Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza

scaeagles · 07-13-2006, 08:01 AM

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 · 07-13-2006, 08:57 AM

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 · 07-13-2006, 09:15 AM

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.

Gemini Cricket · 07-13-2006, 12:00 PM

Just read about the hundreds of bombings in Beirut.

Motorboat Cruiser · 07-13-2006, 12:35 PM

Quote:

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.

Not Afraid · 07-13-2006, 12:37 PM

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

Alex · 07-13-2006, 12:42 PM

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

DreadPirateRoberts · 07-13-2006, 12:44 PM

Quote:

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 · 07-13-2006, 12:44 PM

Quote:

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.

scaeagles · 07-13-2006, 12:58 PM

You cannot have peace with those who do not wish to have peace with you.
In spite of the long and dirty past, and it is certainly so, various groups backed by governments - be they Hezbollah and Iran and Syria or Hamas in the Palestinian areas or whatever group and sponsor - want the extermination of Israel and have stated as much. Clinton brokered one incredible deal at one point, where 96% of disputed lands would be given to the Palestinians. Arafat rejected this because of pressure from terrorist factions. The controlling groups do not want peace. They want the destruction of Israel and the death of every Jew.

I would not be at all surprised if the Hezbollah activities are at present being orchestrated by the leader of Iran.

I am encouraged that Egypt and the Saudis have thus far stayed out of this. If they remain detached, I think it possible that it can be contained to the immediate area. Israel isn't one to mess around, as previous wars have demonstrated. It is possible they will completely level Lebanon and Syria.

07-13-2006, 08:01 AM	#1
scaeagles I LIKE! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,819	Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza 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. Last edited by scaeagles : 07-13-2006 at 08:08 AM.
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07-13-2006, 08:57 AM	#2
scaeagles I LIKE! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,819	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.
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07-13-2006, 09:15 AM	#3
Nephythys Yeah, that's about it- Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In a state of constant crap to get done Posts: 2,688	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.
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07-13-2006, 12:00 PM	#4
Gemini Cricket ... Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 13,244	Just read about the hundreds of bombings in Beirut.
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07-13-2006, 12:37 PM	#6
Not Afraid HI! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 17,108	Did something provoke this attack - I mean a specific incident? Or, it is just escalating based on the long and dirty past?
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07-13-2006, 12:42 PM	#7
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	The most recent provocation has been the kidnapping of that Israeli soldier. Pretty much a steady line of escalation since.
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07-13-2006, 12:58 PM	#10
scaeagles I LIKE! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,819	You cannot have peace with those who do not wish to have peace with you. In spite of the long and dirty past, and it is certainly so, various groups backed by governments - be they Hezbollah and Iran and Syria or Hamas in the Palestinian areas or whatever group and sponsor - want the extermination of Israel and have stated as much. Clinton brokered one incredible deal at one point, where 96% of disputed lands would be given to the Palestinians. Arafat rejected this because of pressure from terrorist factions. The controlling groups do not want peace. They want the destruction of Israel and the death of every Jew. I would not be at all surprised if the Hezbollah activities are at present being orchestrated by the leader of Iran. I am encouraged that Egypt and the Saudis have thus far stayed out of this. If they remain detached, I think it possible that it can be contained to the immediate area. Israel isn't one to mess around, as previous wars have demonstrated. It is possible they will completely level Lebanon and Syria.
	Submit to Quotes