tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820485.post7919541007494567529..comments2023-11-03T09:36:22.100-04:00Comments on In From the Cold: A Head-Scratching Time Out?George Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049707648660651119noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820485.post-12346072396366321922009-01-01T09:51:00.000-05:002009-01-01T09:51:00.000-05:00Yes, the problem is the media war. It's heads Hama...Yes, the problem is the media war. It's heads Hamas wins, tails Israel loses. One reason to do a temporary ceasefire is as a deception operation. The Israelis have achieved a unified press effort this time. They might be able to set the press up by stopping, then providing lots of evidence of Hamas continuing their usual provocations, and then lowering the boom again.lgudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12774491337993415578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820485.post-83574574873323991092008-12-31T20:12:00.000-05:002008-12-31T20:12:00.000-05:00Your analysis contains several points making it cl...Your analysis contains several points making it clear why a cease-fire now is far from head-scratching mystery. Running out of targets, damage assessment and poor weather are ample reasons for Israel to do this.<BR/><BR/>The stated aims of Israel as I understand them included the end to the rocketry. Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel would gain its war aim. Again, not a head-scratcher.<BR/><BR/>Where I see some confusion is in Israel's repeated failure to understand that the press will never give them a fair shake. In any just world, Israel's actions, restraint, humanity and now willingness to stop kicking an opponent when he's down would all be applauded worldwide. Sort of what like President Bush expected in Iraq.<BR/><BR/>And in a just world, the press would be first in line to make it clear that Hamas accepting a ceasefire now would be an admission of defeat.<BR/><BR/>But in this Jimmy Carter world of Hamas somehow being morally superior to Israel-- with the press telling the story that way-- I agree that there seems to be little sense in Israel offering to let their opponent get back on his feet.<BR/><BR/>I suppose it's just as well that Hamas will probably not accept the terms and will keep making itself a target. Let's hope their term in office ends soon in 2009.LGDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03032022908078797584noreply@blogger.com