Who or what is Terrorism??

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Bottom line - this situation didn't start with the kidnapped soldiers and it won't end with them. As we all know this is a wider issue dating back to the formation of the state of Israel which was imposed on the people of the region by the (then) imperial European powers.

Its really simple. Is this ####### for tat violence sustainable over the next 10, 20, 50 or 100 years?

Like it or not, a diplomatic solution of some kind has to be reached or there will be a major (possibly world) war, in the not too distant future.

While Israel is continually targetted by suicide bombers and rocket attacks, they will continue to elect more and more extreme leaders to represent them (riding on the wave of anti-Palestinian resentment). Sharon was alleged war criminal for christ's sake.

Similarly, while Israel continues to punish the entire Palestinian people for the actions of various groups and individuals in its midst, the Palestinians too will move farther and farther away from even the possibility of diplomacy. You knock over someone's house - you're telling me that that isn't going to piss off someone enough to at least beat up and Israeli citizen or put a brick through the window!?

Noone seems to understand this - that short sighted action for perceived short term gain is destroying any possibilty of a resolution that won't end except in massive bloodshed.

Unless such a solution can be found, I firmly believe that this will be the foundation of a new world war. Surely something noone wants.

[Veiled Princess 1]

How wonderful for all of us that we can sit here behind out computer screen and discuss/debate/argue/fight over the politics of it all while those people are stuck in the middle of it. Future TV is airing live coverage and I'll tell you it's pretty hard to be sympathetic and understanding on behald of the Israelis when the hospital staff in Lebanon is piling dead babies up on the floor, covered in blankets, for lack of room to store the bodies!

[dalegg 143]

Unless such a solution can be found, I firmly believe that this will be the foundation of a new world war. Surely something noone wants.

I agree with half of that statement, but I cannot believe that "no one" over there wants a world war. In fact I think that's exactly what a lot of people over there want. What is Jihad anyway? Is this not THE opportunity of a lifetime? But as Allies against Israel, Hezbollah may have done to Iraq what Japan did to Germany by attacking Pearl Harbor. If this thing heats up too much more and Israel even suspects that Iran is aiding the cause, America and the rest of the world won't have to worry about Iran's nuclear ambitions for much longer. You'd think President Ahmadinejad would be pissed off at Hezbollah for this latest move, but somehow I just don't think they are.

[*Robert* 2]

The entire world (except the USA) is condemning Israel for their actions... hmm.. why not us too..

cause usa is israel sugar daddy

More like b*tch We send them lots of money and they tell us to go f*uck ourselves.

Both you guys got it right!!!

One thing about Israel... they don't take $hit from anybody!!! When they keep the peace, they attack! If you attack them with a knive, they come back with a canon!

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

One thing about Israel... they don't take $hit from anybody!!! When they keep the peace, they attack! If you attack them with a knive, they come back with a canon!

They attack you with....

cameras?

a body of literary works?

a priest?

articles of religous law?

Sorry, I couldn't resist. I know what you mean

[Nikita2Charles 32]

AP: An Israeli missile incinerated a van in south Lebanon, killing 20 people, among them 15 children, in the deadliest single attack of the four-day-old campaign launched by Israel after Hizbollah captured two of its soldiers and killed eight

[Nikita2Charles 32]

AP: An Israeli missile incinerated a van in south Lebanon, killing 20 people, among them 15 children, in the deadliest single attack of the four-day-old campaign launched by Israel after Hizbollah captured two of its soldiers and killed eight

[Nikita2Charles 32]

Is she a terrorist or victim?

[dalegg 143]

AP: An Israeli missile incinerated a van in south Lebanon, killing 20 people, among them 15 children, in the deadliest single attack of the four-day-old campaign launched by Israel after Hizbollah captured two of its soldiers and killed eight

And the President of Iran urged Lebanon to use restraint when retaliating...Okay. I just made that up.

[Ban Hammer 13,678]

How wonderful for all of us that we can sit here behind out computer screen and discuss/debate/argue/fight over the politics of it all while those people are stuck in the middle of it. Future TV is airing live coverage and I'll tell you it's pretty hard to be sympathetic and understanding on behald of the Israelis when the hospital staff in Lebanon is piling dead babies up on the floor, covered in blankets, for lack of room to store the bodies!

replace lebanon with israel and you have the description of a suicide bomber

when the hospital staff in *israel* is piling dead babies up on the floor, covered in blankets, for lack of room to store the bodies!

now your next point, sis?

Edited July 15, 2006 by charlesandnessa

[*Robert* 2]

One thing about Israel... they don't take $hit from anybody!!! When they keep the peace, they attack! If you attack them with a knive, they come back with a canon!

They attack you with....

cameras?

a body of literary works?

a priest?

articles of religous law?

Sorry, I couldn't resist. I know what you mean

No problem! Doesn't hurt to lighten things up everyonce in awhile!

[mawilson 2,133]

iceyspots,

Please answer Merc's question:

Your comment suggests that they should have negotiated.....negotitated what? People crossed the border and took their soldiers hostage.....on what grounds should they have to negotiate?

[dalegg 143]

iceyspots,

Please answer Merc's question:

Your comment suggests that they should have negotiated.....negotitated what? People crossed the border and took their soldiers hostage.....on what grounds should they have to negotiate?

Israel does in fact have a history of negotiating the release of their soldiers and civilians who have been taken hostage. They've been known to make lopsided deals releasing prisoners for a few Israelis before. Israel places a value on the lives of individual soldiers that is in stark contrast to that which Hamas or Hezbollah do, and these groups know that. This is why they kidnapped them in the first place. They know that their demands are not altogether far-fetched. I suspect that someone like Egypt will come in an broker a more reasonable exchange deal that will allow Hezbollah to save face, or even come out looking heroic while a cease fire and end to this is secured.

This result would be very problematic for both Israel and Lebanon though. If any of the prisoners on the demand list are released by Israel now, it would validate Hezbollah's cause and gain them more political power in Lebanon, something neither Isreel or the majority of Lebanese really want. This is exactly why you see this extreme reaction by Israel. They can not and will not tolerate a stronger Hezbollah.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

One thing about Israel... they don't take $hit from anybody!!! When they keep the peace, they attack! If you attack them with a knive, they come back with a canon!

They have to. They are surrounded by countries that want Israel wiped off the map.

Edited July 15, 2006 by LuckyStrike

[mawilson 2,133]

I think Israel should release 1000 Arab prisoners in exchange for the 2 soldiers.

Lebanon will need all the help they can get to rebuild their country and I'm sure

they could use a few extra hands