At least 10 activists dead, dozens hurt in flotilla clashes

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

I just want peace for Palestine and Israel. But with these constant conflicts arising, neither side is innocent. In this case, Israel is the instigator! Just as Hitler did to the Jews, the Jews are doing to the Palestinians; very sad! Protests are said to take place in front of the Israeli Embassy in San Francisco

Fatah is the future of Palestine not Hamas. Hamas is such an extreme organization that peace can never occur while it is active. We can argue the effectiveness of the blockade but again remember its not just Israel who is involved its also Egypt.

There is no Israeli Embassy in SF, just so you know. Only a consulate general.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

You need to do some research before you look like an idiot. The Israeli soldiers were armed with non-lethal rifles such as paintball guns.

Who takes paintball guns to a street fight? Now, who is being naive? I don't believe that for a second.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Who takes paintball guns to a street fight? Now, who is being naive? I don't believe that for a second.

What humanitarian would beat a person with a metal rod? I also don't believe THAT for a second.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

While Israel will get the nose bleed from this incident, it appears that those on the ship were looking for a violent confrontation. They got it.

yup

Goooooo Israel!!!

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

What humanitarian would beat a person with a metal rod? I also don't believe THAT for a second.

Both sides were looking for a fight, at least on the one ship that was prepared to repel boarders. That metal rod looked more like aluminum bracing or scaffolding, as did the wooden "clubs" the IDF was showing in the press release. But some of the knives and a few other items also shown did show that that activists were ready to rumble.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Both sides were looking for a fight, at least on the one ship that was prepared to repel boarders. That metal rod looked more like aluminum bracing or scaffolding, as did the wooden "clubs" the IDF was showing in the press release. But some of the knives and a few other items also shown did show that that activists were ready to rumble.

Its obvious the IDF were NOT looking for a fight. They wouldn't have tried to board the vessel in the way they did, those commandos were sitting ducks! Seriously, what military would enter an engagement by dropping a guy into a group of 30 people? If they had wanted to board aggressively they would have cleared the deck first, either with gas or water cannon.

[SMR 368]

Who takes paintball guns to a street fight? Now, who is being naive? I don't believe that for a second.

What street fight? My understanding is that they were boarding a boat of peace activists. Or are you acknowledging that the "activists" planned a street fight?

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Full circle.

They have gone from Islamo-fascists to Islamic terrorists to terrorists, to insurgents, to "activists" Oh for Chrissake they are acting like the IDF attacked animal rights activists or something. Why don't we just blow ourselves up? Oh, yeah, some birdbrains say we did.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Surely the key issue is the ship being in international waters...

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Surely the key issue is the ship being in international waters...

I think Pooky's explanation on this is pretty accurate. I wonder how many times the British government stopped shipping in international waters? More than 300 times? 500 times?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

What street fight? My understanding is that they were boarding a boat of peace activists. Or are you acknowledging that the "activists" planned a street fight?

A confrontation was planned, and was expected by both sides. Six ships didn't suddenly appear, and neither did the Israeli operation to seize to the vessels before they reached the blockade. The story was discussed all last week on Middle Eastern news services, including those in Israel. The ships that are to follow on from Italy are also being currently talked about as well in the public and state media.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

A confrontation was planned, and was expected by both sides. Six ships didn't suddenly appear, and neither did the Israeli operation to seize to the vessels before they reached the blockade. The story was discussed all last week on Middle Eastern news services, including those in Israel. The ships that are to follow on from Italy are also being currently talked about as well in the public and state media.

Of course it was planned, its a blockade after all. But its obvious the IDF weren't expecting to get into a tumble like they did on that ship, otherwise their commander was severely incompetent for sending them in such a defenseless manner.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I think Pooky's explanation on this is pretty accurate. I wonder how many times the British government stopped shipping in international waters? More than 300 times? 500 times?

This isn't the 18th or 19th century.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

This isn't the 18th or 19th century.

Or the 20th I suppose.........think Cuban crisis

Edited June 1, 2010 by Sousuke

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Or the 20th I suppose.........think Cuban crisis

A good lesson, perhaps, when looked at in total, and how close the US brought the world to nuclear exchange. Not exactly JFK's finest moment.