Stray thought
Is the relatively sudden capture of two Israeli soldiers by Iranian linked Hezbullah connected to the possible Iran referral to the Security Council?
Certainly it's possible that this action is wholly independent, or perhaps was conducted in sympathy to the Palestinians in Gaza, but I can't stop myself from wondering if the Iranians are putting out small warnings to the US through this act, and the increased Shia activity in Iraq.
Certainly it's possible that this action is wholly independent, or perhaps was conducted in sympathy to the Palestinians in Gaza, but I can't stop myself from wondering if the Iranians are putting out small warnings to the US through this act, and the increased Shia activity in Iraq.
posted by mikevotes at
2:02 PM
6 Comments:
The Israeli game of one-ups-manship in this confrontation will quickly spin out of control. The government's been provoking a confrontation with the Palistinians since Hammas won power in the recent elections. At some point, someone has to be a responsible actor, and I don't think we can count on Hammas or Hezbullah for that.
I'm not hopeful. Israel has been a land of simmering volcanic tension for generations. I'm afraid the instability on the world stage brought about by the lack of American moral authority and credibility, may have now reached a tipping point.
By
-epm, at 4:29 PM
Yeah. Let me push it back further. The current hostilities date back to the intifada brought on when Ariel Sharon visited the temple mount. It was an intentional act to inflame the situation and create a conflict under which the Israelis could unilaterally reshape the situation, redrawing the borders and dictating all terms. Hamas was elected in response to the policies of Israel.
My main concern is the possibility that this may be spread by the Israelis to Syria or Iran. I've already seen a little talk of this.
Mike
By
mikevotes, at 4:43 PM
It seems this tactic has been met by such a strong opposition that it has been repeated.
I'm not sure I could go so far as to think that Hezbollah was nudged into this by Iran, but it is a scary prospect for American soldiers too. There has only been very little hostage taking of Americans up until the recent incindent, and now two in Isreal, well, near Isreal.
The article doesn't mention on what side of the border the incident took place. I'm assuming on Isreal's side, but maybe they don't know or aren't telling.
By
Praguetwin, at 5:30 PM
I've done a little digging, and the reports seem to indicate that the capture occurred on the Israeli side, RIGHT along the border.
And, I don't know about a connection, that's why I phrased it that way. It could just as well be in sympathy to the Palestinians or striking while the Israelis are already weak.
I'm just feeling a bit hopeless about things this afternoon, and it's bleeding over.
Mike
By
mikevotes, at 6:28 PM
If you're at war and you sieze enemy soldiers, isn't that called capturing not kidnapping? I'm thinking as much (or more) about American soldiers as I am Israeli.
By
-epm, at 8:01 PM
I think it also depends on whether you support the side doing the capturing or not. Those considered the bad guys in the debacle tend to be reported as doing something which is somehow against the rules of 'civilized' warfare - kidnapping the enemy rather than capturing them. The side viewed as the 'oppressed minority' only ever 'captures' enemy soldiers - and then only when it absolutely has to.
Yeah....right.
By
Anonymous, at 12:31 PM
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