Israel at War?

shinerbock · #1 07-13-2006, 03:29 PM

What are everyone's thoughts on this. I like the recent political discussion, and this may be one of the most critical periods in foreign policy in recent memory. Considering Israel is fighting a war on basically two fronts, the U.S. is still engaged in Iraq, and the entire world is concerned over Iran and North Korea, it seems a topic worth discussing. The EU said Israel is being too harsh, while the U.S. is of course support the Israelis. Given that Lebanon is now firing rockets into Israeli cities, I think the EU may have spoken early. Thoughts?

sdsuchelle · #2 07-13-2006, 06:32 PM

This is really scaring me. :-/

I guess I don't feel I should form opinions because I don't really know a LOT about what's going on... but sometimes I wish I could go over to Israel/Palestine and teach them how to share. Seriously.

Kevin · #3 07-13-2006, 06:37 PM

It's about time that there were serious consequences for these terrorist group leaders. If we're lucky, a lot of them will end up dead, or in prison before someone calls a truce.

I'm really not sure what Israel's end game here is, except to show these people that there are consequences for their attacks. Hamas has been committing these acts of war for years now. Sometimes, when you mess with the bull, you get the horns.

Rudey · #4 07-13-2006, 06:42 PM

There is no room for discussion about this.

Iran and Syria arm terror groups that kill people all over the world. Two of those terrorist groups are Hamas and Hezbollah. Those two groups kidnapped Israelis. Those two groups are responsible for everything thereafter. If the populations support them, then they should be willing to accept what happens to them also.

Outside of Syria and Iran, a lot of Arab countries have criticized the two terrorist groups.

I hope the Israelis just drop a few bombs over the Syrian president's house and in Qom in Iran without France and Russia being pussies.

-Rudey

Rudey · #5 07-13-2006, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ktsnake

It's about time that there were serious consequences for these terrorist group leaders. If we're lucky, a lot of them will end up dead, or in prison before someone calls a truce.

I'm really not sure what Israel's end game here is, except to show these people that there are consequences for their attacks. Hamas has been committing these acts of war for years now. Sometimes, when you mess with the bull, you get the horns.

The end game is getting back its citizens. The end game is telling the world that Israel left both Gaza and Lebanon and it got attacked by both of them. At any point they could return Israeli citizens that they kidnapped but they haven't.

-Rudey

shinerbock · #6 07-13-2006, 06:46 PM

I'm surprised to see the support for Israel. When I heard what the EU said, I thought the complete opposite...I'm surprised Israel has had this much restraint over the years. I feel bad for Lebanon, they are truly under seige, but I do not disagree with Israel for taking action. What does concern me, and I'm not sure if everyone has heard this since it just recently came out, was the rather haunting warning from Iran about the response they will issue if Israel does bomb Syria. Although, in truth, I don't fear for Israel, I think everyone agrees they can handle themselves.

Rudey · #7 07-13-2006, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shinerbock

I'm surprised to see the support for Israel. When I heard what the EU said, I thought the complete opposite...I'm surprised Israel has had this much restraint over the years. I feel bad for Lebanon, they are truly under seige, but I do not disagree with Israel for taking action. What does concern me, and I'm not sure if everyone has heard this since it just recently came out, was the rather haunting warning from Iran about the response they will issue if Israel does bomb Syria. Although, in truth, I don't fear for Israel, I think everyone agrees they can handle themselves.

Who do you feel sorry for in Lebanon? The dwindling Christian population that was killed off and forced to leave and has no power now? Maybe. The country that chose not to put its own troops along the border with Israel and disarm Hezbollah? Not so much. The Christian population is small, the Muslim population is big and they support the terrorists.

Israel is attacking roads and airports that Hezbollah would use to move the kidnapped Israelis into Iran. It's so sad that they'd just do that.

-Rudey

sdsuchelle · #8 07-13-2006, 07:14 PM

Argghhh, a friend of a friend is stuck in Lebanon right now (he's American). Holy shit.

shinerbock · #9 07-13-2006, 08:22 PM

Well I feel sorry for some of the Lebanese*? like I did some of the Afghani people. However, I still hold their government responsible for not keeping order within their country.

RACooper · #10 07-13-2006, 10:41 PM

I know it's not going to be popular... but I agree with the EU calling it a "disproportionate force" being used by Israel. Seriously, think about it, the damage and death in Gaza and Lebanon for the sake of 3 Israeli lives? There were a myriad of other options open for the Israelis to recover the first kidnapping victim, but by using a "sledgehammer" response they provoked another kidnapping and more attacks ~ how is this resolving the issue? To me it looks like Israel was looking for an excuse to lay some "smack down" on Gaza and Lebanon... whether to remind them of who's boss; or to keep them destabilzed internally to limit there future threat...

Of course this could be because I'm worried about friends in that are in both Israel and Lebanon... and some of the areas reported hit (again on both sides) are areas that they are living and working in

shinerbock · #11 07-13-2006, 11:02 PM

I think the EU is ridiculous. As of now, over 100 missiles have been fired into Israel. I think we're beyond just kidnapping the three people. Lets not forget that a terrorist group crossed into Israel to kidnap their soldiers. This is not a one time thing, these two terrorist groups, Hamas and Hezbollah, have been calling for the end of Israel for years, and have continuously attacked Israel. We don't need a prisoner exchange to end the violence. We need to see the end of Hamas and Hezbollah. I don't buy into the idea that violence only brings more violence. Sometimes violence means game over, and I've got a feeling that Israel has that capability, and I think they should use it. The world will be much better off without these terrorist organizations. I am proud to be one of the few influential countries who sides with Israel, while others simply condone the actions of the terrorists. I saw an interesting interview tonight with Speaker Gingrich, in which he made some valid points. How often does the UN reprimand Hamas? Never. How often do they reprimand Hezbollah? Never. However, anytime Israel responds to the surrounding countries which foster terrorism, the Security Council attempts to reprimand their actions. Thank God the U.S. is there, ready and waiting with veto in hand.

RACooper · #12 07-13-2006, 11:10 PM

Hold on... you actual believe Newt?

I wondered how long it would take you to blame the UN...

_Opi_ · #13 07-13-2006, 11:19 PM

You know it's funny..I'm reading a headline over at CNN and it says "Dozens of Lebanese killed and 10 Israelis". Isn't the body count of Lebanese civilians as important as Israelis? I guess not.

shinerbock · #14 07-13-2006, 11:24 PM

Trust me,it isn't because of CNN bias. It probably has more to do with the fact that Israel is a very advanced military and can issue casualty counts quickly. Tommorows NY Times headline will probably read "Zionists Slaughter Lebanese Babies."

Despite your personal feelings on Newt, those are nonetheless good points. The UN is largely worthless.

_Opi_ · #15 07-13-2006, 11:40 PM

Shinerbock,

Do not tell that CNN is NOT biased, because for the most part it is. It's a waste of time watching it really.

Here's my take: What Israel is doing is not actually looking for their soldiers but taking advantage of the situation to attack. The sad part is, they are targetting civilians instead of the real culprits and the only thing the U.S. president is saying about the matter is "to take it easy on the weak Lebanese gov't..but hey, let's focus on Syria". But personally, I concede with Russia and France on this one. It is excessive use of force, unnecessary, unacceptable and unjust. If Israel is so militarized, why don't they just send out the Israeli Intelligence and take out the real targets. I'm sure they would have no problems finding them, instead of killing civilians to make a point. But hey, we live in the real world, I guess..*sigh*