So what can the non-Alpha Male do if he is the country's leader nonetheless? Pretend!

As prime minister, Olmert is responsible for bringing back home our kidnapped soldiers. People who are not at the mercy of their captors, but rather in the hands of Olmert. After all, the abductors wanted to gain something in return for their captive, and the release is pending on a successful barganing for the price.

And here's the problem: Olmert can't bargain. He'd like to be the Alpha Male who obliterates any challenge to his supremacy with a charge. He cannot. He'd like to come out as the leader who doesn't let terrorists twist his arm. He cannnot - they're holding a soldier that will only be released in return for Palestinian prisoners.

So the solution is to (rightfully) negotiate Shalit's release with the abductors, but (wrongfully) try to come out as a tough negotiator.

So this evening I hear on the radio, that the price is set - 900 prisoners in exchange for Gilad - but the deal can't go ahead. Why?? Because Israel wants Gilad now, and agrees to release the prisoners in almost a month.

The end result: Gilad's parents are still separated from their dear son because Olmert HAD to pretend he can play it tough with the Palestinians.

Ego can be a very dangerous thing. Olmert blinked first but couldn't admit defeat. He had his pride, backed by the Israeli arrogance in any dealing with the Palestinians. He had to pretend that he's tough.

Well, he's not. Olmert is just a sad, sad man.