What do you think about Israel attacking?

[bear_s75]

Just wondering what everyone thinks about the recent attacks in the middle east?  Do you think it is justified and does this give Iran an advantage in any way?

[PaulF]

<p>Disclaimer: I am Jewish, so if you think my view is skewed, so be it, but I don't automatically assume that Israel is always right.</p><p>Israel is fighting for its very existence. I used to think that maybe they were being too hardline in their stance on Palestinians, but for every concession Israel makes, it's never enough for the arab world. Israel&nbsp;occupies a much smaller area due to these concessions. Areas that were strictly desert and have been reclaimed and made productive land have been lost to their control. I know dozens of people that have been forced to give up the homes and businesses they spent decades bulding and maintaining.</p><p>It's a difficult situation, because Israel has a very defined military, but their opposition does not. So when Israeli civilians (as opposed to military) are targeted (suicide/homicide bombers), then who do they retaliate against. They try to target those that are known to be active fighters and/or the leadership who condones these actions. (in this case though, it was Israeli soldiers who were kidnapped and I do belive were taken first to Syria, and probably on to Iran)</p><p>The other problem is that there are a number of third parties involved who probably (and historically) don't care about the Palestinians specifically, they&nbsp;just see them as a front for attacking Israel. Hezbollah, while&nbsp;Lebanese based,&nbsp;is an outgrowth of Ayatollah Khomeni's idealogy, and is funded by Iran. In Lebanon, it is a recognized political party. Many countries, including the US and the EU, consider Hezbollah a terrorist organization.</p><p>I know a number of Lebanese (mostly non-muslim and rather affluent) who are embarrased by the actions of these extreme groups within their country, but seem unable to purge these elements. If you condone the actions of extremists, you have to be willing to accept the consequences. Israel's attack on the airport and roadways leading to Syria was nominally to prevent the movement of weapons into Hezbollahs hands, but I think the real motivation is to get non-extremist citizens and officials to put an end to the actions and support of Hezbollah. Beirut was at one time, one the most cosmopolitan cites on the planet, but extremist actions have damaged it, both directly and indirectly.</p>

[HBox]

<a href="http://www.ronfez.net/messageboard/viewmessages.cfm/Forum/87/Topic/51208/page/Is_Israel_invading_Lebanon_.htm" target="_blank">What do you think about duplicate threads?</a><br />

[Death Metal Moe]

<strong>HBox</strong> wrote:<br /><a href="http://www.ronfez.net/messageboard/viewmessages.cfm/Forum/87/Topic/51208/page/Is_Israel_invading_Lebanon_.htm" target="_blank">What do you think about duplicate threads?</a><br /><p>&quot;No sir, I don't like 'em.&quot;</p><p><img height="364" src="http://www.diamondcomics.com/toychest/toys/04_04/R_S%20Mr.%20Horse.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></p>

[A.J.]

<strong>HBox</strong> wrote:<br /><a href="http://www.ronfez.net/messageboard/viewmessages.cfm/Forum/87/Topic/51208/page/Is_Israel_invading_Lebanon_.htm" target="_blank">What do you think about duplicate threads?</a><br /><p>Yes, please use the linked thread.</p>