Israel/Lebanon Quickhits
Israel bombed Hizbullah headquarters in Beirut. On CNN right now, there is a live statement by the head of Hizbullah from Lebanese TV, I assume to prove he's alive. In the statement, "Nasrallah said his group is ready for "open war" with Israel."
At the UN this morning, Dan Gillerman, the Israeli UN ambassador, made the charge that the missiles falling on Israel are "Iranian missiles, made by the same regime that is now trying to possess nuclear weapons." He also said, "Do we dare to ask ourselves how many families in Lebanon today are being prepared to house dirty bombs and other weapons of mass destruction courtesy of Iran?"
The US State Dept. issued travel warnings and authorized the evacuation of embassy personnel.
Hundreds of people have streamed into Gaza from Egypt after a hole was blown in the border wall. (This may just be Palestinians returning home. The border crossing has been closed for some time.)
I actually woke up this morning feeling better about this situation, that it was still containable, but it's spinning out. Thus far, nothing has been done that is irreversible, but I'm not sure where the lines on that are. Right now, the Israelis could take the steam out of the whole thing if they wanted, as could Hizbullah by releasing the two kidnapped soldiers.
But at what point does the momentum of the situation take away the choices of the actors?
Also: A question I keep asking myself, "How different would this situation be if Iran had nuclear weapons?"
At the UN this morning, Dan Gillerman, the Israeli UN ambassador, made the charge that the missiles falling on Israel are "Iranian missiles, made by the same regime that is now trying to possess nuclear weapons." He also said, "Do we dare to ask ourselves how many families in Lebanon today are being prepared to house dirty bombs and other weapons of mass destruction courtesy of Iran?"
The US State Dept. issued travel warnings and authorized the evacuation of embassy personnel.
Hundreds of people have streamed into Gaza from Egypt after a hole was blown in the border wall. (This may just be Palestinians returning home. The border crossing has been closed for some time.)
I actually woke up this morning feeling better about this situation, that it was still containable, but it's spinning out. Thus far, nothing has been done that is irreversible, but I'm not sure where the lines on that are. Right now, the Israelis could take the steam out of the whole thing if they wanted, as could Hizbullah by releasing the two kidnapped soldiers.
But at what point does the momentum of the situation take away the choices of the actors?
Also: A question I keep asking myself, "How different would this situation be if Iran had nuclear weapons?"
posted by mikevotes at
12:57 PM
4 Comments:
Israel has been pushing for an American attack on Iran for two years now, so I find their claim that Iran supplied the missiles used by Hizbullah to be doubtful. To me this shows the inherently racist attitude of the Israeli government, two IDF soldiers are worth more than Lebanon's infrastructure.
By
Lew Scannon, at 3:13 PM
I agree completely on the missiles. That's why I packaged it that way. Just for future reference, I don't believe much coming out of either side in this conflict, but will occasionally link them because the statements have political impact and might show some intent.
Mike
By
mikevotes, at 4:16 PM
Israel had no business doing in a forgein country, unless they're there to pick trouble. I've pointed out yesterday, although I don't remember where exactly, that it seems to me that Israel keeps sacrificing soldiers to be captured - in order to justify this or that bombing.
By
Anonymous, at 12:58 AM
You mentioned it in a post further down. And, looking at the targets. it appears they're laying the groundwork for an invasion of at least the southern portion of Lebanon.
Mike
By
mikevotes, at 12:38 PM
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