Comments on: Lebanon 2006 redux http://mondoweiss.net/2009/01/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html The War of Ideas in the Middle East Mon, 28 May 2012 09:13:32 +0000 hourly 1 By: Lysander http://mondoweiss.net/2009/01/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html/comment-page-1#comment-41097 Lysander Mon, 29 Nov 1999 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweiss/2009/01/04/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html#comment-41097 <p>"Also similar to Lebanon the goals for the attack seem to be changing midstream. Originally the goals of the Israeli attacks on Gaza were to end the missiles being fired on southern Israel. Now the "regional objectives" are increasingly being articulated as removing Hamas from power. A goal the New York Times adds "almost no one familiar with Gaza and Palestinian politics considers .. realistic." </p> <p>It's a bit different as Israel's goals are becoming more expansive this time.</p> <p>In '06 they became more and more modest with time. As the great Billomon put it they started off saying Hizbollah delenda est to Hizb must be pushed north of the Litani to Hizb must be "weakened" to, finally, it sure would be nice if someone could get Hizb to stop firing missiles at us.</p> <p>We will know in the next day or two how well the ground war is going for them by what demands Israel makes. Frankly, though, Israel can't afford to be seen as having lost twice in a row, especially before an election.</p> <p>So its going to be bloody.</p> "Also similar to Lebanon the goals for the attack seem to be changing midstream. Originally the goals of the Israeli attacks on Gaza were to end the missiles being fired on southern Israel. Now the "regional objectives" are increasingly being articulated as removing Hamas from power. A goal the New York Times adds "almost no one familiar with Gaza and Palestinian politics considers .. realistic."

It's a bit different as Israel's goals are becoming more expansive this time.

In '06 they became more and more modest with time. As the great Billomon put it they started off saying Hizbollah delenda est to Hizb must be pushed north of the Litani to Hizb must be "weakened" to, finally, it sure would be nice if someone could get Hizb to stop firing missiles at us.

We will know in the next day or two how well the ground war is going for them by what demands Israel makes. Frankly, though, Israel can't afford to be seen as having lost twice in a row, especially before an election.

So its going to be bloody.

]]> By: Rowan Berkeley http://mondoweiss.net/2009/01/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html/comment-page-1#comment-41098 Rowan Berkeley Mon, 29 Nov 1999 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweiss/2009/01/04/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html#comment-41098 <p>uh huh, same old, same old, devils never learn.</p> uh huh, same old, same old, devils never learn.

]]> By: Eva Smagacz http://mondoweiss.net/2009/01/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html/comment-page-1#comment-41099 Eva Smagacz Mon, 29 Nov 1999 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweiss/2009/01/04/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html#comment-41099 <p>View from Independent, UK: <br /> Mark Steel:</p> <p>When you read the statements from Israeli and US politicians, and try to match them with the pictures of devastation, there seems to be only one explanation. They must have one of those conditions, called something like "Visual Carnage Responsibility Back To Front Upside Down Massacre Disorder".</p> <p>For example, Condoleezza Rice, having observed that more than 300 Gazans were dead, said: "We are deeply concerned about the escalating violence. We strongly condemn the attacks on Israel and hold Hamas responsible."</p> <p>Someone should ask her to comment on teenage knife-crime, to see if she'd say: "I strongly condemn the people who've been stabbed, and until they abandon their practice of wandering around clutching their sides and bleeding, there is no hope for peace."</p> <p>The Israeli government suffers terribly from this confusion. They probably have adverts on Israeli television in which a man falls off a ladder and screams, "Eeeeugh", then a voice says, "Have you caused an accident at work in the last 12 months?" and the bloke who pushed him gets £3,000.</p> <p>The gap between the might of Israel's F-16 bombers and Apache helicopters, and the Palestinians' catapulty thing is so ridiculous that to try and portray the situation as between two equal sides requires the imagination of a children's story writer.</p> <p>The reporter on News at Ten said the rockets "may be ineffective, but they ARE symbolic." So they might not have weapons but they have got symbolism, the canny brutes.</p> <p>It's no wonder the Israeli Air Force had to demolish a few housing estates, otherwise Hamas might have tried to mock Israel through a performance of expressive dance.(...)</p> <p>You sure have freedom of expression and free press in US?</p> View from Independent, UK:
Mark Steel:

When you read the statements from Israeli and US politicians, and try to match them with the pictures of devastation, there seems to be only one explanation. They must have one of those conditions, called something like "Visual Carnage Responsibility Back To Front Upside Down Massacre Disorder".

For example, Condoleezza Rice, having observed that more than 300 Gazans were dead, said: "We are deeply concerned about the escalating violence. We strongly condemn the attacks on Israel and hold Hamas responsible."

Someone should ask her to comment on teenage knife-crime, to see if she'd say: "I strongly condemn the people who've been stabbed, and until they abandon their practice of wandering around clutching their sides and bleeding, there is no hope for peace."

The Israeli government suffers terribly from this confusion. They probably have adverts on Israeli television in which a man falls off a ladder and screams, "Eeeeugh", then a voice says, "Have you caused an accident at work in the last 12 months?" and the bloke who pushed him gets £3,000.

The gap between the might of Israel's F-16 bombers and Apache helicopters, and the Palestinians' catapulty thing is so ridiculous that to try and portray the situation as between two equal sides requires the imagination of a children's story writer.

The reporter on News at Ten said the rockets "may be ineffective, but they ARE symbolic." So they might not have weapons but they have got symbolism, the canny brutes.

It's no wonder the Israeli Air Force had to demolish a few housing estates, otherwise Hamas might have tried to mock Israel through a performance of expressive dance.(…)

You sure have freedom of expression and free press in US?

]]> By: A blogger from Lebanon http://mondoweiss.net/2009/01/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html/comment-page-1#comment-41100 A blogger from Lebanon Mon, 29 Nov 1999 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweiss/2009/01/04/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html#comment-41100 <p>It is pretty much confirmed : Hamas has captured two more israeli soldiers, who are alive. And dozens of tanks have been destroyed, according to both Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and many israeli soldiers are dead and injured. On the other end, complete blackout on what is happening in Gaza except for a report here and there on aerial bombardment of Gaza and killing of Palestinians. The military censor must be having a very busy day.<br /> About two hours ago, Ha'aretz ticker mentioned that the IDF denied the news that 2 of its soldiers had been captured. A few seconds later, the item disappeared, to be replaced with an item saying IDF has confiscated IDF soldiers' personal cellphones. This was I guess a confirmation that indeed many Israeli soldiers had fallen in an ambush after Hamas managed to listen in to their conversations with parents, etc. about their whereabouts, and their radio communications with base as well. So it is just as likely that Hamas's claim is true. In fact, on Ha'aretz Hebrew version just now (you won't see this in the English version btw), IDF spokesman said they were "checking" out the validity of the story about the 2 captured soldiers. The israeli army is in a mess, and they have lost control over pretty much everything. the most they can do at this point is intensify their aerial bombardment. Which is pretty much something that the Gaza Strip has been living for the past 8 days anyway , and for the past 40 years too.</p> It is pretty much confirmed : Hamas has captured two more israeli soldiers, who are alive. And dozens of tanks have been destroyed, according to both Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and many israeli soldiers are dead and injured. On the other end, complete blackout on what is happening in Gaza except for a report here and there on aerial bombardment of Gaza and killing of Palestinians. The military censor must be having a very busy day.
About two hours ago, Ha'aretz ticker mentioned that the IDF denied the news that 2 of its soldiers had been captured. A few seconds later, the item disappeared, to be replaced with an item saying IDF has confiscated IDF soldiers' personal cellphones. This was I guess a confirmation that indeed many Israeli soldiers had fallen in an ambush after Hamas managed to listen in to their conversations with parents, etc. about their whereabouts, and their radio communications with base as well. So it is just as likely that Hamas's claim is true. In fact, on Ha'aretz Hebrew version just now (you won't see this in the English version btw), IDF spokesman said they were "checking" out the validity of the story about the 2 captured soldiers. The israeli army is in a mess, and they have lost control over pretty much everything. the most they can do at this point is intensify their aerial bombardment. Which is pretty much something that the Gaza Strip has been living for the past 8 days anyway , and for the past 40 years too.

]]> By: A blogger from Lebanon http://mondoweiss.net/2009/01/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html/comment-page-1#comment-41101 A blogger from Lebanon Mon, 29 Nov 1999 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweiss/2009/01/04/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html#comment-41101 <p>It is important to note that the zionist propaganda machine has become so ridiculous than nobody, certainly not Arabs and Muslims, believe an ounce of what is reported on Israeli news and at the mouths of IDF spokespersons or politicians. Basically, whatever little deterrence that was left of the so-called "army" of israel , has gone down the Gazan sewage pipes. Israel is walking rapidly towards self-destruction.</p> It is important to note that the zionist propaganda machine has become so ridiculous than nobody, certainly not Arabs and Muslims, believe an ounce of what is reported on Israeli news and at the mouths of IDF spokespersons or politicians. Basically, whatever little deterrence that was left of the so-called "army" of israel , has gone down the Gazan sewage pipes. Israel is walking rapidly towards self-destruction.

]]> By: Richard Witty http://mondoweiss.net/2009/01/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html/comment-page-1#comment-41102 Richard Witty Mon, 29 Nov 1999 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweiss/2009/01/04/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html#comment-41102 <p>http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1052549.html</p> <p>Shin Bet Chief: Hamas has eased its demands for a cease-fire with Israel<br /> By Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent<br /> Tags: Yuval Diskin, Hamas, Shin Bet </p> <p>Head of the Shin Bet General Security Services Yuval Diskin told a cabinet meeting Sunday that Hamas had eased its demands on a cease-fire with Israel, nine days after a IDF operation in Gaza began.</p> <p>"There are signs that Hamas has softened their stance towards the conditions of a cease fire," Diskin said. </p> <p>"The organization [Hamas] took a serious blow, we killed hundreds of terrorists and damaged their ability to build weaponry," Yadlin said.</p> <p>Yadlin also addressed the standing of Hamas in the Palestinian populace and throughout the world, saying that serious criticism of the organization is on the rise.</p> <p>"Hamas has made itself an object of hatred in the world and the region, casting themselves amongst the lepers of the world, with Iran and Syria," Yadlin said.</p> <p>He also said that while Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal in Damascus shows himself "smiling in his office in Damascus, the leaders in Gaza are dug into burrows."<br /> </p> http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1052549.html

Shin Bet Chief: Hamas has eased its demands for a cease-fire with Israel
By Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent
Tags: Yuval Diskin, Hamas, Shin Bet

Head of the Shin Bet General Security Services Yuval Diskin told a cabinet meeting Sunday that Hamas had eased its demands on a cease-fire with Israel, nine days after a IDF operation in Gaza began.

"There are signs that Hamas has softened their stance towards the conditions of a cease fire," Diskin said.

"The organization [Hamas] took a serious blow, we killed hundreds of terrorists and damaged their ability to build weaponry," Yadlin said.

Yadlin also addressed the standing of Hamas in the Palestinian populace and throughout the world, saying that serious criticism of the organization is on the rise.

"Hamas has made itself an object of hatred in the world and the region, casting themselves amongst the lepers of the world, with Iran and Syria," Yadlin said.

He also said that while Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal in Damascus shows himself "smiling in his office in Damascus, the leaders in Gaza are dug into burrows."

]]> By: Eva Smagacz http://mondoweiss.net/2009/01/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html/comment-page-1#comment-41103 Eva Smagacz Mon, 29 Nov 1999 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweiss/2009/01/04/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html#comment-41103 <p>I've read it on one of the blogs:</p> <p>For Israel it is not so much a case of ticking bombs, but of bombing ticks.....</p> <p>"ethnocentricity" encapsulated. </p> <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iZAh1Ljaezc/SV9PwwiavyI/AAAAAAAAAMc/6nIvNNrTR_E/s1600-h/74358841204371294.jpg" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iZAh1Ljaezc/SV9PwwiavyI/AAAAAAAAAMc/6nIvNNrTR_E/s320/74358841204371294.jpg" alt=""></a><br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iZAh1Ljaezc/SV9PwwiavyI/AAAAAAAAAMc/6nIvNNrTR_E/s1600-h/74358841204371294.jpg" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iZAh1Ljaezc/SV9OzgfUxLI/AAAAAAAAALc/WRl80qM9thc/s320/6martyr+amira+abu+%27assr+5m8im.jpg" alt=""></a><br /> </p> I've read it on one of the blogs:

For Israel it is not so much a case of ticking bombs, but of bombing ticks…..

"ethnocentricity" encapsulated.


]]> By: Eva Smagacz http://mondoweiss.net/2009/01/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html/comment-page-1#comment-41104 Eva Smagacz Mon, 29 Nov 1999 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweiss/2009/01/04/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html#comment-41104 <p></p> <p>.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iZAh1Ljaezc/SV9PwwiavyI/AAAAAAAAAMc/6nIvNNrTR_E/s1600-h/74358841204371294.jpg" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://onestamente.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/israel_collective_punishment_by_latuff21.jpg?w=495&h=318" alt=""></a><br /> </p>

.

]]> By: America http://mondoweiss.net/2009/01/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html/comment-page-1#comment-41105 America Mon, 29 Nov 1999 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweiss/2009/01/04/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html#comment-41105 <p>EVA can't do a thing without invoking the holocaust. The store is out of size 56 knickers, it's the holocaust . </p> EVA can't do a thing without invoking the holocaust. The store is out of size 56 knickers, it's the holocaust .

]]> By: Jim Haygood http://mondoweiss.net/2009/01/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html/comment-page-1#comment-41106 Jim Haygood Mon, 29 Nov 1999 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweiss/2009/01/04/shades-of-the-2006-lebanon-war.html#comment-41106 <p>The nulliparous Rice wouldn't know about 'birth pangs,' which is probably why the menopausal spinster regards them as painless.</p> The nulliparous Rice wouldn't know about 'birth pangs,' which is probably why the menopausal spinster regards them as painless.

]]>