Update: The road goes through Damascus, or so it would seem. Between the allegations of wanting to smuggle hostages to Iran and this below out of Syria, looks like nearly every pathetic state in the region wants to jump in. I'm assuming they either think Israel won't use tactical nukes out of International pressure, or they and Iran know something we don't. Point being, Meshal is almost inviting Israel to attack Syria. Which, all things being equal, if there's going to be all out war, isn't such a bad idea.
The first speech yesterday by Khaled Meshal, the Damascus-based head of Hamas' political bureau, since the abduction of Corporal Gilad Shalit was intended mainly to reinforce his leadership position vis-a-vis both Palestinians and Israel. His statements contained little real news. He reiterated the Hamas promise not to hurt Shalit and the position that he would be released only in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
What Meshal did do was to declare that he and not the chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, in Ramallah, or Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza, is the sole spokesman for the Palestinian people in the territories and beyond.
Update: Israel is said to be attacking in the suburbs of Southern Lebanon. That's Hezbollah territory and Israel did previously warn Lebanon about getting civilians out of the area. That's Hezbollah's base of operations - hiding among civilians, as usual.
I saw a bit ago that Haifa had been hit by rockets. I believe that distance means Hezbollah - who denied the attacks - can target dense population areas, and potentially refineries and other industrial sites.
The Israeli ambassador is said to have been quoted: "Israel is at war." Also see Hot Air and check back.
Forunately Israel is not a nation of weaklings. Everyone is considered a "soldier" there and they have been dealing with terrorists since the nation was made. Still it would be nice if Golda Meyer's prediction would come true. To paraphrase; terror will end as soon as the Palestinians LOVE their children more than they hate Israel.
Posted by: Rick | Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 02:44 PM
I don't know, Rick. Wish I could agree, but I fear Israel is getting soft, just like the West, including America. This could easily turn into another half-measure gone wrong.
Posted by: Dan | Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 02:46 PM
Everybody buckle up.
Posted by: snappy | Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 02:50 PM
It looks like it's starting to shape up as 'the one' we've been dreading. Israel can not afford to soft-pedal anything. They're literally fighting for their very existence. In today's editorial, Ha'aretz came out against war with Iranm but you should see the comments they've been getting from their readers. I sense fear, alarm and deep foreboding on the Israeli blogs. I pray it's just me.
Posted by: ahem | Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 02:59 PM
Hopefully they all destroy each other so we dont have to deal with them anymore.Nuke Iran and Israel.Thats what they want.nukes. so let them go at it.just keep us out of there.(2 late)
Posted by: net | Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 05:06 PM
The US has to back up Israel. There is no choice in the matter. The only pro for the Bush administration is if this gets any bigger, there will be a clear reason for America to invade Iran. Whether or not we can win is another story.
My point is the US is not going to have much choice but to get involved. We're already there.
Posted by: Mr. K. | Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 08:11 PM
"Whether or not we can win is another story."
That's like wondering if Rome could put down the Judean uprising. Duh. It's just a matter of when and by what means.
Middle Easterns are among the biggest pussies in military history. Even France wupped up on them whenever they went toe to toe.
The question is whether we would be *allowed* to win by the bloc of American voters led by the Cindy Sheehan types.
Posted by: rwilymz | Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 09:16 PM
"I sense fear, alarm and deep foreboding on the Israeli blogs."
It would be so cool to see blogs from people in the countries affected. Does anyone know of a list of these?
Posted by: lurk | Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 10:52 PM
Dan I think you're mistaking weakness for an attempt to secure peace by giving in. Thus giving up Golan Hieghts. The Israelis have made an attempt to offer the olive branch only to have it strpped and used as a switch. I fear that in reality they will push too far and cause such a mess that the rest of the world will be drawn in.
Posted by: Rick | Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 11:09 PM
Let the war begin.
There's no doubt who will win in the end.
Posted by: GoIsrael | Friday, July 14, 2006 at 12:35 AM
This excellent post helps give us some badly needed perspective: http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/001533.php
Posted by: richard | Friday, July 14, 2006 at 03:29 AM