tamouh said:
Someone with an ego and military might will think lets crush them (just like Ariel Sharon thought will crush the PLO). Someone with a little bit more brain will seek a UN reoslution condemning Hezbollah attack, pressure the Lebanese government (threaten if necessary) to control its borders. Lebanon is a major ally to the US after the Syrians have withdrawn, this would have given a great opportunity to strengthen the US/Lebanese relationship, at the end swap prisoners with Lebanon (which will eventually happen).
UN. :rofl:
But seriously, if Lebanon was such a friend to the US, then why didn't they make loud and aggressive appeals for help to dig out the Hezbollah militants running a good part of their country? And why couldn't they do that now?
tamouh said:
Look guys, I'm not here to insult anyone's knowledge or intelligence, and I claim not to know more than you do. But I know about the ME more than many of you do because I've lived there and seen how this conflict has progressed. You want to be serious and open-minded to learn what the middle east, I'll do my best. But if we're here to make sarcastic remarks on each others then we shouldn't bother asking the questions..
Technically, there are a bunch of people here that know a lot
more than
we do. Would you entertain the idea that because you are a product of that region (Jordan wasn't it?) you may have a bit of a cultural bias, and are a bit too close to the issue to be objective? Not an accusation, just a thought.
tamouh said:
Briefly, In the ME nothing changes....everything moves in a circle. Therefore, your best bet to know the future is to know the true history of events and guaranteed you'll see them repeat themselves many times over. When Hezbollah attacked the Israeli post, though I was hoping for peaceful solution, judging by the actions of previous Israeli governments, it was guaranteed that Israel would attack. Hezbollah I'm sure knew that off hand.
Jeez, that's kind of a bleak attitude. Nothing ever gets better? Well then why not leave the war going and let them fight to the last one standing? Perhaps Israel is sick of nothing getting better or changing, and are acting accordingly. I agree that Hezbollah probably kicked the wasps nest with the full knowledge that a retaliatory strike would occur. However, the political mouthpiece for Hezbollah has already stated that he didn't expect
this reaction from Israel. So one must wonder, who was really ready for this fight? Seems to me Israel has been written off and presumed dead a few times in recent history when engaged in battles for their survival. And then, lo and behold! A stunning and decisive victory. Egypt might have a comment or two on that idea.
This fight has been a long time coming, and I don't think the IDF are going to blow it. IMO they have a plan.
Edit: Sorry, just saw the "clear decks" comment from George. I'll shut 'er down and stand by to be illuminated.