Israel launches attacks into Gaza; several hundred killed

Re: Israel launches attacks into Gaza; at least 225 dead

You call the police.

Now, who's going to be the police here?

 

Re: Israel launches attacks into Gaza; at least 225 dead

The dead guys.

 

Re: Israel launches attacks into Gaza; at least 225 dead

My opinion, buck, is that Israel is surrounded by countries and groups who want to wipe it off the face of the earth, and while, yes, they shouldn't completely be absolved of any responsibility when their actions have unintended consequences (although the utopian ideal of no collateral damage in war is silly and, ultimately, dangerous), they are in basically an untenable situation. Without the backing of the United States and without its aggressive approach when it's challenged time and again, Israel would have long ago ceased to exist as a country. It's not only in America's interests, but in the interests of the world, for Israel to defend itself and remain as strong as possible in the region. Stability is a word that will never describe the Middle East, but a powerful Israel is vital to any semblance of stability. Frankly, I'm amazed at the Israelis and their restraint and willingness to work with their enemies, not to mention their courage. You see little to none of any of those from the other side. I suspect if the U.S. were in a similar situation, we'd have lost our will a long time ago. Too many people wanting to wage war only if bad things don't happen and such.

 

Re: Israel launches attacks into Gaza; at least 225 dead

Is there anything President-elect Obama can do, once he takes office, to bring Palestine and Israel to the negotiating table? Threaten to immediately stop providing financial and other aid unless both sides come to some sort of resolution?

 

Re: Israel launches attacks into Gaza; at least 225 dead

Don't disagree, with any of it.

Now, the question is, what can Israel do to get a government they can deal with?

We know they can't deal with Hamas.

We know this isn't a good idea.

What, now?

I don't know.

 

Re: Israel launches attacks into Gaza; at least 225 dead

There will never be an answer "what now?"

It's all about God's real estate. It's a 5,000-year fight.

 

Re: Israel launches attacks into Gaza; at least 225 dead

Perhaps you're right, but that line of thinking doesn't lead anywhere.

 

Re: Israel launches attacks into Gaza; at least 225 dead

There's nowhere to lead thought that wasn't thunk in the first place.

 

Re: Israel launches attacks into Gaza; at least 225 dead

Sure. But are you also going to burn down his house with his kids inside it? Because that's essentially what's going on here. And yes, Hamas puts civilians in danger. I get that. But still.

This also points out, of course, the danger that can come with spreading democracy. Give people an opportunity to vote, and they may vote for someone you don't like.

 

Re: Israel launches attacks into Gaza; at least 225 dead

Well true and not true. Those 3 kids arent suffering from malnutrition and drowning in their own sewage.

 

Re: Israel launches attacks into Gaza; at least 225 dead

Stipulated, Zeke, but if you can offer a line of thinking that does lead somewhere, we'll begin measuring you for your Peace Prize tux now.

If enough time passes, demographics will prevail, and not in the Jews' favor. (Nothing over time prevails in the Jews' favor. And yet we don't go away.)

No, I'm not talking about the Palestinian birthrate. That will prove a straw man because the Israelis will find some rationale not to acknowledge its effect. (For you, Fenian: Talmudic reasoning and Jesuitical analysis can entwine in a tango both would reject a priori as impure.)

The demographic issue is the ultra-orthodox birthrate. Since the black hats won't serve in the Israeli army, the situation will eventually implode. We may then wish for these times.

 

Re: Israel launches attacks into Gaza; at least 225 dead

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2008/12/20081227232637589589.html

Hamas leader calling for a third intifada.

Wonderful.