A single Israeli prisoner was released today by the Palestinian Hamas in exchange for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners by the Israeli. This incredibly lopsided exchange by the two might have some far reaching, and also possibly very good, results. This is the first time since 1985 that Palestine has released an Israeli soldier alive. For the first time in nearly thirty years, Palestine opted not to kill one of the enemy. As a precedent, that is a pretty big step. Of course, having the opportunity to save 1000 countrymen in exchange for a single soldier can weigh heavily on any gov't group. People don't support a government that would rather murder one enemy and condemn 1000 of their people, as opposed to releasing him and saving them.
The international political heavyweights are all seemingly quite happy with this development. I think everyone is hoping that this is a first step toward possible resolutions of violence along the Gaza Strip. The article I read states that many believe that this step was taken in order to for the Hamas to try and get in good with the new Egyptian government that has arisen in recent months. Not much speculation was offered as to the advantages of close association with Egypt, but when a military is running a country and you are in good with them, it's hard to see a downside. I find it quite possible that all this will show itself to be political dance that once new partners have been chosen and new lines drawn, will result in new waves of violence, propogated by weapons obtained from everyone's new friends, whomever they may be.
Regardless of the cynical point of view however, at least 1,001 people now have a new chance at life. Let's see what they make of it.
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1070&sid=17719494&title=israeli-soldier-freed-in-swap-for-1000-prisoners
