Has Israel learned its lesson?

Boston Globe ^ | January 1, 2009 | Jeff Jacoby

[GQuagmire]

ISRAEL'S 2006 war against Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed terrorist army based in Lebanon, was a disaster - an ill-planned operation that did more damage to Israel's military reputation than to Hezbollah's resolve and influence. Now, as it fights Hamas in Gaza, Israel seems determined not to repeat the mistakes of two years ago

[ChinaThreat]

Understood. I’m just pointing out that the real justification used by religious zealots like Al Qaeda has nothing to do with our form of government,it has to do with our religious beliefs. The Koran is very clear about the options for the infidel. They may talk about being justified in the killing of non-combatants due to the fact we elected our leaders, but thats not their real reason. However, the logic would apply to them killing US citizens to. We ARE their enemy and have chosen sides. The only difference, is they make a point of targeting civilians because they are cowards. At least the Taliban targets combat outposts. Al Qaeda targets old women and children.

[Owl558]

“At least the Taliban targets combat outposts. Al Qaeda targets old women and children.”

Good summary. The Afghans that I’ve known and worked beside here in the US have all been decent people.

As you state so well, the point is that neither we (US) nor the Israelis target civilians. It is the enemy that wages war from under cover of civilians as a tactic. Conversely, they target civilians as a matter of stated tactic. This is a war crime. I do not mean to seem to state otherwise.

I agree that they will justify their actions any way they can, but I think the reasons they use tells us something about them. Like Nazi justifications for the things they did, it helps us understand better (me anyway). It may be enough to know that we are dealing with monsters, but I think our side could do better understanding and countering the enemy propaganda. That is as much a battlefield as the streets of Gaza.