One Way Ticket to War

[mmcd3182]

A one-way ticket to war
A Register-Guard Editorial
Published: Saturday, July 15, 2006

The worst thing about a wildfire is that it's completely unpredictable. Dozens of factors can combine in different ways to fan the flames and thwart expert efforts to contain the conflagration.

Right now, the entire world is watching anxiously as violence between the Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon and the IDF and Palestinian fighters in Gaza threatens to flare out of control. The region is so full of volatile fuel, it's impossible to know how far or fast this wildfire will spread.

Israel is fighting on two fronts in response to brazen raids by Hamas from Gaza and Hezbollah from Lebanon that killed Israeli soldiers and resulted in three being captured. The close links between Hamas and Hezbollah suggest the two militantly anti-Israel factions could be working in concert, most likely at the behest of Iran and Syria.

Both Hamas and Hezbollah want to trade their Israeli hostages for prisoners.

Israel's response has been a ferocious military offensive, the objectives of which remain unclear. What is clear on television screens around the world are images of the terrible damage to civilian infrastructure wrought by Israeli bombardments in Gaza and Lebanon.

The provocations by Palestinian and Hezbollah guerillas are serious and deadly, and Israel has every right to respond.

But it is difficult to see if the response is achieving its objective - and fair questions can be raised about whether it's proportional, as required by international law. The Geneva Conventions and other treaties absolutely prohibit responses that target civilians or collectively punish civilians who had no part in an attack.

Since the Hamas raid during which Cpl. Gilad Shalit was taken captive, at least 65 Palestinians, many of them civilians, have been killed by Israeli attacks. Israel has bombed bridges and destroyed a power plant that provides the only electricity for 700,000 Gaza resi- dents.

Elected Hamas members of parliament have been rounded up and arrested, and the Palestinian foreign ministry has been destroyed.

In Lebanon, at least 50 Lebanese, most of them civilians, have been killed by Israeli military action. Israel has implemented a naval blockade of Lebanon and bombed hundreds of targets, including Beirut's airport and Hezbollah's headquarters in southern Beirut.

Asked about the Israeli response, Justice Minister Haim Ramon said Israel was acting "just as Russia did against the Chechens and the United States did against al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan."

That explains the broken-record response of President Bush that "Israel has a right to defend itself." But Bush hasn't got much room to say anything else without being asked how it would square with his own unilateral decision to pre-emptively invade Iraq and the catastrophic toll that has had on innocent Iraqi civilians.

Israel says it isn't going to talk about a cease-fire until it has achieved its military objectives. The last time Israel invaded Lebanon, it stayed 18 years. And obviously, it failed to accomplish its military objectives.

The Middle East has swapped the road map to peace for a one-way ticket to regional war. Only serious international intervention backed by an authoritative U.S. commitment can hope to interrupt that hopeless journey.

[mmcd3182]

And a little more info I found interesting... and for those of you who have no idea what Hezbollah is:

Who is Hezbollah?
By John Walcott
McClatchy Newspapers

Iran began trying to export its brand of Islamic rule to Lebanon soon after its own Islamic Revolution in 1979. Its early efforts failed, however, and Hezbollah, the Party of God, was formed by Shiite Muslim clerics only after Israel invaded the country in 1982 to root out Palestinian terrorists. Although it's now a political party that's represented in the Lebanese cabinet, Hezbollah has ignored demands to defuse its military wing, the Islamic Resistance, which has become the most potent military force in Lebanon.

Its goals include destroying Israel, promoting Islamic law and advancing the cause of Lebanon's traditionally disenfranchised and impoverished Shiites, who are the largest religious community in a country long dominated by a Christian and Sunni elite.

Backed by Syria and Iran, Hezbollah's initial aim was to drive the Israelis out of Lebanon. But after American, British, French and Italian troops were sent to Beirut in 1982 to help restore order after Israel's Christian Lebanese allies massacred hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of Palestinians in two Beirut refugee camps, Hezbollah began attacking them, as well.

In 1983, suicide bombers destroyed the American Embassy in Beirut and the U.S. Marine headquarters at Beirut airport; the latter attack killed 241 Americans. Hezbollah terrorists also hijacked TWA Flight 847 and took Americans hostage. Imad Mugniyah, who masterminded the hijacking and many of the kidnappings, remains one of the FBI's most wanted terrorists.

Some Hezbollah members, though, run social welfare programs while their radical colleagues are mounting terrorist operations and attacks on the Israeli military. Funded largely from Iran, Hezbollah has built schools, medical clinics and other facilities in Lebanon's Shiite south, as well as its own television station, al Manar, which the Israelis bombed this month after the group fired rockets into Israel.

Its social programs and its campaign to force the Israelis to withdraw their troops from Lebanon, which they did in 2000, helped make Hezbollah a political force as well as a military and terrorist one. But some Lebanese think the group may now have overplayed its hand by plunging Lebanon into another war.

[palerider]

I think Israel is doing the right thing, and should use whatever means at its disposal to wipe scum off the face of the earth.

[fleming]

There is another side to this story (as there always is) and that is in the 1950's the UN with very strong backing by our then president Harry Truman took, what is now the state of Israel from the Palestinians and basically gave it to the Zionist (jewish) movement. That was a set up for the present situation that exist in the Middle east. That was a travesty of justice that has lead to more and more travesties and god only knows where it will end. Study your recent history closely before you start casting stones at either side. The two volume "Memoirs of Harry Truman" spell it out very clearly.

[trezhamayn]

well, israel has been an established nation now for almost 60 years and is recognized by just about every nation in the world and has representation in the U.N. Don't you think that the Palestinians should just give up? Israel has one of the most powerful militaries in the Middle East, and I don't think they are giving up any more of their land anytime soon...don't you think it would be more sensible for the Arabs that have been out of Israel for 60 years now to just find a home elsewhere? the israelis have already given up parts of the west bank and gaza strip. don't you find that to be conciliatory enough?

[trezhamayn]

besides, they already had a war to fight out the whole land-grab and i'm pretty sure the israelis smacked down all of the arabs in less than a week. they had their chance to get the land and they lost fair and square :P

[leagle]

http://demopolislive.com/forums/showthread.php?p=129929#post129929

I'm too tired to type it twice.

[Bullet]

Sorry, but when the innocent civilians allow Hamus/ Hezbollah to
store/fire weapons from their home they are not innocent anymore.

[stickman]

Only serious international intervention backed by an authoritative U.S. commitment can hope to interrupt that hopeless journey.

Don't bet on it. The only thing this could possibly bring is more death to US soldiers. I think we need to withdraw everything we have from the Middle East and leave them all to their own demise. Then after it's all over, the bullets and rockets stop flying, the dust settles, the US can look at walking in and cleaning up.

[Papa2]

well another thing how do you know thye are innocent citizens?? All your going by is what you see on tv and hear. They all look alike over there and there is no way to tell the innocent from the guilty so dont cast stones there either!!

[mmcd3182]

Don't bet on it. The only thing this could possibly bring is more death to US soldiers. I think we need to withdraw everything we have from the Middle East and leave them all to their own demise. Then after it's all over, the bullets and rockets stop flying, the dust settles, the US can look at walking in and cleaning up.


But what about all the money and all the oil?????? Isn't your strategy the dreaded "cut and run?"

Most people would say "after all this -- we should get SOMETHING" ... I've even seen it typed here on the site.

[mmcd3182]

well another thing how do you know thye are innocent citizens?? All your going by is what you see on tv and hear. They all look alike over there and there is no way to tell the innocent from the guilty so dont cast stones there either!!


WHAT? They all look alike over there????
I'm not even going to respond to that.

You find people innocent or guilty just like you do here -- with evidence. Not based on "what they look like"

[debby]

http://demopolislive.com/forums/showthread.php?p=129929#post129929

I'm too tired to type it twice.
wow, I agree with you.
Those of us who trust in the Lord know these things are going to happen. Yes it is still sad to me. But, we knew this was coming.
Mark 13:
13:1 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings13:2 And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another, that will not be thrown down."13:3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately13:4 "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign when these things are all to be accomplished13:5 And Jesus began to say to them, "Take heed that no one leads you astray13:6 Many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray13:7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is not yet.13:8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places, there will be famines; this is but the beginning of the birth-pangs.This is not new news to us. I hope to those of you who this is news to will understand you still have time to make things right with the Lord. You don't have to be afraid for tomorrow. Trust in The Lord. He can be your savior too. I remember a time when I was afraid. My heart felt like it would beat out of my chest. I didn't understand it was because I had not trusted in Jesus as my Savior. When I heard that I didn't have to be afraid from my Great Aunt Polly, I got on my knees and ask God to forgive me of my sins and ask Jesus to be my Savior. It wasn't just because I was afraid. I wanted Jesus in my life. I wanted to have that hope I had seen in my Aunt and her families life. Also my mom was praying for me. When your mom is praying for ya look out. lol..There is hope people ....Our hope is Jesus. :)

[mmcd3182]

wow, I agree with you.
Those of us who trust in the Lord know these things are going to happen. Yes it is still sad to me. But, we knew this was coming.
Mark 13:
13:1 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings13:2 And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another, that will not be thrown down."13:3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately13:4 "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign when these things are all to be accomplished13:5 And Jesus began to say to them, "Take heed that no one leads you astray13:6 Many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray13:7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is not yet.13:8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places, there will be famines; this is but the beginning of the birth-pangs.This is not new news to us. I hope to those of you who this is news to will understand you still have time to make things right with the Lord. You don't have to be afraid for tomorrow. Trust in The Lord. He can be your savior too. I remember a time when I was afraid. My heart felt like it would beat out of my chest. I didn't understand it was because I had not trusted in Jesus as my Savior. When I heard that I didn't have to be afraid from my Great Aunt Polly, I got on my knees and ask God to forgive me of my sins and ask Jesus to be my Savior. It wasn't just because I was afraid. I wanted Jesus in my life. I wanted to have that hope I had seen in my Aunt and her families life. Also my mom was praying for me. When your mom is praying for ya look out. lol..There is hope people ....Our hope is Jesus. :)

Yes debby, we've all read this before. What was said happened shortly after Jesus said it ... within less than 100 yrs. and it keeps happening over and over and over and over. Don't trust in the news as your "sign" for the end or beginnning of the end.

People shouldn't be shown the news and hear "Look look! this was predicted in the Bible -- now Jesus is about to come and you better change your life or you're going to burn in hell!" People should be turned to Christ because they love him and not because they fear that they will burn.

[debby]

Yes debby, we've all read this before. What was said happened shortly after Jesus said it ... within less than 100 yrs. and it keeps happening over and over and over and over. Don't trust in the news as your "sign" for the end or beginnning of the end.

People shouldn't be shown the news and hear "Look look! this was predicted in the Bible -- now Jesus is about to come and you better change your life or you're going to burn in hell!" People should be turned to Christ because they love him and not because they fear that they will burn.
And who needs to tell them. We who know Christ. That's why I posted. They need to know there is a limit here. And I'm not trusting in the news as my sign. The Bilbles says no one knows the day nor the hour. He will come like a thief in the night. So always be ready. That is the message always be ready!
It wasn't just because I was afraid. I wanted Jesus in my lifeDid ya read this. I know the Lord was working in my life. I said my mom was praying for me. You need to read it all before you jump on my post.

[mmcd3182]

And who needs to tell them. We who know Christ. That's why I posted. They need to know there is a limit here. And I'm not trusting in the news as my sign. The Bilbles says no one knows the day nor the hour. He will come like a thief in the night. So always be ready. That is the message always be ready!
Did ya read this. I know the Lord was working in my life. I said my mom was praying for me. You need to read it all before you jump on my post.


I read your entire post... and then I replied.

[trezhamayn]

Game recognize game, and christianity has been and will probably be for a long time, the biggest game ever invented

[Daddy'sBabyGirl]

WHAT? They all look alike over there????
I'm not even going to respond to that.

You find people innocent or guilty just like you do here -- with evidence. Not based on "what they look like"

You are waaaay too quick to judge someone's comment! I think Papa2's point was, you can't tell a militant from a civilian because "they all look alike." Just as Bullet pointed out, when "innocent civilians" begin firing weapons from their home, they are not innocent any longer!

[RonBurgundy]

It's official....World War III (or IV) has begun...
as reported on The Colbert Report (one of my main sources for news and commentary):
http://movies.crooksandliars.com/Colbert-FOX-WWIII.wmv
from crooksandliars.com

[debby]

I read your entire post... and then I replied.Then there is nothing wrong with telling people the truth. The Bible says when people know the truth, it sets them free. Also my conversion allowed me to see the fear in my heart was because I did not know the fate of my soul. People need to know that they do not have to live in fear. I know now I belong to God. And when he sends Jesus to this earth to take us home or if I die before that. I know my name is written in the Lambs book of life. That I have eternal life.


Game recognize game, and christianity has been and will probably be for a long time, the biggest game ever invented

I'm sorry you feel that way.

[Mystic_Rhythms]

I've said it before and will say it again...there will never be peace there...and when it does happen...that'll be the end...Israel has a right to protect itself.Plain and simple. I personally don't feel bad for Lebanon or Palistine..the've had it coming for a long time now....I found this site very interesting...
http://www.masada2000.org/islam.html

[Papa2]

mmcd you speak as though your a Christian and Im not the one to judge in any way, but you are very ver dang quick ot judge someone else I said dont beleive all you hear on tv as how can you tell Me those were innocent people and not militants there is no way to do so as they all look alike and that is fact boy!!!!

[palerider]

If you comfort and protect our enemies, then YOU become our enemy!

[Papa2]

And by the way explain to those Families of those dead soldiers how their loved ones was killed by the innocent ones!!! This is war there are no innocent ones for your information and yes I know We do try and protect the women and children but if you had ever talked with people who had served in a war you would know women and children are nto always innocent!!
I know a guy right here who the first person He killed in Nam was a woman and then a child throwing grenade type bombs as His platoon so dont tell Me they are innocent you have no idea and remember the woman that was a suicide bomber not to long ago!!
Until you have faced it and know it dont judge by what you see on tv and then probably isnt agood idea!!!
Remember Heraldo in New Orleans yeahhhhhh great Newssss!!!!!!!!!

[mmcd3182]

You are waaaay too quick to judge someone's comment! I think Papa2's point was, you can't tell a militant from a civilian because "they all look alike." Just as Bullet pointed out, when "innocent civilians" begin firing weapons from their home, they are not innocent any longer!

mmcd you speak as though your a Christian and Im not the one to judge in any way, but you are very ver dang quick ot judge someone else I said dont beleive all you hear on tv as how can you tell Me those were innocent people and not militants there is no way to do so as they all look alike and that is fact boy!!!!

This was a raid on Israel (not by innocent citizens... by soldiers, more or less)... not "innocent civilians" firing weapons from the homes...

In return Israel is bombing civilian infrastructure in Gaza and Lebanon. Which I guess is fair -- 8 people from two different countries kill two of your soldiers and wound some and kidnap one, so bombing them may be the fair somewhat equivalent reaction... maybe not...

But ...


Eight Palestinian militants in Gaza, including members of the governing faction Hamas, emerged from a secret tunnel dug 300 yards into Israel, killed two soldiers, wounded three and kidnapped another.

It's not like there were people popping out of random houses on the side of the road attacking. I don't know what the people wore that carried out the raids on Isreal, but they probably didn't look like regular civilians -- they popped out of a tunnel that was dug hundreds of yards into Isreal and began attacking! hard to mistake those for regular citizens...

[Daddy'sBabyGirl]

This was a raid on Israel (not by innocent citizens... by soldiers, more or less)... not "innocent civilians" firing weapons from the homes...

In return Israel is bombing civilian infrastructure in Gaza and Lebanon. Which I guess is fair -- 8 people from two different countries kill two of your soldiers and wound some and kidnap one, so bombing them may be the fair somewhat equivalent reaction... maybe not...

But ...



It's not like there were people popping out of random houses on the side of the road attacking. I don't know what the people wore that carried out the raids on Isreal, but they probably didn't look like regular civilians -- they popped out of a tunnel that was dug hundreds of yards into Isreal and began attacking! hard to mistake those for regular citizens...

Don't believe everything you see on TV! You really don't know what is going on over there! Until you've been there and seen it for yourself, you really can't relate an experience to me or anyone!

[mmcd3182]

Don't believe everything you see on TV! You really don't know what is going on over there! Until you've been there and seen it for yourself, you really can't relate an experience to me or anyone!


I didn't see it on TV... I read it.. in multiple multiple places.... so unless there is some big conspiracy, I believe that 8 militants popped out of a secret tunnel...

[Papa2]

yes and Israel is going after those 8 and their soldiers so live with it!! And dont throw blame where you dont know blame lies as your doing here!!

[flyer971]

Its real easy, Lets just bomb the house with the Hezbollah neon sign above it.

[mmcd3182]

yes and Israel is going after those 8 and their soldiers so live with it!! And dont throw blame where you dont know blame lies as your doing here!!

I don't know who I'm blaming and what I'm blaming them for.... ?

[0ldman]

Its real easy, Lets just bomb the house with the Hezbollah neon sign above it.
Brilliant!!

Ron, would you mind linking to the vid instead of posting it straight into the thread?

Makes it difficult for us poor suckers on dial up and anyone with a slow PC.

[RonBurgundy]

Brilliant!!

Ron, would you mind linking to the vid instead of posting it straight into the thread?

Makes it difficult for us poor suckers on dial up and anyone with a slow PC.

Gladly...anything for the Colbert Nation (link) (http://www.colbertnation.com/)

Requested Link (http://www.crooksandliars.com/posts/2006/07/17/colbert-its-a-world-war-iii-or-iv/)

[mmcd3182]

Gladly...anything for the Colbert Nation (link) (http://www.colbertnation.com/)
Requested Link (http://www.crooksandliars.com/posts/2006/07/17/colbert-its-a-world-war-iii-or-iv/)


thank youuuu

I love me some truthiness.