Sensorship is not allowing messages to reflect the facts of Israeli massacres targetting children and even hospitals...!!!

The U.S. shouldn't support Israel as much as Bush is saying. This country doesn't need another front when the front lines against terrorism is so strained. Open support of Israel will inflame the conservative Arab leaders.

What will happen if the other Arab countries goes against Israel? The U.S. will send more military aid at the expense of our troops in Iraq who, as previously reported by Brian, has been short-changed in body armor.

Israel has a right to exist. The U.S. should support Israel but shouldn't do so at the expense of our troops.

Why is it that the Arab world is so up in arms over the continued Jewish/Israeli occupation of the West Bank/Palestine.

They are not up in arms over Syria's continued occupation of Lebanon. They are not up in arms over Syria's control of Palestine.

They are not up in arms over the continued slaughter and takeover of Sudan by Muslims. They are not up in arms over the continued slaughter and takeover by Muslims of Christians and others in Somalia

They do what is convenient and that is always fall back on the plight of Palestine to make themselves look like the victim. They have never given Palestine aid. It would only take one of the hundred of the House of Saud Prince's to give a small chunk of money to give Palestine an infrastructure to work with. Of course not. The United States has continued to give more aid to Palestine then any Arab nation. Deep down the plight of Palestine is what keeps their cause (TERRORISM) strong.

Ever wonder why Al Qaeda has never sent "fighters" to Palestine to support the "Palestinian struggle" even though they claimed that was part of their reason for the 9/11 attacks (remember the Palestinians handing out candy and dancing in the streets when they got word of the 9/11 attacks on the U.S.)? Al Qaeda preaches about supporting the "Palestinian Struggle", and have even used it as a means to justify and gain support for it's various terror campaigns. But don't give them too much credit, they would "never" go and fight in palestine. Do you know why? Because Israel's policy to deal with terrorist doesn't take a "weak" or "soft" approach to dealing with terrorist the way the U.S. and other "western" countries deal with terrorist. Al Qaeda knows this and would suffer heavy embarrassing losses that would hurt their "recruitment". You see, We (the western countries like France, U.S., U.K., etc.) have to deal with unconventional warfare with a conventional approach. Some even argue that, "this is what separates us from the animals". But wake up ladies and gentlemen! We are dealing with animals! The only thing they respect is power! So quit "kissin' every terrorist behind" like Guantanamo and the Saddam Hussein trial (joke). and deal with them swiftly and severely. Last month Insurgents kidnapped 2 U.S. soldiers and they brutally tortured and beheaded them in a way that is unimaginable! What was the U.S. response? We searched for them by knocking on doors making sure we didn't step on a garden flower or knock too loud to wake up the neighbors! Israel had two soldiers kidnapped and within 4 hours they responded quickly and severely. Regardless of the ones opinion on the success and outcome, Israel still sent a clear message to deter any such future acts. The U.S. response was predictable and insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan know that the U.S. "plays by the rules". I say, have a "rogue" black ops secretly funded organanization kidnap Bin Ladens mother or Zahwriwi's close family members in Saudi or wherever they may be and videotape her or them pleading for their lives on Al-jazeera or ANN the same way they do innocent people in Iraq just before they viciously behead them on tape. I guarantee you that Bin Laden would come out of hiding and turn himself in very quickly if he witnessed his mother on videotape pleading for her life. Oh, I am sorry... Did I scare you? Anyway, I almost forgot that We don't have the courage to deal with terrorist that way. Zarqawi's wife (living in France) went on French television praising her husbands "martyrdom" and called for insurgents in Iraq to continue the fighting just days after Zarqawis death! But let's get back to Israel--- As I mentioned, Al Qaeda will never show up in Palestine. And if they do, it will be shortlived. Israel and it's people are the only country that is willing to deal with terrorist quickly and severely. Al Qaeda knows that 100%. In the mean time let us create another catch phrase for 2006, "collective punishment" and "Disproportionate punishment". We won't accomplish anything against the terrorist but we could make "Time Magazines" phrase of the year! Wow! As long as we (the west) are not willing to deal unconventionally, quickly, and severely with terrorist, they will always take advantage and exploit our weakness!

First I must say that Israel not only has a right to exist, they have a right to live in peace. That does not stop me from condemning Israel when they are wrong. And in this case they are wrong.
They seem to have taken a page out of the US playbook. Instead of going after the people who caused the problem they have attacked a nation that can't even defend itself, then they go after the civilian population.

What caused me to comment on this subject was one headline that was plastered across the front of msn.com. US stands alone. Yes the US is part of the security council, but there are many other nations in the world, whose voice is not counted on the security council, but whos people are giving there lifes for duty for their country too.
Canada:ON BOARD AIRBUS 001 -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday condemned the abduction of Israeli soldiers by Hamas and Hezbollah, saying he supported Israel's right to "defend itself" and characterized its response to the kidnappings as "measured."

He also called on "any country in that area that has any influence" on Hamas and Hezbollah to "encourage an end to violence and encourage the recognition of Israel's right to exist."

Has anyone looked into how much money the United States has spent to help the Palestinians to get established. United States Transfers $50 million to Palestinians to help with infrastructor in Gaza. It went right to the leaders of the Palestinians.

Some of you have said to dismantle Israel and have suggested almost dismantling all the Jewish people and that would stop the war. Really. In Iraq right now, more deaths are being caused by Islamic sects against Islamic sects than the United States has caused.

Which one of us, if someone was torn from your arms would not fight with everything you have to get them back. And not have to the right to do so.

Blow up an airstrip, what is better a school or hospital.

One final thought. Go back through history as far as you can. Every country or person from Egypt,Persia,Rome,Germany and many others that have come against Israel are either hurting so bad economically or dont exist as they were after coming up against Israel. Back through the centuries, USA did not even exist so why is Israel protected.

Something to make you go hummmmmm....maybe a long standing covenant between Abraham and God.

Oh and one more thing, someone brought up about how that a great man only sought peace and never did any violence. If this person was referring to Jesus, take a look at what he did to the temple when the people where being cheated by pharasess who at that time had the power to make you or break you.
I have a feeling this will never be published or seen, but I had to get it out. I am tired of the news groups and I mean all of them being so biased against your own president that you make him seem black to the rest of the world. If you cant support your own than why bother.

Wasn't it just a few weeks ago that the United States military was turning over everything in sight to find those missing soldiers?

I also find it amusing to listen to Putin and his disdain when he kills any sort of rebel or terrorist in his country on a mere whim.

Why is that when every other country deals with terrorists the gloves come off but if its Israel then everyone demands restraint? Why is it no else negotiates with terrorists but Israel is supposed to? If Lebanon can't control these terrorists which are inside their borders than Israel doesn't have a choice does it?

The United States goes all over the world to hunt Ossama. Well Hezbollah and Hamas work with him. If anything, we as a country need to be doing more to vanquish these organizations.

This is deja vu all over again. The Arabs attack Israel and hide among civilians. Where do they get the weapons? From Iran. Why is Iran sending weapons to Hezbollah and Hamas? To kill Jews. Israel leaves Southern Lebanon, Gaza and is talking about leaving the West Bank. As a thank you, the Arabs build up arms in the abandoned terrority and attack and kill Jews and the Arabs and their apologists participate in Big Brother Speak to assert that the Jews are responsible; they do not let the Palestinians live in peace. As I said, it is deja vu all over again, a cycle of double talk, an experience of dead souls talking to dead hearts, the apacolypse on the rampage.

I'm utterly shocked by (most of) the previous comments. I always knew that White House's propaganda is really strong (let's not forget Bush's quote:
"See, in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda."
If you want to check the veracity of this quote:
http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/blbushism-propaganda.htm
).
Israel has never been peaceful and will never be. And who ever said it was created legally? The fact that the U.N. voted for it, it doesn't mean anything! it's like saying: OK, I'll give a part of Australia's territory to German! Eh, who said it's yours to give? Did anyone bother asking the neighbouring nations? Everyone knew that creating a Jewish "country" in the Middle East is synonym to "igniting an endless war in the whole region". The Iranian president was SO right. Unless Israel disappears from the map, peace will never be restored in the Middle East. No one said Israelis have to be killed or anything, just relocated.
To return to the creation of Israel issue, the fact that quite a few countries were not opposed, that does definitely not mean they really backed the plan. A lot of them where extorted by the U.S. (let's not forget that at the end of WWII, most nations were extremely weak so they could not object to anything proposed by the superpower: the U.S.). They same happened with the Coalition (one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard): the only countries that initially backed the U.S. for a war against Iraq were Morocco, Vanuatu and Poland. I'm not referring to England because that was not surprising.
And if anyone thinks Jews deserve the land because of their history, then you should give your land back to Indians (if you can find any, since you have exterminated practically any descendant) because they deserve it a lot more.

some mention of israel being created with UN mandate. do you know that at the time the arab world was colonized by europe; palestine by Britain? were the arabs actually asked whether they wanted their lands and homes taken over by strangers from another land? i don't think so... europe's anti-semites wanted to get rid of it's jews at the time; now the arabs have to put up with all these claims and problems related to terrorism against israel and the west when in fact it is the israelis that are committing state-sponsored terrorism with America's blessing and support, not to mention American Tax Payers money. do you know that israel is the only country in the world that uses American aid funds without any accountability as to what the money is used for (US law stipulates that ALL aid should be accounted for)? Arabs and Muslims had no problem living with Arab Jews or other Jews for that matter. the problem is not Judaism, but zionism whereby european and other jews are "imported" into palestine and given israeli citizenships, jobs and settlements while local palestinians are cornered, frustrated and terrorized on a daily basis. Israel does not want peace as that would end it's dream of Greater Israel spanning from the Nile to the Euphrates rivers.

Hezballah just issued their own death notice and Iran's with the firing of the rockets that reached Israel's third largest city. Do they think Israel will really wait for Iran to make a nuclear weapon before they hit Iran?

As so many have noted, it is a shame that innocents get caught in the crossfire. But that cannot restrain Israel from protecting itself. For too long Palestinian terrorists have harrassed and killed Israelis. The country should be given unqualified support in invading its enemies and pummeling them until they are completely cowed. So far, the US is Irael's only supporter in this conflict. I only hope the US offers both materiel and logistic support in this time of crisis. As the only democracy in the whole region, they deserve all the support America can give.

I read all these e-mails and am amazed that those with opinions against Israel seem to leave out part of the facts and those for Israel are able to quote the truths of the situation. Civilians killed by Israel? What about the hamas leaders who hide behind their own children and wives when they are expecting attacks by Israel. Haven't seen Israel or the United States government participating in or supporting the using of brainwashed young people to strap on bombs and kill themselves along with a busload of civilians or innocent men, women and children in crowded public areas. We have seen this behavior in Iraq and other islamic areas also. Islamic militants hiding behind women and children while firing on our soldiers. They are not worthy to be called men. They have no respect for human life, not even their own wives and children. They consider themselves to be honorable heroes, but are cowards using the plight of their own people for their own financial and power gains, much like some in the Black Caucus and Jesse Jackson here in this country are doing to create and make excuses for the terrorist in our neighborhoods (ref: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans, 4th of July in Charlotte,NC and Concord, NC Riots). The statements that mohammed was a murderer and robber may be worthy of looking into. It may explain their behavior. May also explain the mask they hide behind, much like robbers and thieves use.
Funny how many are focusing on this response by Israel as being over 3 kidnapped soldiers and leaving out the fact in both incidents the islamic militants were raining bombs down on innocent civilians at the same time, when Israel as a step toward peace had just returned land it legitimately won in wars started by the arabs. For Israel to do nothing and not consider this as an act of war by those countries whose government officials are part of these terrorist groups would be the equivalence of us doing nothing after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. Why shouldn't Israel have the same right as we in going after the countries who support these terrorist groups, as we did in Afganistan. I think now would be a good time to take on Syria and wipe out those in Iran who are bent on the destuction of Israel and are supplying the terrorist to do just that and publicly stating this as their mission. Israel needs to put a few mushroom clouds over Iran, because you can bet your bottom dollar if the current leaders stay in control much longer they will be putting one over Israel, even if it kills millions of other palestinians and arabs. Because, as we have seen,the islamic militants have no respect for human life. Their religion (the terrorist, not Islam) is a religion of hate, death and destruction. Just as we would go after criminals in this country so should the world go after these. As for world peace, all you tree huggers and save the seals folks, it ain't going to happen. Never has and never will until his time has come. As many have already stated here read the book. Get out of never never land and into reality. Of course you probably think reality TV is reality. I guess we are getting to the part in the book that states many will be blinded to the truth, because they have turned away from it for so long. And for saying Jesus would handle this passively, I don't think his unloading on the money changers and thieves in the Temple was passive. Even Jeus got tough with the bad guys. God will bless those who bless Israel. Ever wonder why our country is where it is today and the third world countries are where they are?

The Arabs have to much pride in the sense that they will never weaver in their quest to destroy Israel. The Arabs sole reason for existance is Israel destruction. The middle east conflict may go on forever, are the Arabs so stupid as to bear children whom ultimately die for a futile quest?
Israel is just 22,145 sq km,I would give more than that for the sake of my children
Israeli Jews are going nowhere and Arabs had better come to term with that.
Arabs should instead be fighting for for goverment accountability and greater democratic space in their countries.
Its a shame that the Arabs are currently the only part of human race who would rather die for vanity

Here we are once again, debating endlessly over who is to blame in the Middle East - those claiming to be the poor victims of Zionist imperialism and those pushing themselves to higher and higher levels of military involvement and its resulting destabilization and destruction. If you ask me, its all wrong...the murdering of guards and hostage taking, the destruction of lives for supposed security and satisfaction that never comes no matter how much is destroyed. If it were my brother on sentry duty either killed or taken hostage by proven murderous cutthroats (Palestinian Terrists/Militants) or my brother murdered while throwing rocks or launching piecemeal rockets at armed troops or neighborhoods (IMF)...both are abhorent. It is truly just an excuse all around to lower the humanity flag and raise the horror standard. I have to admit, I would not be happy and would be beyond frustration if my loved ones were being held captive with no hope of ever seeing them again as the Palestinians have been experiencing that spawned the kidnappings. So there is something for the Israelis to address as a potential cause or catalyst to all of this recent unrest. Then the question that begs asking is...why were/are they being held by the Israelis in the first place. Probably due to their direct involvement in terrorist activities that have led to heinous crimes against innocent civilians in shopping areas among numerous other, equally unpalatable/unacceptable scenarios. There is an area for the Palestinians to address as a source and catalyst. The list goes on and on...hey, how about everyone sits down and identifies these catalysts that are stirring up the hornets nests and begin to resolve and settle them. Sure, sounds simple to you and I, but seeing them on a much higher emotional plane with personal involvement and experiences to overcome first has to be nearly an unthinkable task. So far, in this now escalating mess, we have Palestinians attacking, killing and kidnapping at least three military members in hopes that they might negotiate a release of their people being held by the Israelis. Not real smart or effective - stealing someone's truck so you can date their daughter rarely yields the desired result or has the planned effect. Israel has attacked power plants, water sources, airfields, concentrations of militants, etc. but have for the most part attempted to restrain and calculate their military actions more or less. OK...here's an idea for the Palestinians first - this course of action isn't working! No prisoners released for death and kidnapping. So, return the troops immediately and apologize for these actions. Take the first step to show that you have some semblance of humanity left in your culture! Of course, be sure to publicly and firmly state what prompted your actions...knowing ahead of time that there are consequences for every action and if those being held have contributed to the bombings, murder, kidnappings, and general terrorism that has occurred they must be held accountable for it. Those that haven't - the younger men, women, teens that have done nothing more than throw rocks or burned flags, etc. in support of such activities should be released immediately as a gesture of Israel's cultural humanity. Now, with the source of this flare-up partially resolved...build on it!!! Find the next open sore and get to it's source, no matter how minor it may seem at first...look for an opportunity to apologize for the various events and terrible actions that have occurred and again, bring out the causes that sparked them...that way, it may not take another millenium to move two inches further toward a situation of peaceful coexistence and prosperity for both of your peoples!!! Warfare settles absolutely nothing and simply fuels the hatred. Choose today to choose peaceful solutions! We all know that your belief systems are mired in the Old Testament/Koran's teachings of eye for an eye and so forth...but can you all just agree that none of this violence is working? Israel, are you as a people any more secure now (I know I can't visit your country right now and I want to, passionately!!!) Palestine, are you any closer to having a productive society where your children don't grow up filled with hate and gratification in death as their only career path? I want to visit your country too, once you get it under control so that my family and I wouldn't have to see Bethlehem from an armoured bus or such!) I wouldn't want to live either way - in constant fear of neighboring countries attacks on my countrymen/women/children or a painful, hateful existence seeing my neighborhoods in ruin, my children staring down armed troops or hostile, armed settlers, virtually countryless with no prospects of a normal, happy life ahead for them...have a think about it...we'll see you when you manage crawl out of the ugliness and join the rest of the civilized world. Until that becomes a reality, I'm truly sorry for all of your peoples.

Here we are once again, debating endlessly over who is to blame in the Middle East - those claiming to be the poor victims of Zionist imperialism and those pushing themselves to higher and higher levels of military involvement and its resulting destabilization and destruction. If you ask me, its all wrong...the murdering of guards and hostage taking, the destruction of lives for supposed security and satisfaction that never comes no matter how much is destroyed. If it were my brother on sentry duty either killed or taken hostage by proven murderous cutthroats (Palestinian Terrists/Militants) or my brother murdered while throwing rocks or launching piecemeal rockets at armed troops or neighborhoods (IMF)...both are abhorent. It is truly just an excuse all around to lower the humanity flag and raise the horror standard. I have to admit, I would not be happy and would be beyond frustration if my loved ones were being held captive with no hope of ever seeing them again as the Palestinians have been experiencing that spawned the kidnappings. So there is something for the Israelis to address as a potential cause or catalyst to all of this recent unrest. Then the question that begs asking is...why were/are they being held by the Israelis in the first place. Probably due to their direct involvement in terrorist activities that have led to heinous crimes against innocent civilians in shopping areas among numerous other, equally unpalatable/unacceptable scenarios. There is an area for the Palestinians to address as a source and catalyst. The list goes on and on...hey, how about everyone sits down and identifies these catalysts that are stirring up the hornets nests and begin to resolve and settle them. Sure, sounds simple to you and I, but seeing them on a much higher emotional plane with personal involvement and experiences to overcome first has to be nearly an unthinkable task. So far, in this now escalating mess, we have Palestinians attacking, killing and kidnapping at least three military members in hopes that they might negotiate a release of their people being held by the Israelis. Not real smart or effective - stealing someone's truck so you can date their daughter rarely yields the desired result or has the planned effect. Israel has attacked power plants, water sources, airfields, concentrations of militants, etc. but have for the most part attempted to restrain and calculate their military actions more or less. OK...here's an idea for the Palestinians first - this course of action isn't working! No prisoners released for death and kidnapping. So, return the troops immediately and apologize for these actions. Take the first step to show that you have some semblance of humanity left in your culture! Of course, be sure to publicly and firmly state what prompted your actions...knowing ahead of time that there are consequences for every action and if those being held have contributed to the bombings, murder, kidnappings, and general terrorism that has occurred they must be held accountable for it. Those that haven't - the younger men, women, teens that have done nothing more than throw rocks or burned flags, etc. in support of such activities should be released immediately as a gesture of Israel's cultural humanity. Now, with the source of this flare-up partially resolved...build on it!!! Find the next open sore and get to it's source, no matter how minor it may seem at first...look for an opportunity to apologize for the various events and terrible actions that have occurred and again, bring out the causes that sparked them...that way, it may not take another millenium to move two inches further toward a situation of peaceful coexistence and prosperity for both of your peoples!!! Warfare settles absolutely nothing and simply fuels the hatred. Choose today to choose peaceful solutions! We all know that your belief systems are mired in the Old Testament/Koran's teachings of eye for an eye and so forth...but can you all just agree that none of this violence is working? Israel, are you as a people any more secure now (I know I can't visit your country right now and I want to, passionately!!!) Palestine, are you any closer to having a productive society where your children don't grow up filled with hate and gratification in death as their only career path? I want to visit your country too, once you get it under control so that my family and I wouldn't have to see Bethlehem from an armoured bus or such!) I wouldn't want to live either way - in constant fear of neighboring countries attacks on my countrymen/women/children or a painful, hateful existence seeing my neighborhoods in ruin, my children staring down armed troops or hostile, armed settlers, virtually countryless with no prospects of a normal, happy life ahead for them...have a think about it...we'll see you when you manage crawl out of the ugliness and join the rest of the civilized world. Until that becomes a reality, I'm truly sorry for all of your peoples.

Muslim religion is supposed to be a peaceful one,but remember that it calls for death to all infidels and crusaders.Yes,there are good and bad in all people,but i think if we want to make the world a safer place,we should kill all of them Muslim bastards and let God sort them out! I havent forgotten 9/11 like alot of Americans.And i'll never forgive Muslims for what they did.So if they want a fight,lets fight.Lets open up another can of whoop-ass!Just remember,war is brutal,and the more brutal we make it,the faster it will be over.Go get 'em Israel..I salute you!!!

Lets not attack religion. The Crusades is the opposing example of what people did in the name of Christ against Islam.

Please keep the U.S out of this drama. We have enough going on. Sure we helped create Isreal, but are we also going to blame God for creating thugs and terrorists? I say: "Let Israel kick some sense into these infidels who think terrorism is the world's best weapon" Go Isreal, some of us know what it means to live in fear, to be scared to fly, or to watch out who you sit next to.

I've become friends with an American citizen of 26 years who was originally born in Lebanon. He recently went back to Lebanon after many years. Originally, it was to see his father before he died, but his father died just prior, so my friends trip turned to a funeral. He told me that when he stepped off the plane onto American soil that he kissed the ground and was so happy to be back in America. I could see it in his mannerisms, he was genuinely grateful. Imagine that.

He told me many things that only someone from that area could tell, but coupled with his high degree of intelligence, compassion and fluency in English, he conveyed such wisdom and insight. One of the things that struck me was that he said Lebanon hadn't much, if any, of a middle class.

He said that Hezbollah did not want a middle class so they paid people a monthly salary to hold guns and guard buildings. No one would go work in a store or restaurant for $3/hr when they could get $500 or $1000 for playing soldier for Hezbollah.

It is Hezbollah that keeps the Lebanese oppressed.

I don't know how much space I get to write, but for what really needs to be said, in conjunction with all the ignorance that needs to have a light shone on it, takes more than a few paragraphs. But I will do my best to keep this next part short. I have chosen to respond to a reply by someone else for the fact that it sounds intelligent, and to the unschooled mind, it would pass for intelligence, but it's not. It's dispassionate ignorance that hardly veils the hostility behind it. Here it begins:

"Does any person that has contributed to this blog get their news from sources other than CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, or FOX? If you do take the time to find out what is really going on in the world in which we live,"

Notice he doesn't suggest any alternatives like Al-Jazeera or the New York Times. Any sense of objectivity on his part would immediately disappear so he just lumps a bunch of American stations together. And that, even though FOX and others have shown some of those stations to be lacking and biased.

"you'd clearly see that the situation that Israel finds itself in today, is in large part their own doing."

This person doesn't go into the original tensions of the region that led to war - Israelis and Palestinians, pawns of larger nations. It was like a pitbull cage match and Israel won. Since Syria, Egypt, Jordan and Russia could (and would) simply smash the Palestinians if they started fomenting terror in their borders, they continue to try to eliminate Israel because they know the Israelis are too principled. The way Israel goes about defending itself according to intelligent military reasoning is NOTHING compared to what Syria, Egypt or Jordan would do if the Palestinians caused havoc in their borders.

"I can't side with either nation, but as an unbiased observer,"

Both statements are utter nonsense and the rest of the reply is now tainted because the reader believes he is objective when he isn't.

"I need to point out that Israel frequently shoots and kills unarmed Palestinian women and and children,"

The world knows that is not premeditated. It is because the terrorists hide amongst the populace. One might foolishly assume that the citizens have no choice and greater care should be taken, but I'll let you in on something that was once a secret...

...in Iraq, the children get soccer balls. These have dual function. They glow in the dark. So during the day, a young boy will throw the soccer ball on the roof of a known insurgent hideout. Night patrols fly over and wherever there is a soccer ball on a roof, there is a follow up raid.

That is an example of citizens who do not want terrorists in their midst. You don't know anything about this though and if the news finds the info fascinating, they destroy the technique the next day by publishing it on the front page, but the point has been made and Israel's shooting of innocents is collateral damage and I would bet it only comes after provocations only.

"bombs households that families are living in,"

Every country did this in WWII to cities that were 1000s of miles away. Israel is doing this to cities housing rockets that are raining down on Israeli settlements only 12 miles away. Israel does not have the luxury in such cases to do the superhuman pinpoint strikes that infantile minds imagine they should. The fact that pinpoint strikes are sometimes possible is something to be grateful for as it lessens collateral damage, but let the infantile minds not make the mistake of assuming that should become the sole method of retaliation.

"and bulldozes the only shelter and home that many poor and innocent Palestinian civilians reside in(non-combatant, non-terrorist civilians)."

As opposed to knocking on the front door and asking if they may enter. This is more ignorance and propaganda. The homes that get bulldozed almost always contain the family members of combatants. I would bet that the enemies of Israel would not show such restraint. Given the chance, they would kill the families as well. It's evident in how they bomb cities with rockets where no significant military advantage is even present.

"Reasons aside, it is happening."

Yes, the propaganda and fake objectivity is happening.

"Are you aware that Israel, just this week bombed a Palestinian home killing the father, mother, and more than 6 children all under the age of 18?"

Remember, this is a person who didn't pick sides and claims to be objective. After suggesting all American news sources are biased, he then goes on to tell only of the destruction from Israel's defense of it's existence. Never mentions any of the disgusting acts of Israel's enemies.

"The home was bombed as Israel was on another rampage to kill a terrorist."

Ok, that sounds like what would normally happen when chasing down a person who has been, and wants to continue, harming you. The author is quick to claim, "All reason aside, it happens." but won't apply the same reasoning to collateral damage and incidental deaths from an undeclared war started by a terrorist kidnapping.

"Rather than try other tactics which clearly work here in the U.S. when we capture criminals,"

How dare this person compare mere street criminals and domestic crimefighting to those who openly declare their wish to see the state of Israel wiped off the map. Not even close to the same thing but this somehow escapes him.

"they just bombed the entire house indiscriminantly without regard to who actually may be in the house (such as innocent, unarmed women, and young children - more lives destroyed, more hatred created for future generations - hmmm, sounds like the U.S. policy in Iraq)."

If that sounds like the US policy in Iraq then one has to wonder what HIS news sources are. It becomes more and more evident over time that there is a VAST good that's been done in Iraq and that it doesnt get reported because it doesn't sell as well as violence.

Still, no mention of Palestinian, Hamas or Hezbollah improprieties. Even this time around Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia had to admit that Hezbollah kind of asked for it this time.

"How should we define this act? What makes this act not terrorism?"

Terror, as a direct response to a direct assault, is an unfortnate part of what the world accepts as war. It's a shame that the author hasn't learned that "terrorism" is not the RESULT of the unfortunate consequences of a military repraisal, but rather a philosophy of how to go about subjugating an enemy by striking randomly amongst innocent civilians at any time, provoked or not.

"What makes this act legal? What makes this act acceptable? This act is not acceptable, especially given that a sovereign nation condones this behavior openly and the world accepts it."

That author is wrong. The author asks how it is acceptable but then says it isn't. And the reason he gives for it being unacceptable is precisely the reason it is. It is BECAUSE Israel is a sovereign nation, and BECAUSE Hezbollah and Hamas are terrorist groups to whom their host nations turn a blind eye. Political robes don't immediately transform Hamas into decent, righteous human beings.

Is it acceptable for terrorists, hosted by Lebanon and Palestinina Authority to cross the Israeli border and kidnap Israeli soldiers? Is that acceptable? To that author it is.

"This is one of the most disgusting, reprehensible acts I have heard of being committed by a "civilized" country (well, beside the secret prisons, military tribunals, killing of innocent Iraqis, and invading nations that clearly don't have the ability to harm the U.S. but that don't fit into "our" national agenda)."

And if any shred of pseudo-objectivity had remained, it is surely gone by this point as that author's allegiances are is amply revealed. That author forgets that the U.S. exists because the British fought a "civilized" war against the colonists.

While it's noble to protect people from extreme conditions under capture, such as torture that goes beyond the practical aim of gaining life-saving knowledge about enemy intentions, it is not only not noble, but self-destructive to go to great lengths to make life comfortable for people who aim to exterminate you, your family and your whole culture.

"Why hasn't there been international outrage and publicity?"

You mean at the Muslim atrocities committed in Dafur? Others have wondered similarly. Or maybe you mean the beheading of US soldiers who were captured and defenseless? Or maybe you meant the shooting of that Irish/English woman who lived in Iraq for 20 years helping Iraqi children. Or maybe you wondered where was the outrage for the "Oil for food" program. Or maybe you wondered where was the outrage when all those suicide bombers killed Israeli infants and grandparents having dinner in Israeli cafes. Where was the world outrage over the fact these suicide bombers were promised $25k would go to their families after their death by people like Saddam and others.

Why is that author only concerned about the unfortunate collateral damage that are only the consequences of provoking the Israelis. Putting aside who is right and who is wrong, why is that author emphasizing what he wrongly claims are Israeli atrocities when people in their right mind know that the atrocities are committed by the terrorists.

"Case in point. We in the U.S. don't get half the picture on the aforementioned news channels, so in my humble opinion 90% of what I have read on this blog is completely irrelevant because it was written by uninformed individuals that have fallen victim to the biased reporting that occurs everyday in this wonderful country. What if those innocent people in that house were your parents, brothers, sisters, cousins? How would you feel about such an act?"

This is an odd question. Usually emotional responses in these matters are irrational. Obviously no terrorist is going to have a change
of heart from having their family's house destroyed, but it sure might make a would-be terrorist think twice.

"People are people, why do we as a nation forget that?"

Some have a better understanding of life than others. Some are more reasonable than others. So people are not just people. Not everyone thinks so and not everyone forgets.

By the way, where is the outrage over Munich?
And where is the outrage that the murderer of Navy diver Robert Stetham was released by Lebanon not too long ago?

"All parties involved are behaving poorly,"

I mentioned earlier that all later parts of that author's post would be moot as they would reflect the clear bias highlighted in the early parts of that post.

"but the blame cannot be leveled on one party. Root causes need to be addressed, publicized, and resolved in order for real progress to be made."

This is neither objective nor brilliant. It's a sad restatement of an idea that's been said over and over again, "We must get to root causes and..."

That author's "objectivity" is worse than outright fist-pumping propaganda. At least with the die-hard fanatics and mentally imbalanced, you can be SURE of what you're dealing with.

Thanks for takign the time read this.

God Bless,
Sam Freedom

There is another clear reason for bombing Beirut's airport; short of engaging in wholescale slaughter it is an ideal means of inflicting maximum pain on Lebanon. The country was looking forward to its first summer season free of the overhang of war or assasination since 1975 - more than three decades - and by choking it off, Israel believes it has found the means of controlling Hezbollah: forcing Lebanon into doing it the hard way.

But it is a fundamentally flawed policy. Most of Lebanon already wants to disarm Hezbollah, and has been trying to do it through dialogue since the Syrian withdrawal. If it hasn't been achieved yet it's because, first, no one wants another civil war, and, second, even if we took that route, Hezbollah has a large, well-armed, and battle-trained guerrilla force, created through years of Syrian and Iranian support, while the Lebanese government is still rebuilding after decades of pillage and infiltration by elements loyal to Syria. Even if Lebanon were to try to do it, "the hard way," it would most likely fail, and only lead to chaos or even Hezbollah domination which would most likely increase the insecurity of Israel's northern border.

What is frustrating in most of the comments above (and the debate on the major news carriers)is that Lebanon in its entirety is now being equated with Hezbollah. That is just what Hezbollah wishes, and, if one listens to the declarations of the Israeli government, what Israel strangely seems to wish. The more Israel kills, the more it destroys the the growing normalcy which offers Lebanese of all groups, including the Shia poor, an alternative to violence and misery, the more likely that equation will come true.

I don't bielive what's happening again ,few days ago we was talking about how gr8 this season is...and suddenly we heard on the T.V that Hisbullah kidnapp two Israelian. It was a choc for all the Lebanese, it's like we can't feel safe, we just finish paying the price of the last israelian attack,I don't think that we can bring the lebanese prisonner from israel like that, we can't defend our self from and israelian attack ,that's y the lebanese army is not doing anything. Israel have the right to defend themself,so are we... who will help us .We're stuck here in the middle.I am a lebanese who just lost her dream of a future in lebanon. It will never be safe.Its hard to take hisbullah out of lebanon without a desaster.The war starts, the touriste are gone, we lost our job. we can't walk on the street safely,what are we suppose to do. The goverment ain't doing anything, and we lost everything. For the next four years we'll be paying for all the damage that was caused by this war.and then once we finish paying, israel will hit again , then we'll start all over.I am so going out of lebanon,i never thought that i will say something like that.It s not safe anymore

I would like to sign up and volunteer to serve in the military of the Israel government. If only the American government was so decisive in determining when enough is enough and take care of business. Eliminate the threat or die trying. We can not co-exsist with terror.

I keep reading that Israel's reaction is over the top. I guess it's only "over the top" if it's not your child or brother or father. If it were your child or family member what would you consider to be appropriate and not "over the top"? Or, would you tell your government to do anything and everything to bring back your loved one back? Somehow I doubt that anyone would say, it's okay guys, just keep 'em because, well, we don't want to want to overreact and we don't want to go over the top. It's amazing how cavalier people can be with others loved ones. Hezbollah started the fire, don't blame Israel if people get burned.

The simmering pot of the Middle East is boiling over. How utterly tragic for all concerned!
As a first time reader of this blog, I am dismayed at the shocking lack of correct spelling and grammar of my fellow Americans. The educational system of the country must be in tatters!