Whether you choose to do this today or ten years from today, you will face the same geography, the same neighbors, the same ancient animosities. More years of bloodshed and pain will not change those facts. The only path to a real and lasting peace is through negotiation.
“The Birnam Wood” · Season 6
In this episode: Josiah Bartlet (3), Josh Lyman (1), Leo McGarry (1), Charlie Young (1), Kate Harper (1)
MMukarat
They've done everything in their power to undermine moderate leadership. Don't they understand when they blow up leaders of Hamas with bombs, all those Palestinian homes, they only make them stronger? Boys and girls, they no longer want to be doctors, teachers, engineers. Now, they all want to be martyrs.
I can't support this decision. For a short period, we may be welcome. But what happens when we have to start kicking in doors? Declare martial law? Enforce curfews --
Once they establish a rule of law, and their economy settles down, they'll be quiet --
This isn't a romp in the desert! You're committing American lives to something that may go on for decades!
[angrily, nearly shouting] How are we not involved now-- [suddenly goes quiet, looking back at the house, then, quieter, shaking his head] We can't keep having this argument.
No, sir, we can't. If my counsel is no longer of use to you, perhaps–
So, if I disagree with your advice, you have to threaten me?
This is your own League of Nations, and it will ruin you like it ruined Wilson.
Okay. I'll need your successor in place before you leave.
The tragedy is that the Palestinians and the Jews are so much alike.
How's that?
All through history no one's wanted either of them.
Any ideas on how to break the logjam?
Too bad Congress isn't here. They'd just cook the books and hold a press conference.
These quotes come from Wikiquote's The West Wing pages and are available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.