For anyone trying to take a scientific overhead view of the present global problems, especially in the Middle East, a letter in today's WA Sunday Times, contains a sentence which is like a ray of historical light to any student of global political ethics:

"The US has used its power of veto in the UN Security Council 81 times, and now being the only remaining global superpower, still continues to hijack the UN for its own political agenda.

This article is remarkably simplistic for a 30 year military analyst. It appears to ignore the many many civilian deaths caused by collateral damage. These deaths are in the tens of thousands, and yet, are utterly ignored.

So too does it ignore the fact that Saudi Arabia is the source of the problem, and yet it is ignored.

It makes political sense for the US to ignore it, but to still espouse righteous western values is pure hypocrisy.

Come on - there are good reasons for these wars in the middle east, but quelling terrorism is way down that list. Besides, the neo-conservative movement ought to know by now that bloodshed begets bloodshed - the more you try to fight this whole terrorism concept with guns, the more you will incite it. This isn't a battle that can be won with bombs, yet try telling that to a military analyst.

Marylin

I never demonised Arabs as child killing monsters or in any other way. When I heard the "children in the sea" libel I did not believe any of it and I still hate and despise Howard for that comment.

In any war much of the information is unreliable but with your comment "The Hezbollah set up the rocket launchers on "hillsides" according to every single witness." you take my breath away. You dismiss totally the mainstream view and photographic evidence. And factually "according to EVERY single witness" is clearly not correct.

And was the Hezbollah bombintg of Arab children in Nazareth not also a a gross violation of human decency? And they were not given a warning. And if killing of Lebanese by Israel is wrong then killing of Israelis by Hezbollah must also be wrong.

Before answering count to ten take a cup of tea and reply carefully without malice or you will finally lose all credibility on this forum. This would be a pity because you are clearly a sensitive person and much of what you write is worth reading.

Peter

Horrible,

I'm far more worried about the real, wholesale mega terrorism of the US of Israel, than the retail terrorism of an al-Qaida. I see the former enacted daily in Palestine and more recently in Lebanon. Sickening, and utterly pointless and self-defeating.

Even the good folk of the Benighted States of America are waking up. The latest Zogby International poll shows that only 35% agree that "US policy is as fair with the democratic government of Lebanon as it is with the democratic government of Israel". Only 35%, Horrible! You can't fool all of the people - even Americans - all of the time. Now THERE'S something to worry about, old boy.

"I'm far more worried about the real, wholesale mega terrorism of the US of Israel, than the retail terrorism of an al-Qaida. I see the former enacted daily in Palestine and more recently in Lebanon. Sickening, and utterly pointless and self-defeating."

Thats all very nice and kind of you Strewthy, to be so concerned.

Now lets see, about 1000 people died, give or take a few. Meantime
down in Darfur, the Arabs have killed around the 3 million mark
and I've yet to see much outrage in the Arab press.

Given that you are so concerned about 1000, what about the
3 million non Arabs, non Muslims that have been slaughtered?

Logic, It'd be appreciated if you could provide some links supporting your suppositions. I've seen many photo's and video's, heaps of fakes on both sides. The only ones supposedly depicting Hizzbollah rockets launches, appear to be the same one at a cross roads. I haven't found it yet, but the video it derived from, may be from an earlier conflict. Until you provide factual evidence of your claims, we must accept you as a typical monotheist, supporting their indefensible position. Except for the one video, I can find none depicting rockets fired other than hilltops and valleys, all taken supposedly by Israel jets.

There could be a logical reason for this, either Israel is totally incompetent in regard to their ability to make precision strikes, or their aim was to dismantle and control southern Lebanon. They failed miserably to estimate their opposition, caused massive destruction far outweighed their own damage and continue to attack, disregarding the UN ceasefire.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5267736.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5267876.stm

Considering at no time, did Hizzbollah fire a shot at Israel beyond south Lebanon, yet massive damage was caused to greater Lebanon, I think Israel deserves its shame. I don't support Hizzbollah, nor Hamas, they're just as barbaric. But I do support innocent peoples freedom, to live their lives in peace.

However we all know Yahweh, doesn't work that way, its power's the righteous power of the sword.

It's monotheistic values that have our hands tied, not sensible practising secularists. Their bizarre righteousness, is attained by the sword, the bigger the better. All monotheist factions have one aim, to invoke the will of their god, Yahweh, god of war.

It's monotheists who are losing credibility. Marilyn's, just a bit emotional, but on the right track. I just wish god would go away and leave us all alone.