Joan Thompson
Adrian Gibson would have Israel sanction its own demise.
The answer to the question "why Israel is allowed to bomb Palestinian ministries" is not difficult. Israel wants to get the killers before they get to kill Israelis.
Mr. Gibson accuses Israel of violating international laws and characterizes Hezbolla and Hamas as "provocative rogues". Tell that to the Israelis who have lost members of their famiies to the ambulant teen-age bombers sent to release their deadly cargoes among other young people – the more the merrier.
This blogger would not presume to advise America on "fairness", In love and war, this is a non-issue. War is close – perhaps closer now than the Crises in 1962 when the Russians, took up the Cuban invitation to try messing around with missiles in the Caribbean. Perhaps had America not acted decisively, we would all be speaking Russian.
And yes, if Mexico were to launch missiles into Texas you can count on the conversation being short and not sweet. America has already demonstrated how it responds to terroristd – 911
It is dificult to rationalize support for the terrorists in Palestine and Lebanon who have stated publicly their intention to drive Israelis into the sea. When they rid themselves of such notions, and stop lobbing missiles, it might be possible to talk.
Yes, sides are taken, the lines drawn. The "truth" is obscure in these cases. What is known is the moral principle of the right of everyone and every country to self defense.
Also do not forget that Lebanon was occupied by Syria for years and only recently took control of its own government, and does not have the manpower/ army to police its entire country.
Hezbolla is not a government, but a radical socio-political Islamic organization, operating in Lebanon with the support of Hamas, Syria, Iran and other terrorist organizations/states.
I believe Israel is fighting a proxy war as much with these other forces as with Hezbolla.
If Israel does not remain proactive in defending itself, it will perish as a nation and people. These radical entities have stated this as their intent.
Most of them refuse to recognize Israels existance. Remember though, these people have been warring for hundreds of years in one way or the other, very much with the interference of “western” nations.
It is however sad that the pawns in this conflict, the Lebanese and Israeli people are paying the ultimate price for Religious fundamentalism and political feuding over real estate.
Also know that Lebanon is the only predominantly christian nation in that region.
I will add that I am no expert on this situation, but realize that it is a dangerous one that can affect us even as far away as we are….
I was anxious to post a comment to Adrian Gibson’s post re “Israel going to far” but Mrs. Thompson beat me to it and has said it far better than I can.
I have been amazed, and sometimes disconcerted at Israel’s restraint over the years.
Let’s not forget that Hezbollah is a part of the Lebanese Government and they are supported by Syria and the deep pockets of Iran.
Sidney
I do not take you literally when you say I “have beaten you to it”. There is so much more to come and the challenges are ever increasing.
If we place value in a moral society – which most people do whether they know it or not, then the need to refute bad ideas is unlimited.
Blaming the victim is a “bad idea”.
I assure you Joan, there is no clear cut victim here….and to imply that Israel is is just ludicrous.
Lets be fair about this.
Let’s agree for the sake of argument that Israel has gone over the top. How do you get Hezbollah et al to cease and desist with their reported bombings and other tactics to push Israel into the sea?
Israel agreed to the “great settlement” and Arafat walked away from the table.
Do they all really want peace?