[Godzilla]

Hezbollah's capabilities indicate that they have been prepared and supplied with some new items that have caught the Israelis off guard.

The strike on Haifa with a medium range unguided rocket was the first. Israel knew they had it, but for some reason didn't expect it to be successful. This is because the bulk of their recent unguided experience has been with the home made short range rockets of the Palestinians. Largely unreliable.

The broader rocket barrage against northern Israel cities. Again, Hezbollah is using better quality rockets and most likely received training in targeting from Iran.

Probably the most shocking is the critical strike against the Israeli Corvett off of Lebanon. It appears Hezbollah used a moderate sized UAV carrying as much as 180 lbs of explosives to strike the ship. However details are sketchy regarding if this was a follow-on strike to the same ship which was hit by another rocket system. Either case, the Israeli navy had a serious wake-up call.

Since Israel last tangled with Hezbollah in 2000, Hezbollah has used the time to train, equip and execute in a way that I think has thrown Israel off stride a bit. This level of sophistication's definitely points to Iran/Syria backing and support.

[Cindy]

"This level of sophistication's definitely points to Iran/Syria backing and support."


Ditto that -- especially Iran

[Mrs. Xtrmst]

Threat Matrix seems to be slipping a bit. I had expected more commentary here this week. Been hanging out at TB instead. That'll get your heartrate going if you're not careful.

I'm woefully ignorant of the intricate political and military implications of what has been happening all week, but I must say that the criticism of Bush for what is happening is absurd!

The Syrian ambassador said something last night about it being the US responsibility to reign in Israel. Hogwash! It's Lebanon's (& Iran's)responsibility to reign in Hizbollah.

I'm not into making predictions but I find what's going on in the ME more unsettling than normal, probably because of the NK missile test (complete with a delegation of observers from Iran). What is everyone else thinking?

[Velveeta]

Your assessment is very helpful.
Thank you.