Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza

[scaeagles]

The situation sure has escalated quickly.

I'm not sure how I feel about the criticism of Israel by the Russian, French, and others. It is not for a response, per se, but for a "disproportionate" response.

In actions of war, how can a response be disproportionate?

I suppose this brings me back to my terrorist conundrum in terms of response. If terrorists attack and hide amongst the civilian population, who is responsible, then, when civilians are killed in attempts to kill the terrorists?

Hezbollah and Hamas certainly have support in the governments of Lebanon and the Palestinians.

Greece has called the attacks by Israel "excessive" and pointless.

How does Israel protect itself from those sworn to see their destruction?

War is ugly. I don't necessarily see the Israeli response as excessive or pointless, but certainly tragic, as is the whole situation.

ETA: I almost forgot about Syria. They're going to be playing quite a ole in this as well.

[scaeagles]

Interesting update - at least to me anyway. The latest report is that Hezbollah is trying to move the hostages to Iran. Should that happen, it gets much, much uglier.

[Nephythys]

I have a feeling the middle east is about to go up in a conflagration of massive porportions- I hope to be wrong- but I doubt it.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Originally Posted by Nephythys

I have a feeling the middle east is about to go up in a conflagration of massive porportions- I hope to be wrong- but I doubt it.

I wish I could say that I disagreed but I can't. This is not a good turn of events and seems to be getting worse by the hour.

[Gemini Cricket]

Just read about the hundreds of bombings in Beirut.

[Not Afraid]

Did something provoke this attack - I mean a specific incident? Or, it is just escalating based on the long and dirty past?

[Alex]

The most recent provocation has been the kidnapping of that Israeli soldier. Pretty much a steady line of escalation since.

[Capt Jack]

Originally Posted by Alex Stroup

The most recent provocation has been the kidnapping of that Israeli soldier.

well, yes and no.

the kidnapping of the soldier is indeed at the root, but the Hammas attempts to create an environment of "we'll get what we want by forcing you to bargain with lives" and Israels refusal to get pulled into negotiations/prisoner exchanges that would invariably lead to more and more of the same tactic being used against them, and to a greater and greater extent. ie: giving in to blackmail, is what has caused things to advance so quickly.

Israel said 'not now, not ever' and have decided to show them exactly what they've bargained for instead. at this point its far beyond a single soldier being kidnapped.

if all the soldiers were surrendered right now, I think Israel would gladly drop the whole thing....but at this point....no one else will.

mi dos centavos

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

Did something provoke this attack - I mean a specific incident? Or, it is just escalating based on the long and dirty past?

From CNN:

"Israel Defense Forces said the Haifa rockets came from Lebanon and blamed the strike on Hezbollah, whose guerrillas triggered the violence when they attacked inside Israel on Wednesday, killing eight Israeli soldiers and capturing two more"

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

Did something provoke this attack - I mean a specific incident? Or, it is just escalating based on the long and dirty past?

It is a reaction to the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier (now three soldiers). The Archduke Ferdinand of our time... OR to put it another way, escalation based on a long and dirty past.