyptian government seems genuinely shocked by what occurred on a highway 30 miles east of Cairo. Israel on its part seems satisfied with Egypt’s efforts to identify and arrest those responsible. This was the fifth attack on Israelis in Egypt since the two countries made peace in 1979, and it was the worst. Clearly, Egypt must provide greater security for visiting and resident Israelis. Just as plainly, all sides must recognize that there will always be fanatics who are dedicated to making war on the innocent to keep tensions and fears high. Wise and courageous leaders will refuse to cooperate in handing these terrorists the political victories they crave.