The Israelis are widely expected to bring the offensive to a halt in the next few days, but I’m not certain they will.

Why should then until the job is done? Until Hamas recognizes Israel’s right to exist (cold day in hell) or abdicates its power in Gaza (next coldest day in hell), Israel’s only choice is the outright emasculation of every single Hamas terrorist that still has a heartbeat.

As for the alleged international scorn–screw it. European and UN apologists are never on Israel’s side and are just gunning for another excuse to offer up their mock outrage. Who gives a crap what they think. They never have, and never will, come to Israel’s defense.

Israel–rock on. Do what you have to do to survive.

Have you anyone who could fill those shoes?

dcpolwarth on January 17, 2009 at 11:37 AM

Bibi can.

I am hoping that when he wins the election, he announces that Sharon made a grave mistake by pulling out of Gaza. I hope he says that Israel considers itself responsible for permitting conditions to exist which allowed Hamas to terrorize the neighborhood.

Then he should announce that the IDF is not leaving, and that the Israeli (not call them Jewish) settlers are coming back. He should announce that Gaza is annexed and will be the Hong Kong (old style) of the middle east.

The new slogan for Gaza? “As Gaza stands up, Israel will stand down.” Screw agreements – FORCE a two-party solution.

But don’t give up hope. Back in the bad old days of Irish terrorism, Britain was considered the bad guy like Israel is now. People got swept up in the romance of the little guy taking on the big government, and pounced on any violation by the government as a sign that they were evil. Crimes carried out by terrorists never seem to arouse the same sort of ire as those by states.

Like Hamas, IRA/Sinn Fein had huge financial support. Most of this came from Americans who were all too keen to see English people blown apart on the news. The fact is the troubles of Northern Ireland were almost solely funded by the citizens of the United States. The bloodshed would not stop, and no matter how many were bombed, the government were always the bad guys. Like Israel now, the situation seemed hopeless.

There is a connection to the Middle East and Northern Ireland that few know about. Not many Americans are aware that Sinn Fein is a Marxist Communist political party that exported their sophisticated bomb-making and booby trap plans to other terrorist ‘brothers’ around the world, such as the Columbian FARC. Assassinations and bombings were an Irish specialty. The Middle East connection occurs in the strong pro-Palestinian stance of the IRA. They hate Jews, and they really hate Israelis. Being one of the wealthiest political parties in Europe, I would not be surprised if Sinn Fein had donated money to Palestinian organisations in the past. Might be worth Googling. If you’ve ever donated money to Sinn Fein, you could well have just paid for the bullet or the bomb that killed an Israeli. Knock yourself out.

Political contacts were made secretly with Sinn Fein, and the peace process started. Once people start talking, the bullshit stops, and flaws on both sides appear. It is true that the Irish Catholics were not treated as well as they might have been. This was to our shame. Their grievances were heard by all, and the political system provided a solution of sorts. In turn, the crimes and horrors of the IRA were exposed, the bodies dug up, and the criminal drug-dealing and extortion rackets wound down to a lower level.

Britain is no longer seen as the evil murderers we once were. Sinn Fein/IRA are no longer treated with heroic status in America, especially after 9/11. America has quietly chosen to forget the role it played in Irish terrorism. And the same could happen to Israel and the Palestinians.

Let me paint you a picture:

Imagine grandchildren in Israel playing happily with their Muslim neighbours. They laugh, have fun. There is no fear, no walls, no checkpoints. Their parents trade jokes, having long been business partners. They live in a beautiful land were politics is about water companies not killing.

What you be willing to give up for that future? What Israeli settlements are so important they cannot be traded for this? What tyrant is so evil that you will not talk to them, even if it meant that this future could come to pass?

You are right that it takes two sides to seek a resolution. But Clinton almost arranged it before, and there will be a time when the chance will arise again. Perhaps not tomorrow or next month, but one day, there will be a chance to talk.

Killing is a young man’s game. There are many older people I am sure on the Palestinian side who are getting tired of it. People with influence. If you could open a channel to them, there really could be a great future for Israel and the Palestinians. And the politician who did that would lauded as a true hero.

Have you anyone who could fill those shoes?

It seems to me that the real tragedy of Israel is the lack of effective politicians. Their army may be excellent, but the Palestinians run rings around the Israeli politicians. Until Israel gets effective political leadership, they are doomed to be considered the ‘bad guy’ of the Middle East. I know that’s not how it is, but in the political game, perception is everything.

Just ask Hamas.

dcpolwarth on January 17, 2009 at 6:54 AM

There’s a lot of truth in what you posted, but I think that as long as Israel is supported by the US, they will always be the “bad guy” in the ME — especially in the eyes of the Euroleft. No matter what Israel does. To them, Israel’s very existence is an affront. After all, Israel’s existence does provide respectability to the old anti-semitic attitudes.

First off, lets state the obvious: tt does not surprise me that the IDF took care of Hamas’ elite units. After all, the Israeli military is by and large a well-respected and effective force with years of experience and good intelligence. Furthermore, they have a cause they believe in. The result was never in doubt. But to my mind the quality of the IDF has now become a hindrance to the goals of the Israelis. It’s too good.

I know that sounds like a dumb thing to say, but bear with me. The military has become a tool the Israeli politicians are increasingly turning to for solutions. Yes its an effective fighting force, but an army by and large can only break things. They are no good for finding lasting political solutions, and ultimately the problems in Palestine have to be sorted out through agreement.

I am aware that no one likes politics when they are under threat. Coming from the UK, I know what it’s like to live under the threat of Irish terrorism, and talking to someone who wants to cut your throat is not appealing. Military solutions seem so much cleaner, so much less dirty. But sometimes you need a weasel politician to go in and do the dirty work, even if it feels unpleasant. Because politics may be dirty, but its very effective when dealing with a problem that cannot be solved with missiles or bullets.

Hamas is not an armed force. Its a propoganda force. It is not some kind of honourable military opponent worthy of the IDF, but rather a wicked, ruthless terrorist organisation who seeks to cause as much damage to the civilians they represent in order to further their own aims. And lest anyone forget, the aims of Hamas are not to further the Palestinian cause, but to further the Iranian cause by proxy.

Hamas are propoganda genuises. They give the Palestinians aid of sorts, keen to show the world their welfare system. But they also take away the future of the Palestinians they claim to help, denying them the possibility of peace or prosperity. And they fill them with black propoganda, beating or killing those who do not share their nihilistic ideology.

How do you defeat such an enemy? The Israelis have chosen their military as a weapon of choice, but for me, this is a mistake. Propoganda can only be fought through illumination and truth. To fight it with bombs, and the inevitable deaths this cause, is simply to play to Hamas’ strength.

It seems to me that the real tragedy of Israel is the lack of effective politicians. Their army may be excellent, but the Palestinians run rings around the Israeli politicians. Until Israel gets effective political leadership, they are doomed to be considered the ‘bad guy’ of the Middle East. I know that’s not how it is, but in the political game, perception is everything.

Just ask Hamas.

The terrorists had been trained in infantry tactics, the use of anti-tank missiles and the detonation of explosives, among other skills….

Apparently, basic rifle marksmanship wasn’t part of the course. The Muj can’t shoot. This is why the casualties even in a Talibani ambush is so lopsided…for the ambushees.
The temptation of select-fire weapons is just too great on men from a society with a perpetual inferiority complex. They’ve just gotta go full auto (AKA spray and pray).

Unfortunately there are are not enough serious “Moms” (since neither of these women have been there) in diplomatic positions, who wouldn’t know a stick from a carrot.

G-d bless the IDF and condemn the Hamas to perdition.

Seriously – Islamic terrorists remind me of rednecks playing with fire. “Hey, watch, I can make explosi—BOOOM”.

hawksruleva on January 16, 2009 at 2:23 PM

Easy now. “Rednecks playing with fire” is pretty much the US military.

–redneck who formerly played with fire

A big Bravo Zulu to the Zahal! Keep up the good work, boys!

As for Hamas, you live by the sword, you die by the sword.
Israel is not one to be messed with. The one and only true God will see to that.

To borrow a line from YouTube: Leave Israel ALONE.

Apparently Hamas’ plan was to provoke a modern and well equipped military force that had been training for this situation for the past several years with no other plan than “They won’t retaliate in force.”

Wow. Well, HAMAS THIS IS YOUR WAKEUP CALL! Should Israel decide to show mercy (and I’m all for kicking murderous terrorists when they’re down) I highly suguest that you consider seeking a REAL peace.

Naaah. Even if they “Surrendered” I wouldn’t trust them to abide by it.

I say take this opportunity to eliminate Hamas.

“War to the knife, knife to the hilt”

Nathan Bedford Forrest, 1862

All you need to know about Muslim soldiers/terrorists is they beat their women. Cowards the bunch.

Another fun fact about these charming dudes is that they all rape their young, defenseless nephews.

It’s a time-honored tradition, nephew rape is.

Kinda accounts for why they’re such stand up guys later on in life.

The IDF and Israeli government should consider completing the rout of Hamas rather than worry about timetables at this point.

Oh yeah. Agreed. Then turn around and go after Hassan Nasrallah and his Hezbollah baby killers.

The next time you tell someone to stop “or else”… bingo, they stop.

Doubleplusgood Infotainment Exclusive!!!!!
"Pull the trigger and away he goes after the Infidel war planes," said Achmed during a break between classes at the UN school.
Achmed, the only remaining Hamas weapons maker, shows off his new weapon…

Seriously, look at the numerous AMERICAN Italians that fought for the US in WWII, they did their country and nationality proud!

I agree– my dad’s buddy in World War II (82nd Airborne) was an Italian American from the Scranton area. Bumba (his family nickname) was an awesome paratrooper as well as a good friend to my dad. Our families have been close ever since the war.

You’re either American or you’re Italian. Make up your mind. If you’re hyphenated, then choose the latter, and live with the history of not having won any significant battles since about 100 A.D.

I lived in Italy for 6 years in the 1980′s. We had the Achilli Lauro mastermind and principle perpetrator in our hands on Italian soil, and the pansies gave him back after fighting us for jurisdiction, because they were afraid that there would be more terrorist bombing if they held onto him.

In the words of Dr. Phil, “How’s that workin’ out for you?”