Left Fifth Column

The Israeli Invasion

Ten days ago, Israel began bombing targets in Lebanon following the capture of two soldiers. It was reported by several newspapers at that time that the Israeli forces were on the Lebanese side of the border. However, since then most of the mainstream media have claimed that the capture occured in a "cross-border raid", often refusing to specify just who was doing the "raiding" and on what side of the border it took place, or that the attack occured on the Israeli side of the border.

Even if Hezbullah did attack and capture the soldiers on the Israeli side, the disproportionate response is not appropriate. Mossad has deeply infiltrated Hezbullah. Would it not have been more beneficial to the well-being of the prisoners for paramilitary elements of Mossad to free the soldiers, instead of endangering their lives by indiscriminately bombinb Lebanon?

Think also of the groundswell of support for Hezbullah, Hamas, and other organizations that will be a result of this military campaign. Lebanese Shiites in the affected areas who have had their homes, families, and economy destroyed will become radicalized, just as previously moderate Iraqis have been radicalized by the American occupation of their country. Often it is hard for Americans to imagine how anyone could support a terrorist organization, living in a country that is thankfully free of such problems. But what are the Israelis to the Lebanese (and Palestinians) but terrorists, people who use military force against a civilian population to coerce its government? And what would you do, if your country was occupied by a military power (foreign or domestic) that understood no difference between civilian and military targets?

posted by Cypher @ 5:10 PM