'Eyeless in Gaza'

With apologies to the late Aldous Huxley, the title of whose novel I have appropriated.  I have been meaning to write something concerning the current war in Gaza but even an old windbag like me hesitates to write on a subject about which I know virtually nothing.  But, and this is the joy of this 'internet-thingie', today infomation is available with a few clicks of the 'mouse'.  Thus, I was very interested to read an article by Michael Carl Haas at The National Interest which both confirmed my growing suspicion that the Israelis were floundering somewhat and also offered some reasons why.

Over the past fifty years we have grown used to daring military exploits by Israel which seem to have scotched the plans of their numerous enemies before they had time to hatch.  I assumed that something similar would occur in this latest operation against Hamas in Gaza but I can't help noticing that after weeks of high, and low, technology attacks - the Hamas rockets keep firing!  Mr. Haas offers his explanation and it is worth reading, not just for supporters of Israel, like me, who wish them well, but also for those interested in 21st century warfare where amazingly high technology weapon systems come up against very low technology humans - and the humans seem to win!

 

Comments

[AussieD]

Since pre-history it has been a truism that you have won nothing unless your troops stand on and hold ground against all comers.

It amazes me that Israel does not systematically wipe out HAMAS by the old fashioned and brutal option of combined infantry/armour/artillery assault until their resolve is totally destroyed. It is obvious that Egypt and Jordan despise HAMAS for religious/political reasons and would probably welcome the demise of an organisation which is contrary to their own interests.

As I see it there is no way you can negotiate peace with an organisation/ideology sworn to destroy your country and annihilate your people. There is only one answer brutal though it may be. Either you survive or you are destroyed.

[David Duff]

Well, AussieD, they seem to be getting all the worst publicity without any of the gains. Mind you, I don't have any useful suggestions to make.

[Dom]

I thought this was interesting, which I got from Mick Hartley's site:

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/world/hamas-and-iran-are-a-threat-to-palestinians

[David Duff]

Grim reading, Dom, whether you are an Israeli or a Palestinian!

[backofanenvelope]

At the top of the Islamofascist list is lifting the Israeli blockade. So - tighten it up! Don't supply them anything; cut off the electricity line, don't trade with them. Build a socking great wall along the Gazan border.

Just compare the amazing number of well-fed young Arabs you see on your TV with the typical disaster area people in Africa. These people are doing alright at our expense. Just cut the money off. Your friend Dave could cut ours off right now.