So What's the Take?

[TexKan]

I was just wondering how folks feel about the latest in the Isreal / Hezbellah stuff. I thought Isreal could do a swift job at letting Lebonon's govt actually be a govt. I'm not so sure now - how's the rest of the folks feelin on this?

[lurker]

OK, I'll bite.

So far the Jews have been playing nice so we'll prolly keep them as friends unless (and until) other media influences change the polling numbers; then we'll prolly switch sides and play the middle with a distinct lean into the oil-ers camp.

Historically, privileged Jews in European and other countries have aroused resentment which became persecution of Jews, often after a major political or economic change. American policy presently favors Israel and seeks to preserve America as arbiter of the balance of power in a protracted Middle East conflict—but that could change any time. Arabs could buy journalists and media and turn American voters against Israel. Jewish influence in media diminishes as ownership shifts to corporations lacking individual controlling Jewish shareholders. Jews also hold relatively fewer jobs in media outlets.

Source is unknown.

[TexKan]

It was just a question - it seems that with all the talk on any of these boards that this topic has been painfully avoided. I don't particularly have a "one sided" opinion. I don't see it as a jewish thing I see it as a real disaster all the way around. I have been thinking tho that eventually it will be our fault as always. Seems it's turning that direction now. I think it is so sad that Lebanon is sort of being held hostage and sadder yet that Isreal has failed to accomplish what most of thought it would in a short amount of time. I was just wondering if this mess is bothering anyone else? Not trying to get anyone in trouble.............. cept me probably - but then I don't take one side or the other - I see both sides but was wondering what most folks thought the outcome would be. Do ya think we should keep open dialoge with our enemies like we used to during the cold war? Seems it would be helpful bout now. Ya know - keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.......... just my thoughts

[Made in the USA]

The Muslim TV stations played a smiling Condoleeza Rice shaking hands with the Israeli Prime Minister. Her proposed trip to Lebanon was canceled due to riots and violence at the US Embassy. Thus, the ragheads are riled up as usual.

My solution to the entire mess: Either the whole damn region, or get the hell out of there and let them all kill each other!!

[lurker]

Our Foreign Policies change as often as we change Presidents.

No Country can count on US (that's U. S.) for more than 4 years..... or sooner (think JFK-LBJ)

[Highwayman]

Originally Posted by TexKan

...I have been thinking tho that eventually it will be our fault as always. Seems it's turning that direction now.....

That’s about right. If we jump in on either side, we’ll catch Hell. If we stay out of it, we’ll catch Hell. It’s a loose/loose situation for US.

Hezbollah is a pawn of Iran and this is a proxy war for Iran. It draws attention away from Iran and their nuclear enrichment program.

I learned a long time ago that you shouldn’t screw with Israel. They haven’t lasted this long be being wimps. I expect another bloody week or two before a multi-national force gets deployed along the border.

[TexKan]

Yeah all those are my thoughts too - but with multi national forces (UN) the whole place always goes to hell and that's where we wind up next. Course it's a short trip since we are there already........... I just thought Isreal would have whooped ass already..... I hear that they have tape of Hezbellah dressed in civies ridin on tank launchers - there fore the claim of them hiding behind civilian deaths when they themselves use the civie dress as cover.

[Highwayman]

Multi-national forces would have to be more like NATO instead of UN. The UN forces there now have been in bed with Hezbollah and rocket attacks have been launched from UN outposts.

Israel could have whooped ass already if they pulled out all the stops. Unlike Hezbollah, Israel attempts to avoid deliberate civilian causalities. Hard to do when your enemy hides behind women and children and uses the collateral damage for propaganda.

[K C Muffin]

Originally Posted by Highwayman

Hard to do when your enemy hides behind women and children and uses the collateral damage for propaganda.

Hmmmm. Didn't I hear this same problem in Viet Nam? I'm beginning to see a lot of links. Don't like it one bit. Might not be my boys over there, but they're somebody's and we need to kick ass and get back home. We're spread too thin and it's scary.

[Highwayman]

Originally Posted by K C Muffin

Hmmmm. Didn't I hear this same problem in Viet Nam? I'm beginning to see a lot of links.....

Right on Muffin. The biggest mistake that our society makes during wars is thinking that the enemy shares our morals and values. They often understand what we find repulsive and don’t hesitate to use it against us.