What are you doing?

Dear Olmert,

The title of this letter, "What are you doing", can -like most things in Israel- be interpreted straigthforwardly or cynically. The cynical meaning would be to suggest you are doing something wrong, trying something without skill. But I want to ask you straight up: What are you doing?

What are you doing for a breakthrough for peace? Abu Mazen and Condoleeza Rice met you this week and there was an opportunity for an initiative on your part to break the impasse with Palestinian leadership (read: recognize and work with them). I want to know what you are doing to create a better relationship with the Palestinian leadership.

What are you doing to inspire trust in citizens of Israel. The country is under heavy clouds of corruption. Presidents, ministers, army chiefs of staff and others entrusted with leading this country have demonstrated moral failures that disappoint us citizens. What action are you taking to inspire faith in our government?

What are you doing with foreign powers? Israel, in a precarious circumstance in the Middle East, has relied historically on the support and grace of foreign powers, governments, leaders and communities. We need their support but if I were them I would be quite unsure about putting my shoulder to the common grindstone now. Would I have a partner if I did? I want to know what you are doing to inspire confidence among our friends abroad.

And finally, what are you doing to help the poor in this country? What are you doing, really. You have held onto the social affairs portfolio and the ministry has since been bare. I know there is a move underway to exchange portfolios in your government, but I want to know what you will do to help the poor!

What are you doing? And what will you do?