The Middle East spirals out of control!

Quite simply, they didn't anticipiate that it would escalate this way. They figured Israel would just bargain for some more prisoners, now they've started some real shit.

On top of that, Syria and Iran are already supporting Hezbollah and at least Syria is threatening to join the conflict if it's attacked. And yes, the idea that the soldiers are in Syria IS hypothetical, why would you need clear clarification on that?

How ya doing, buddy?

Well, when a major part of the Lebanese government is PART of Hezbollah, who actively try to exteriminate Israel, then you can't say that there isn't a problem. They are terrorists, and thus, the Lebanese government should also be held accountable. They haven't done a thing about Hezbollah. Their president complained that nobody is making Israel stop. Yeah ok.

Also, this isn't the first time Israeli soldiers have been kidnapped. In the past, they would kidnap soldiers, and then exchange them for some prisoners. Quite frankly, this was a very bad policy Israel had. It gave the terrorists a sort of leverage, and let them think it's just FINE to go and kidnap soldiers anytime (even GOING INTO Israel to do it). It's NOT ok, and now they're feeling the pressure because Israel didn't cave into their demands this time.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Rock

No, they are not. Mainly because the Hezbollah nowadays isn't just a military organization anymore (it was actually founded to repell the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon in 1982), but a political one with strong (inofficial) ties to the Lebanese government in Beirut.

So they hold 23 seats in Lebanese Parliament unofficially?

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Rock

You could argue that their influence goes well beyond these 23 seats. Unofficially. ;-)

Still, I doubt that the Lebanese government is to be directly blamed for the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers. The majority of seats in the Lebanese Parliament is still held by moderate Christians opposing the Hezbollah, btw.

Not at all what you claimed in your previous post. And yes, the government isn't completely responsible, yet they are responsible for not doing anything to stop a terrorist organization from operating openly within their country. Now all they've done is piss of Israel, while the Lebanese President tries to ward off criticism by saying but why does no one bother Israel?!

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by packrat

EDIT:
By the way, I think the California National Guard is a branch of the US Military.
I am talking about a militia, like the Michigan Militia for example, which is an assemblage of military-minded citizens who are separate from the US government.

The California National Guard is a STATE Militia. Not under federal control.

I was speaking idiomatically.

That's clever. Twist the meaning of terrorist to make Israel look like a terrorist state!

That's just beyond stupidity. First of all, Hezbollah has been declared a terrorist organization by the US, EU, and the UN. Israel has not. And honestly, comparing Israel to terrorists? Are you serious? Israel has done NOTHING to these people short of existing, but now you cry foul when they attack after being provoked. Israel IS reactionary, but not after every single attack as you'd want to believe. Do you think Israel would be attacking Lebenon by now had Hezbollah not kidnapped their soldiers? Of course not.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by CryHavoc

Bradylama you show no backing data that prove your defence, your obvious ly blindly in defence of Israel.

To whomever:
I never said Israel is a terrorist state by the way, they just commit acts that can very well be defined as terrorism, again i speak of experience, what do you have to counter that?

I would only judge Styphon's words as logic in countering what i say, i still hate the bastard though, but he's right, your argument however, brady, is not logical in any way.
How can one give you an example of the everyday disregard of arab rights in israel, wether they are Palestinian or Israeli? It happens, take my word for it.

Obviously you're implying that Israel is committing acts of terrorism. Fact is, they are a legitimate soverign government, and are only defending their interests. Collateral damage happens, and it's unfortunate, but your arbitrary definition of terrorism is definately implying something.

On the other hand, Israel is not deliberately targetting civilians with their attacks. They don't strap bombs to themselves and blow up buses and shopping malls. That is clear cut terrorism.

FELIPE NO

Probably both.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Thoompie

Maybe i'm being a bit doomsday, but WWI and WWII became a world war because the US were helping(intercontinental, to be politically correct :-P). So if the US, and maybe Europe wil have to get in between again if things get outta hand, wouldn't that be a third world war?

You have a very poor understanding of World Wars.

How ya doing, buddy?