Not a cakewalk, part 157

The Dove says diplomacy is the only way to go; military solutions will never bring peace or security to anybody. Israel has proven her right over and over again.

Although I espouse dovish sentiments on this blog, I also like the clear-eyed hawkishness of Colonel Patrick Lang, who says:

Sic Semper Tyrannis 2008: "More difficult than anticipated?".

(Israel's action in Gaza) "'More difficult than many people anticipated.' Say what? More difficult than anticipated by IDF General Staff Intelligence? If that is so, then things have really gone to hell in a hand basket in the Qirya. You used to do better work. Maybe it is the politicians who have imposed this "goat rope" on the IDF. Maybe.

"Remember Lebanon in '06. We all really know how well that went for the IDF (irony alert). In the Lebanon case the air power crowd succeeded in persuading the Israeli government that the Lebanese (in general) could be intimidated into accommodating the Likud/neocon/Bush program for Lebanon. That failed in spite of devastating air attacks on civilian infrastructure targets the length and breath of the country. Then, there was a half hearted air/ground effort to destroy Hizbullah's forward positions and rocket firing capability. That proved impossible to do at any price that Israel was willing to pay. The net result was that Hizbullah became an exemplar for every Muslim enemy of Israel, an example of how the IDF can be defeated by brave and well prepared men.

Politically, the ultimate result of '06 was to make Hizbullah, and their Christian allies under General Aoun, the arbiters of events in Lebanon.

"We have now seen the Israelis run through their target list in Gaza. Hamas is still firing at Ashkalon and Beersheba. One wonders just who has who by the testicles in this situation. If the Israelis back away with some sort of unilateral ceasefire, then the '06 judgment of the Muslims on them will be confirmed in many minds."

Leila here: Killing won't solve the problem of rockets on Ashkelon. Killing Palestinian civilians and policemen in an attempt to solve the problem of rockets is a war crime. To bring peace to the area, end the siege of Gaza. Negotiate with the elected representatives of the Palestinians. Abide by UN resolutions. Enforce the rule of law ON BOTH SIDES. Peace will prevail.

If you have a problem with my solution, why are you living in America? We fought a revolution to install a constitution based on the rule of law. No man and no national group or religion is above the rule of law. Without the rule of law, barbarity encroaches and civilization will fall.

Update: Philip Weiss rounds up why military solutions don't work. Read his blog for more.

Comments

[Jonathan]

I'm with you. No man or organization is above the law.

Hamas cannot fire rockets at Israel without expecting a response.

And about the cease fire:
Hamas has repeatedly declared it will not stop firing even if the Israelis stop. Saying no to a cease-fire. (Fresh out of the AlQUDS newspaper, not an israeli source)

Jonathan, Bombed Beer Sheva.

So

[Stephen Frug]

"To bring peace to the area, end the siege of Gaza. Negotiate with the elected representatives of the Palestinians. Abide by UN resolutions. Enforce the rule of law ON BOTH SIDES. Peace will prevail."

Amen.

SF