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Originally Posted by Lanny_MacDonald
I think they crossed that line along time ago. This is no longer a defensive measure, this is a well calculated offensive movement. They are following America's lead and practicing "pre-emptive war". Frankly, I find it repulsive. Israel is lashing out, trying to bully the region IMO. I think they are walking along a very fine line. America may back them, but I doubt anyone else (other than the American lap dogs) will support Israel's actions. This could quickly spin out of control.
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See, I think you make a valid point, and I guess that is what the debate is about. How far is too far to defend oneself. In the case of the US, I think it's pretty clear that invading a country in the middle east that has no capability of striking the US is problaby going too far and cannot be justified as defence.
Israel is in a totally different situation, and in this case is probaly practicing the old "Best defence is a good offence" mantra. Unfortunately for Israel it's a bit of a catch 22.
They either respond strongly (as is the case here) when a neighbour either directly, or covertly through state sponsored terrorist organizations attacks them, or they sit back, let it happen, and slowly get blown away. In one case they take the fight to their enemies, and are precieved as a bully, in the other they get slowly wiped out.
Yes they have handled some situations badly, and yes at this point they may be acting a bit out of anger, but they do have a good arguement that for the last 50 years their neighbours have systmeatically attacked them and they are sick of it.
It really comes down to who you think started it. Is it Isreals fault for occupying land that was taken away from it's neighours, or is it their neighbours fault for fighting to get it back.
Ultimately I'd say the responsibility lies with the rest of the nations who were responsible for setting up Israel after WWII. Normally I wouldn't be keen to say other countries, such as the US and UK, have a responsibiltiy to clean up another reions problems, but this one is really a problem that they helped start.