Mortgage Loans RUBIN from page 35 Fifth Third Mortgage infrastructure and lost an opportunity to establish a Palestinian state. Was Yassin merely the "spiritual guide" to Hamas and did he lead merely a "political wing" as opposed to a "military wing"? Certainly, the group was not organized along rigidly hierarchical lines. Obviously, Yassin did not plan specific terrorist attacks - in detail. But he did set the policy, sanction the killings and praise the attacks. Yassin was as much the leader of Hamas and responsible for its ter- rorism as Osama bin Laden is the leader of Al Qaida and a terrorist. Moreover, the title of "spiritual guide" is also the one generally given to the dictator of Iran and the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah group. We have a variety of mortgage products that let you purchase, build or refinance on yOur own terms. No money down option* Fast approval with an instant answer Interest only loans FHA/VA Mortgages Right Timing Why did Israel act against Yassin now? There are two main reasons. First, as Israel plans a withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, it wants to show that this does not mean a retreat or surrender. To ensure domestic support for the move and to show Palestinian radicals that such a step is not an invitation to escalate terrorism, it is necessary to show that Israel still can and will strike against those attacking it. Second, Yassin is the only unifying and charismatic leader possessed by Hamas. Without him, the organiza- tion is more likely to split and to be incapable of effective political action, though everyone knows it can still carry on terrorist attacks. In large part because of Arafat's disinterest in disci- - plining his own men, Hamas's power is growing. With Yassin as leader it stood a good chance of taking over the Gaza Strip. Whatever militant slo- gans, demonstrations and threats Hamas can flourish in the immediate aftermath of Yassin's death, the group will be weakened by it. In defending itself during the last three years, Israel has had to deal with the fact that its situation is a very unusual one and hence hard for oth- ers to understand. International law is premised on the existence of authori- ties willing to enforce it. What does a country do if its neighbor not only refuses to stop or arrest terrorists attacking it on a daily basis, but also actually encourages and supports Construction Loans . RUBIN on page 38 Reduced loan fees with a one-time closing Rate protection with a float-down lock Pay interest-only during construction WALK IN your local Banking Center'and speak to a Mortgage Loan Originator. CALL 1-866-53-LOANS I VISIT www.53.com gj Fifth Third an Working Hard To Be The Only Bank You'll Ever Need! *Upon qualification. Product subject to change without notice. fifth Third and Fifth Third Bank are registered service marks of Fifth Third Bancorp. Member FDIC. mmlomm LENDER 824700 GREEN TAG SALE! HUGE MARKDOWNS! NEW 2004 BUICK LESABRE Placing an ad in our classified section has never been easier. Call today! -248/351/5100- Power windows, power seat, CD, cruise control ASK AsouT IGN& D tR LEAS, c w • *Plus tax, title, Isles. All rebates to dealer. Expires 04/02/04. Stk. #109714 9* BUICK SPIRI AMURICAM ramaRoFF www.tamaroff.com Vl F. 248-353- 1 300 28585 Telegraph South of 12 Mile • Southfield 3/26 2004 . 37