Haifa Hit - Power Out

A barrage of at least ten Hizbollah rockets hit in Haifa Saturday Morning and temporarily knocked out the power grid. The electric utility hopes to have power restored within hours.

Fox just reported an Israeli commando raid in Tyre which resulted in at least two Israeli's being severely wounded now listed as dead, with an additional six or eight wounded. The raid targeted a particular Hizbollah cell responsible for launching some of the longer range rockets into Israel. The three member terrorist cell was killed, with an additional six or seven Hizbollah operatives killed on the way in and out. The IDF claims it used a commando raid as opposed to bombs because the cell was located on the fifth floor of an apartment building housing many civilians. More details here. Other reports suggest the operation failed. Other reports claim fire was exchanged between Israel and the Lebanese army.

Over 70 targets were struck by the IDF in Beirut and Tyre overnight. And the IDF is warning residents of Sidon in Lebanon to flee North to avoid a pending attack. Caracas recalled its ambassador from Israel and Hugo Chavez was interviewed by al Jeezera. He compared Israel's actions to the Nazi's in WWII.

Israel has renewed air strikes on the suburbs around Beirut. There are also several ground battles going on with Israel claiming to now occupy approximately 20 towns in Southern Lebanon. Discussions between the US and France regarding a cease fire resolution are said to be making progress. They are meeting again, today. Meanwhile, Israel's ambassador to the US said no truce would be considered until the two kidnapped soldiers are released.

Both Israel and Hizbollah are said to be showing no signs of letting up on the fighting this morning.

Here's the latest war news from the Middle East: Pajamas Media, or read a few regional blogs. I like to check the JP headlines, as well.

Comments

[old trooper]

Comparison of Israel`s actions, after defending it`s people and it`s land since 1948 from all comers to The Nazi`s in the late 1930`s is absurd revisionist history and twisted logic taken to an all time low in errors in judgement.

To quote Victor Davis Hanson:

"Demonstrators on behalf of Hezbollah inside the United States — does anyone remember our 241 Marines slaughtered by these cowardly terrorists? — routinely carry placards with the Star of David juxtaposed with Swastikas, as voices praise terrorist killers. Few Arab-American groups these past few days have publicly explained that the sort of violence, tyranny, and lawlessness of the Middle East that drove them to the shores of a compassionate and successful America is best epitomized by the primordial creed of Hezbollah.

There is no need to mention Europe, an entire continent now returning to the cowardice of the 1930s. Its cartoonists are terrified of offending Muslim sensibilities, so they now portray the Jews as Nazis, secure that no offended Israeli terrorist might chop off their heads. The French foreign minister meets with the Iranians to show solidarity with the terrorists who promise to wipe Israel off the map (“In the region there is of course a country such as Iran — a great country, a great people and a great civilization which is respected and which plays a stabilizing role in the region”) — and manages to outdo Chamberlain at Munich. One wonders only whether the prime catalyst for such French debasement is worry over oil, terrorists, nukes, unassimilated Arab minorities at home, or the old Gallic Jew-hatred.

It is now a cliché to rant about the spread of postmodernism, cultural relativism, utopian pacifism, and moral equivalence among the affluent and leisured societies of the West. But we are seeing the insidious wages of such pernicious theories as they filter down from our media, universities, and government — and never more so than in the general public’s nonchalance since Hezbollah attacked Israel.

These past few days the inability of millions of Westerners, both here and in Europe, to condemn fascist terrorists who start wars, spread racial hatred, and despise Western democracies is the real story, not the “quarter-ton” Israeli bombs that inadvertently hit civilians in Lebanon who live among rocket launchers that send missiles into Israeli cities and suburbs.

Yes, perhaps Israel should have hit more quickly, harder, and on the ground; yes, it has run an inept public relations campaign; yes, to these criticisms and more. But what is lost sight of is the central moral issue of our times: a humane democracy mired in an asymmetrical war is trying to protect itself against terrorists from the 7th century, while under the scrutiny of a corrupt world that needs oil, is largely anti-Semitic and deathly afraid of Islamic terrorists, and finds psychic enjoyment in seeing successful Western societies under duress.

If you think I exaggerate the bankruptcy of the West or only refer to the serial ravings on the Middle East of Pat Buchanan or Jimmy Carter, consider some of the most recent comments from Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah about Israel: “When the people of this temporary country lose their confidence in their legendary army, the end of this entity will begin [emphasis added].” Then compare Nasrallah’s remarks about the U.S: “To President Bush, Prime Minister Olmert and every other tyrannical aggressor. I want to invite you to do what you want, practice your hostilities. By God, you will not succeed in erasing our memory, our presence or eradicating our strong belief. Your masses will soon waste away, and your days are numbered [emphasis added].”

And finally examine here at home reaction to Hezbollah — which has butchered Americans in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia — from a prominent Democratic Congressman, John Dingell: “I don’t take sides for or against Hezbollah.” And isn’t that the point, after all: the amoral Westerner cannot exercise moral judgment because he no longer has any?
There is no need to mention Europe, an entire continent now returning to the cowardice of the 1930s. Its cartoonists are terrified of offending Muslim sensibilities, so they now portray the Jews as Nazis, secure that no offended Israeli terrorist might chop off their heads. The French foreign minister meets with the Iranians to show solidarity with the terrorists who promise to wipe Israel off the map (“In the region there is of course a country such as Iran — a great country, a great people and a great civilization which is respected and which plays a stabilizing role in the region”) — and manages to outdo Chamberlain at Munich. One wonders only whether the prime catalyst for such French debasement is worry over oil, terrorists, nukes, unassimilated Arab minorities at home, or the old Gallic Jew-hatred.

In short, if we wish to learn what was going on in Europe in 1938, just look around."

[old trooper]

VDH link:http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZDBhMzg5Mzk4NjQ5MjM5OTJhZjRjMWQ4OWMzNDhmMzk=

[Rick]

trooper, I think you approach this with a western mind, forgetting that the terrs are like elephants in that they never forget. Europe is quite pertinent as they are at fault for all of the mid east unrest. That's right, all of this is Europe's fault going back to the crusades. Strange as it may seem at a time when Europe is a pen stroke away from pushing Christians into ovens....Islam is still getting revenge for the crusades. Setting aside Europe's colonization and enslavement of most of the world, particularly the mid east. It was Europe who buried their collective heads in the sand as the nazi's took control of Germany, then all of Europe while systematically murdering Jews, among others, to build their "master race". It was the anti-semitism of Europe that demanded the jewish survivors have their own state. European bigots could not stand the thought of survivng Jews moving into their neighborhoods. So Europe and I include the UK, gave "Israel" 1/4th of the land called "Palestine" to them to build their own country. It was the Europeans who did nothing as Israel suffered one attack after another but in fairness allowed muslims to also be attacked in the former Yugoslavia. Then comes America with Kennedy's "bear any burden" mandate taking it upon themselves to clean up Europe's mess again and again world wide. Now we find that attempting to clean behind the filthy, racist Europeans has somehow made America the bad guy. The solution is fairly simple assuming the "Palestinians" just want a land of thier own. Let's give them Europe! Yes, everything north of the 48th paralel. Good infrastructure, more arable land and plenty of water, plentuy f jobs since Europeans no longer care to actually work. The perfect restitution!

[Gary Maxwell]

Dan

Near as I can tell you are an accomplice this AM to spreading the Hizbullah propaganda. I am sure you did not mean to, but that is the result to my eyes. NO ( zero) reports that I can find on Haaretz or JP or Ynet about the raid in Tyre failing. In fact three hours in Tyre is a long time for a failed mission so I would tend to think that raises suspicion right there. And remember that Hizbullah told us they had the Israelis pinned and then surrounded in the prior raid in the Bekaa. How did that turn out? Even if its reported somewhere in the press, I would doubt it until the IDF reports or confirms deaths. They do this routinely, and I have seen no reports of the IDF lying about casualties. Hizbullah on the other hand has employed Baghdad Bob. You choose which one to put your trust in. Please take a look as new reports come in and maybe change the tone of the post?

[old trooper]

Having lived in the Middle East for 12 years of my adult life, I can honestly say that we are both envied and hated for for our freedoms, rights, prosperity and success that happened with being part of Western Civilization.

The Middle Eastern Nations that have become "Westernized", such as Jordan and Turkey enjoy the same prosperity despite the fact that they are not sitting on top of pools of oil.

Having been raised and educated in the Western Civilization, but having interacted, worked and lived amongst folks from the Middle East, I do have a basis for comparison. Those in the Middle East that have seen our infrastructure desire it. It is the Mullahs and Royal families that fear the rest of the package.

Europe is another matter entirely. Their economies are 'circling the bowl' because of their socialist philosophies and indirectly because of our Marshall Plan post WWII as well as our efforts to defend them during the Cold War. They no longer have their 'colonies' to support them.

The Palestinians were sold out by Arafat. Billions were sent to aid the Pals. They built no infrastructure, economy or democracy. They followed the dark age 7th century philosophies and ended up living in camps and celebrating the 'martyrhood' of their youth. What a grand achievement!

Lets give them nothing and let Isreal sort it out. Without the influence of the corrupt UN or France, that was caught taking Oil for Food money. You are witnessing evolution.

[mylena]

old trooper what a nonsense, blaiming all on the EUROPEANS for this mess??!! so where do you think you're coming from? or who was using those slaves well into 19th century? washing US hands clean? come on....

As a country you can't demand help and in the same time demonize them?

[Rick1]

mylena; It was not troper who blames this mess on having to, once again, clean up behind the europeans. It was me and I stand behind it.

[Dan]

You choose which one to put your trust in

Gary, I cited several reports. Read the first five lines of that paragraph - the cell was destroyed and another 6 or so terrorists were killed on the way "in and out." That's success. Saying "some reports" claim it failed isn't spreading proaganda at the time it was written it was what was hitting the wires in part, hence the link. I spend a lot of time sifting through the fog of war for the truth. But I can't claim to know it when news is breaking.

[Gary Maxwell]

Well actually the EU parliament and its diplomats in Brussels have been a very unfunny joke on most items of world security. Shame on Europe for not having the backbone to rise in defense of their own civilzation. I mean it too. And I am tired of pulling the full load for these slackers. If that offends, tough.

[Gary Maxwell]

Dan

It should be clear what my choice is. I was really suggesting that you be a little bit more discriminating. It seems clear at this point, since an eye witness saw the commandos in beards go in and men come out of the apartment later with their hands in the air, that the Israeli report is correct. Since Hezbullah has claimed a death and the IDF has said that no one died in the raid, it seems that the Muslim fundamentalist terrorists are lying and some of the gullible press are reporting it. I was suggesting to you that you might not want to play willing dupe to the Hezbullan propaganda and if looking and sounding like CNN and the BBC does not shake you, well...

[Dan]

I was suggesting to you that you might not want to play willing dupe to the Hezbullan propaganda

Honestly Gary, I'm amazed you could even say that here after the work I've done on Qana and the alleged ambulance incident. I posted that at 5 AM and haven't updated until now. I'm far from a Hizbollah info dupe, but I'm not RWV 24/7 either. Unlike the MSM, I also assume people read here with some knowledge of events - the same as you displayed - and are capable of separating some of the wheat from the chafe themselves when I'm not posting.

[Gary Maxwell]

Unintentional Unwilling dupe then?

I did not mean to offend. But when you are gone, your post speaks for you to all visitors. Some who are not too discerning. I thought I was helping you. I would not have wanted to convey the impression that I believed the crap Hezbollah was shoveling. If you want me to keep my comments to myself, just say so. I like your update. Keep up the good work, I would not visit if I did not like 98% of it. Just felt you missed the mark once.

[Rick]

How do people shake hands here?

[Dan]

How do people shake hands here?

Eff that noise!! ; )

Gary, I don't have an issue with your comments and I welcome your visits. I'm not angry, simply stating my perspective and defending my ability to parse the news when I have time. Bloggers have their limitations in time and resources, all I am suggesting is that you keep that in mind. I think the overall posting record I have makes it clear I'm sensitive to propaganda. But I don't believe in witholding most anything which is being said on a topic, especially initially. It allows us to draw contrasts and even point fingers in the end.

I don't believe you and I need a UN resolution to cease fire ajd return to topics above which are not at hand.