Israeli soldier post pics of herself and Palestinian prisoners on where? FACEBOOK

[DrPhil]

Dumb bitch.

On another note, she looks like a couple of women I know who are not Middle Eastern.

[dreamseeker]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Dumb bitch.

my sentiments exactly.

On another note, she looks like a couple of women I know who are not Middle Eastern.

she looks Latina to me. esp with those sharpie looking eyebrows. lol.

[AlphaFrog]

I'm still stuck on the fact that Israel allows women to be soldiers at all. I didn't think they were that (relatively) progressive.

[Alumiyum]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I'm still stuck on the fact that Israel allows women to be soldiers at all. I didn't think they were that (relatively) progressive.

I believe both men and women serve at 18 (they're drafted, unless they get an exemption). IIRC men serve 3 years and women 2.

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I'm still stuck on the fact that Israel allows women to be soldiers at all. I didn't think they were that (relatively) progressive.

Women actually served on the battle lines back in the 40s, when there was a shortage of soldiers during a war. For a few decades, most of the jobs were largely administrative/support jobs like secretaries, nurses, etc., but since the 1990s, women have been actively serving as soldiers and now in roles of authority. They do have shorter time commitments, and more paths to retirement, but formerly active-duty members are required to serve in a reserve-type role once a year for a period of time.

(My sister used to do aerobics taught by a former female Israeli solider. It was the hardest workouts she ever did.)

[pibetaphi2013]

My impression from several friends who lived in Israel is that it's a very progressive country. I've never been, so I can't say first hand.

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by 33girl

This is going to get Photoshopped and captioned SO many times.

I was thinking the same thing.

Originally Posted by dreamseeker

she looks Latina to me. esp with those sharpie looking eyebrows. lol.

I'm so mad that I agree with you. lol

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by pibetaphi2013

My impression from several friends who lived in Israel is that it's a very progressive country. I've never been, so I can't say first hand.

My impression is progressive in some ways, but oppressive in others (and to others.)

Mostly having women serve is about necessity not about equality. Women serve less mandatory time then men.

However should we ever return to the draft, I think men and women should both be drafted. Me included should I meet the other requirements.

[Chocoholic]

I won't disagree that it was stupid on her part. However, I have to question why we hold Israel to a much higher standard than the Muslim world, or anyone else for that matter.

Remember, the Iraqis celebrated by hanging the multilated, burned corpses of Americans off a bridge in Fallujah and the world didn't even flinch! This female IDF solider smiles with "live" blindfolded soliders and you never hear the end of it.

Women in the IDF serve side-by-side with their male counterparts, particularly in combat and border troops. My nephew served with the Oketz Unit (dog unit) and we later learned his unit was one of the first in Gaza with their bomb sniffing dogs.

And to the another poster who thought that Jerusalem isn't as progressive as Tel Aviv, it is, it's an international city where Jews, Christians and Arabs co-exist in contiguous neighborhoods. There are discos, restaurants etc, and it's like many other metro cities. People have this idea due to a small orthodox Jewish population that the entire city is like the Mea Sharim neighborhood, when it's not. Israel is more secular than it is religious.

Here's a fun video of Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem:

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=ULtg...eature=related

[tri deezy]

Originally Posted by Chocoholic

And to the another poster who thought that Jerusalem isn't as progressive as Tel Aviv, it is, it's an international city where Jews, Christians and Arabs co-exist in contiguous neighborhoods. There are discos, restaurants etc, and it's like many other metro cities. People have this idea due to a small orthodox Jewish population that the entire city is like the Mea Sharim neighborhood, when it's not. Israel is more secular than it is religious.

Here's a fun video of Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem:

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=ULtglogZbR8&feature=related

I haven't been to the homeland yet Also, that video is the cutest thing ever! Love it!

[Chocoholic]

I haven't been to the homeland yet Also, that video is the cutest thing ever! Love it!

You should go if you get the chance, many people feel an incredible connection between the neshama and the land. You might like this video too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=iTXi...eature=related

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by Chocoholic

I won't disagree that it was stupid on her part. However, I have to question why we hold Israel to a much higher standard than the Muslim world, or anyone else for that matter.

Remember, the Iraqis celebrated by hanging the multilated, burned corpses of Americans off a bridge in Fallujah and the world didn't even flinch! This female IDF solider smiles with "live" blindfolded soliders and you never hear the end of it.

]

They claim the moral high ground, we back them in part because of it, therefore they should live up to it. If they'd rather be compared with and treated like those Iraqis, then they can choose that route instead.

[Chocoholic]

They claim the moral high ground, we back them in part because of it, therefore they should live up to it. If they'd rather be compared with and treated like those Iraqis, then they can choose that route instead.

I disagree. They do not claim a moral high ground, we share the same values, namely; the value of a human life - these are Judeo-Christian values. Furthermore, the US supports Israel due to the economic and strategic asset Israel provides. Israel keeps US manufacturers like Grumman, Boeing etc, in business. That's what our aid does, it insures they buy American planes, helicopters and weapons, thereby, keeping Uncle Joe employed. US-Israel have numerous bi-lateral contracts and mutual interests, Google, the joint projects being developed. American technological companies, such as Motorola in Israel, and medical research being done with Americans notwithstanding.

I don't think Israelis will behave like extremist militants, anymore than the US will - that's not to say there won't be a few individuals who act alone. And that's what we unfortunately remember.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by Chocoholic

I disagree. They do not claim a moral high ground, we share the same values, namely; the value of a human life - these are Judeo-Christian values.

Those are Islamic values too, just for the record. And it's not just about the value of life, it's about respecting human beings. Even prisoners. Saying that this soldier should not be criticized, or that people should lay off because well at least she's not cheering for dead Americans is a false comparison. Israel most certainly claims to be in the right, and they claim to be "better" than their enemies. That means acting like it.

Furthermore, the US supports Israel due to the economic and strategic asset Israel provides. Israel keeps US manufacturers like Grumman, Boeing etc, in business. That's what our aid does, it insures they buy American planes, helicopters and weapons, thereby, keeping Uncle Joe employed. US-Israel have numerous bi-lateral contracts and mutual interests, Google, the joint projects being developed. American technological companies, such as Motorola in Israel, and medical research being done with Americans notwithstanding.

And some Christian conservatives only support Israel because they want them to rebuild the Temple so Jesus can come again. If that's all our money's going towards, why don't we just buy planes straight from Boeing. (And no, those companies wouldn't all go out of business without Israel.)

I don't think Israelis will behave like extremist militants, anymore than the US will - that's not to say there won't be a few individuals who act alone. And that's what we unfortunately remember.

You're not saying anything that people don't know. No one's saying to draw and quarter this soldier, just that it was wrong and she should be (or should have been) punished appropriately.

And if the Israelis and Americans alike remembered that extremist militants did not represent the greater whole.. well we'd be doing a hell of a lot better.

[Chocoholic]

it's about respecting human beings. Even prisoners.

Agreed, but I've never considered the beheading of American prisoners and putting these videos on Arab television/YouTube, respectful. That "comparison" I'll never be able to erase from my memory; if you saw one, you might understand.

Furthermore, I've stated the IDF soldier's actions were stupid. The IDF condemned her actions, launched an investigation and provided all the photos as part of that investigation, which is still ongoing.

Those are Islamic values too, just for the record.

Your argument is less than compelling considering; suicide bombings, human shields, stoning/honor killings, mothers' strapping bombs on their babies, martyrdom and martyrdom reparations. I'm not saying there aren't peaceful Muslims, because there certainly are. I'm saying some of the tenets and specious doctrine embraced/interpreted as fundamentals of Islam are heinous and most disturbing.

This is not anomalous behavior exclusive to a few Islamic radicals. It's found in the government, ruling powers, kingdoms of some Islamic/Arab countries. I trust you heard of Wahhabism which is the dominant sect in Saudi Arabia? Wahhabism is a literal interpretation of the Quran, its Creed provides for a military conscription for war against the infidel. This is why Osama bin Ladin has been popular; having remained protected and elusive from capture. And while the Saudi Government condemned bin Laden, they never condemned his message - until that happens, expect the brutality to continue unabated.

Political Islam and/or Islamic puritanism; is the God given authority which the Taliban (Hamas, al Qaeda, Hezbollah et al) uses as a license to kill in the name of allah. Whether infidel, Shi'as or peaceful, moderate/liberal Muslims, they've all been exposed to this Islamic Muharib (taking a human life to prevent the corruption of the faith). Just ask the Islamic Studies Professor whose house was bombed for befriending "infidels".

Here's an Arab explaining (and showing) why Hamas killed Palestinians - their own people - at a wedding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=dK-DYB6YgU8&feature=fvw

And some Christian conservatives only support Israel because they want them to rebuild the Temple so Jesus can come again.

Israel is also the Holy Land to Christians who believe that Jesus lived and walked there. I've never heard a Christian say, we're going to drive the Jews into the sea, or Death to the Jews! No, they co-exist peacefully.

If that's all our money's going towards, why don't we just buy planes straight from Boeing.

Ok, I can put you down for how many F-16's?? Israel has over 300, surely you'll take at least 2.

(And no, those companies wouldn't all go out of business without Israel.)

That's some leap! I said these bi-lateral contracts keep Americans employed and in this economy most would agree, that's a good thing. You might be surprised to learn that the US is using Israeli arms in Iraq too - I recall one is a mortar launcher. Both countries pursue interests in several joint projects.

And if the Israelis and Americans alike remembered that extremist militants did not represent the greater whole.. well we'd be doing a hell of a lot better.

And the crazies might take that, as tacit approval...