Quote:
Originally posted by Sidd Finch
Bombing probably does create some converts. It also may create some pressure or desire to have Hezbollah not operate from a particular area. For the last several years, supporting Hezbollah has been painless.
But this wasn't really my point. I wasn't trying to compare the recruiting benefits of bombing and assassination. I was pointing out that targetted assassinations, even if possible, are difficult, expensive, risky, and time-consuming, and they don't bring any commensurate benefit to Israel. And, I fundamentally disagree with the view that Israel can damage Hezbollah as easily with assassinations as it can with bombing.
|
I agree with you, but I've seen some very wrenching stories in the past couple of days -- complete with interviews and pictures -- of civilian Lebanese families (multiple generations) getting blown up in missile attacks as they were trying to evacuate North out of the combat areas -- driving along with white flags on the roofs of their cars. [I'm thinking in particular of one WaPo story today.]
Bad stuff. Makes me wonder what in the Hell Israel hopes to accomplish with that kind of targeting. I would assume that these vehicles were "targets of opportunity" seized upon by aircraft flying around above. Maybe just mistakes, but I wonder what orders/RoE they are operating under.
Seemingly random attacks on civilian targets are terrible for Israel's image [not that they care much], but also really bad for the soul, self-image and identity of the nation.
S_A_M
