<p>For those who think that Israel is "overreacting", I say that you are either bias, not looking at the situation carefully or watching too much CNN. Hesbola INVADED Israel. This is FACT. They crossed the boarder, killed several soldiers, kidnapped some and then crossed the boarder back into Lebanon. This fits the definition of a invasion. Now, Israel responded, FIERCELY, as ANY country's government has a responsibility to when it's boarders have been breached by an enemy. Hesbola controls over 10% of the Lebanese government, so this was an act by a foreign country. In my opinion, the NUMBER 1 responsibility of ANY federal government is protection of it's citizens from foreign forces. </p>
<p>As far as the people who say that Israel's response is too harsh and that they are targeting civilians, you need to analyze what is happening. Hesbola is a terrorist organization and it's command and control is embedded into civilian populations. Israel is fighting with precision and taking out selected targets. Hesbola sets up camp in civilian areas, the blood of the civilians is on their hands. Israels alternative is simply to not respond. How else is Israel supposed to attack them without killing civilians? This is by Hesbolas design. Also, there seems to be a complete lack of realization that Hesbola is firing anywhere from 10-75 rockets into Israel every day. These are WW2 rockets that they cannot even aim, they are just lobbing them and hoping to hit civilian targets. This is far worse than what Israel is doing. At least Israel has targets and a goal. Hesbola is just lobbing rockets in a general direction. Why is this acceptable to many of you. It is beyond me why the same people who chastise Israels targeting of civilians somehow give the Lebanese a pass for lobbing rockets in the general direction of a city. Why the double standard?</p>
<p>Let me put it to you this way-what do you think would happen if a Mexican militia formed along the Arizona boarder and started just firing rockets into the US without even aiming them. We would respond fiercely and swiftly. Would you want the United Nations to tell us to stop overreacting, or would you want to take the enemy out and protect US lives? Oh, and speaking of the UN, there is a resolution in place to prevent the build up of Hesbola on the southern boarder, but it was never enforced. Why should Israel trust that the UN would protect them now? I know I am going to get flamed here, but I just wanted to post some things that have been on my mind!</p>
<p>Its cool that you have an opinion an educate yourself before you talk, unlike some other ignorant people. But dude I am from the mid east and live in america and could seriously debate you and win easily, because i know things the average american wouldn't even come across and would be shocked to know. I will be happy to debate you on a political forum, but this is not one. I think you have been watching to much Fox and you are extremely biased, because your on one side, but i am from both sides of the complication and see both side before i talk crap.
Thanks</p>
<p>If Israel's actions are completely legal and moral, then how come they are using white phosphorous against civilian areas which is banned under international law? </p>
<p>I agree that Israel has the right to attack Hizballah, but the Lebanense? Lebanon did not attack them. Sure they had the responsibility to disarm Hizballah, but they didn't have the power and ability. Hell, Israel had two decades to do that and they couldn't even get it done and Lebanon is supposed to do it in just a few years with much less? </p>
<p>
[quote]
Hesbola controls over 10% of the Lebanese government, so this was an act by a foreign country.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>No, it was an attack by Hizbullah, not Lebanon. Did the representatives in the government order the attacks? Did they even approve of them? Probably not. Besides, they represent only a tiny majority. Saying this was Lebanon's action would be like saying if an Independent attack Mexico and then Mexico accusing the US government of invasion and attacks. It's simply absurd.</p>
<p>mekrob: The thing is, Hezbollah is in Lebanon. They are launching those damn rockets in people's houses. Anyway, they (lebanese) were told to evacuate the area awhile ago. If there are any civilans in the area, they should have fled Southern Beruit. Well, they didn't. If people have done that, maybe there would have been alot less casualties then there are now.</p>
<p>(damn buggy mozilla. For some reason, the stupid browser had the picture of a lock on this and a couple of posts. Oh well, never mind post #3. )</p>
<p>If Mexico decided to pitch-fork us across a border, I highly doubt the United States would cross/bomb them with B2 Bombers.</p>
<p>Isreal's PM Olhmert had to prove a point. Unfourtantly, the way he did it was not one of the best ways possible. As in almost every single Middle-East conflict, there are faults on both sides. Isreal in this issue was too aggressive, and Hezbollah should not have decided on this particular instance in time to do some prisoner swapping.</p>
<p>Honestly, I think Israel has good reason to be ****ed off at this point. How long have they put up with suicide bombers killing innocent people at malls, cafes, etc? I think this is a situation of the straw that broke the camel's back, really.</p>
<p>I have a friend in Beirut, Lebanon (he took this summer to study abroad there to work on his Arabic...and didn't evacuate when given the chance...I'll beat him when he gets back, don't worry), so I really hate that this had to happen right now...but I totally understand why Israel's doing it.</p>
<p>Why hasn't the US done anything about the Mexican military's multiple invasions of the US? In the last ten years armed Mexican solderiers have crossed the US border and had firefights with US border patrol. The cross the border protecting drug smugglers and ensuring their safe passage past our border patrol.</p>
<p>The pussy politically correct US just tries to keep it quite when they should be responding the way Isreal did.</p>
<p>You see, its not something that can be reduced to black and white, the entire situation is too complex for that. When you have an environment where for decades there's been a lack of peace or any kind of stability its impossible to just draw a line.</p>
<p>While it is true that Hezbollah is present in Lebanon, that alone is not sufficient cause for the widespread bombings that have occurred. Extremist organizations exist in all parts of the world. The IRA were present in Ireland for years, that didn't lead to an all out attack. (I'm just taking a single example)</p>
<p>Its very easy, you see, for all of us sitting at our desktops to post comments and express our views on the conflict but that there still exists a disconnect. In an environment where refugee convoys are also being attacked, perhaps the families now dead thought they'd have a better chance of survival if they stayed where they were.</p>
<p>The entire conflict is just too complex, with ancient hatreds and wars going back centuries to simply assign blame or question justification.</p>
<p>Oh and why would Israel be bombing Beirut, when Hezbollah is located in souther Lebanon and Beirut is more central. Israel is bombinb Lebanese infrustructure and cities, where Hezbollah is not really located, such as Beirut. Obviously, Israel's goal is more than just to disarm Hezbollah, or they woulndt be bombing civilian targets and infrusttructure. In addition, I'm pretty sure thier actions have broken UN laws, but I'm too tired to check, and if im wrong feel free to correct me.</p>
<p>amirjpl,
You say that I am bias-yes to the facts. I still have yet to see a mass crying about Hezbolah bombing civillians. Besides, you are from the middle
East, can I assume that you are muslim, jewish or christian? If you are muslim and are going to tell others that they are bias, then I think that you are just crazy.</p>
<p>How many Americans who are rooting for Hezbollah to "win" realize that they are the TERRORIST organization responsable for the most US deaths, save for Al Keida (spelling?). People, it is to out best interest that these people be wiped off the map. If Lebanon does not want to be retalliated on by the actions of Hezbollah, which is part of it's own government, then they should disban Hezbollah, as they have agreed to already and failed to do.</p>
<p>Again, the double standard is sickening here, the terrorists are painted as the victims. Also, accusing me of watching FOX too much is just funny. How would I know that I hate CNN so much if I didn't watch it a lot. I also get to paruse 3 news papers every day at work and use several outlets on the media to gather information. The difference is that I can take in info from a lot of sources, digest it, weigh it against logic, put a historical perspective on it and form an opinion. Most people watch CNN ot ABC news and simply reiterate their "news" as their personal opinion.</p>