World: Life on the Bar-Lev Line

"Seventeen, this is five. Need your report immediately. Over."

"Seventeen here. Busy now. Will send it later. Over."

"This is five. Send immediately. Over."

"Roger. Will do. Over."

"Only let there be peace."

THAT exchange between an Israeli headquarters in the Sinai and a fortress commander on the Suez Canal occurred during a thunderous Egyptian barrage early this year. The sign-off stuck, and radio calls to and from outposts on the canal now normally end with the words "Only let there be peace."

In the 100-mile string of underground forts and minefields known as the Bar-Lev Line, after Israel's chief of staff, peace seems remote. Running opposite...

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