OT - Middle East, on the brink?

F308GTB · Post by **F308GTB** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 10:38 pm

Anyone else a bit concerned about the current middle east situation? While on the one hand you have to be impressed with Israel's always sound resolve when dealing with situation (I mean heck, assassination is standard practice for them), but on the same hand their sound resolve also demonstrates stupidity and irrational actions.

The escalation in the last few days could really start something big. Arabs in that neck of the woods don't need a whole lot of motivation to unleash a little hate, and our presence in Iraq and Afghanistan will only pull us in the situation by association. Iraq is unstable, Afghanistan is getting more unstable, Syria is plain nuts, Iran is a diplomatic problem, and I'm sure there's plenty more (the bombings in India this week are being blamed on Kashmir rebels). There are plenty of radial Islamic groups that don't get along but could easily be unified in this thing.

Just friggin' nuts.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 11:03 pm

What should Israel's response be when Hezbollah fighters continue to send rockets in to Haifa and other cities? It's been made perfectly clear they will not stop. This hasn't just be going on for the last few days mind you. Should Israel just sit back and take it? Along with the kidnapping of the soldiers, they've obviously been pushed far enough.

Israel has no choice but to push forward at this point. Unfortunately, by defending itself against Hezbollah, they're upsetting all of the other Arab countries. They all intertwine. Iran is furnishing weapons to Hezbollah, so bombing the Beirut airport is the right decision. I fully support Israel's intentions of eliminating Hezbollah.

Needless to say, it's quite frightening.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 11:07 pm

Syria is nuts, but so is the Iranian President. Heck, he refuses to acknowledge that there ever was a Holocaust. He also has repeatedly said that he wants to eliminate Israel from existance.

In my mind right now, our biggest enemy is Iran, moreso than Iraq. Iran presents the biggest threat.

cbird · Post by **cbird** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 11:47 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Syria is nuts, but so is the Iranian President. Heck, he refuses to acknowledge that there ever was a Holocaust. He also has repeatedly said that he wants to eliminate Israel from existance.

In my mind right now, our biggest enemy is Iran, moreso than Iraq. Iran presents the biggest threat.

let israel take care of the middle east. unleash the beasts!!! funny.....iran/syria... is the enemy....which is correct....guess what...those bastards are "outflanked" or pinned in....afghanistan on one side, iraq on the other. u.s./british(nato)forces on both sides. operationial art of warfare. how did that dumb ass bush get us into such a terrible situiation?????

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 12:30 am

I think most people aren’t really disagreeing with Israel's right to defend itself, but the way they are doing it. I don’t see the point of just blowing up residential parts of beruit where innocents are dead. Can't they just go after the bad guys there with pin point planes like we did to that al quida terrorist a few months ago? I don’t think fighting using the terrorists game is a good idea. But also what is disappointing is that the Lebanon gov isn't really doing anything to go after those hezbula terrorists. Maybe if they got off their ass and got their own people, they wouldn't be bombed to the ground.

As for the whole thing, I think this maybe a setup to get Iran involved so we can invade them and get rid of their nukes. I know it’s seems a little far fetched, but I wouldn't put anything past the Cheney cabal. Actually, the idiot president of Iran probably would fall for it and it'll be the end of him.

Personally, I am really tired of the mid east. I think it's just one of those things where a few idiots in charge of everything ruin it for the majority of people who want to be left alone and live in peace. These people will never stop fighting it seems.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 12:45 am

I'm hoping it doesn't escalate to where Syria becomes involved, but it sure looks as if it heading that way.

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 12:54 am

I'm tired of hearing all of the 'restraint' rhetoric coming from people who don't have to put up with what Israel has to put up with. It'd be like Israel cautioning the US to exercise restraint after 9-11.

Israel has every right to defend itself, and to do so in a definitive and unmistakeable way...

EDIT:
Now, that being said, this will definitely get bigger if it continues down this path, and that is really something to be solemn about, for sure.

This, Iran, N. Korea...we're on our way to something really, really big I'm afraid...

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 12:57 am

I think it's all a plan to get to Iran so they can invade and the UN can be happy. Again, I think most people like me get really tired of that part of the world. Just grow up and make peace. Join the rest of the world. I am talking both jews and arabs.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 1:00 am

tealboy03 wrote:I'm tired of hearing all of the 'restraint' rhetoric coming from people who don't have to put up with what Israel has to put up with. It'd be like Israel cautioning the US to exercise restraint after 9-11.

Israel has every right to defend itself, and to do so in a definitive and unmistakeable way...

EDIT:
Now, that being said, this will definitely get bigger if it continues down this path, and that is really something to be solemn about, for sure.

This, Iran, N. Korea...we're on our way to something really, really big I'm afraid...

Ya it seems it's all coming to ahead all at once. But is it only me but does this whole thing seemed somewhat managed? maybe it's the conspiracy theorist in me, but it's like there's an invite for this great big war coming up that nobody else knows about but the participants.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 1:27 am

World War III is only a stray missile or terrorist bombing away...it will happen in the next year and we are going to be screwed because we're stretched so thin across the planet. Do you really think we could defend our soil right now if a country decided to invade us? Hell no.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 1:32 am

Israel do what you have to do...I hope you ignore the conspirarcy theroist c***...PROTECT your people!!!!

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 1:56 am

dbdynsty25 wrote:World War III is only a stray missile or terrorist bombing away...it will happen in the next year and we are going to be screwed because we're stretched so thin across the planet. Do you really think we could defend our soil right now if a country decided to invade us? Hell no.

I think an invasion of American soil by a sovereign nation would remain unlikely due to the nuclear deterrent and a general acceptance of MAD (the most sobering thought of all). Now, an escalation of 'unconventional' warfare within our borders and those abroad is hardly an unlikely scenario.

Other countries have dealt with the like for centuries with no simple solution.

War abroad is another matter, as there appears to be an increasing likelihood of further bloody conflict.

It has been suggested that if the Fundamental Islamists are able to get their wish and unite against a common threat, a coming war might manifest as a series of civil wars as opposed to conventional wars betwen nations.

-G7

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 2:27 am

tealboy03 wrote:I'm tired of hearing all of the 'restraint' rhetoric coming from people who don't have to put up with what Israel has to put up with. It'd be like Israel cautioning the US to exercise restraint after 9-11.

Israel has every right to defend itself, and to do so in a definitive and unmistakeable way...

EDIT:
Now, that being said, this will definitely get bigger if it continues down this path, and that is really something to be solemn about, for sure.

This, Iran, N. Korea...we're on our way to something really, really big I'm afraid...

In terms of this attack...by any sense of logic doesn't Lebanon have every right to defend itself. And if Syria is attacked by Isreal, by your logic wouldn't they have the right to defend themselves?

I'm just saying the problems in the middle east are more complex than what the nightly news show. Our role in Iraq has not made this situation better. The absolute worst would be for Syria and Iran to get involved with their military. If that happens we could have a full scale war with American troops right in the middle. What happens then...do we join with Isreal and fight or just stay in Iraq? What happens if full scale war breaks out and Syria or another country attack troops in Iraq in an attempt draw the US into fighting a larger scale war? f*** if this thing gets any bigger we could be in a terrible situation with no way out.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 3:13 am

JRod wrote:f*** if this thing gets any bigger we could be in a terrible situation with no way out.

That happened the minute we set foot on Iraq's soil for the 2nd time.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 5:35 am

Appeasement doesnt work Mr Neville Chamberlain...These cock suckers dont understand anything else....

F308GTB · Post by **F308GTB** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 6:11 am

sportdan30 wrote:What should Israel's response be when Hezbollah fighters continue to send rockets in to Haifa and other cities? It's been made perfectly clear they will not stop. This hasn't just be going on for the last few days mind you. Should Israel just sit back and take it? Along with the kidnapping of the soldiers, they've obviously been pushed far enough.

It's kind of a chicken and egg argument. Sure they have the right to defend their country from the rocket attacks, but those rocket attacks were in response to an invasion of jets, which in turn was a reponse to kidnappings. I just think you have to be careful as a nation to not overreact to actions by factions as opposed to state sponsored actions.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 9:08 am

F308GTB wrote: I just think you have to be careful as a nation to not overreact to actions by factions as opposed to state sponsored actions.

Those states (Lebanon and Syria)are sponsoring the actions ...They harbor this scum ...They nurture it...

shakes head

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 9:15 am

dbdynsty25 wrote:
JRod wrote:f*** if this thing gets any bigger we could be in a terrible situation with no way out.
That happened the minute we set foot on Iraq's soil for the 2nd time.

Indeed. We're already in a terrible situation with no way out: It's called Iraq. The utter lack of post-conflict planning and complete miscalculation by this Adminstration has caused a quagmire, no matter how smart it was to remove Hussein from power.

I must admit, though, in this situation it is good to have Hussein out because he would be just another menace waiting to join the Arab frat party sh*tstorm in Lebanon.

I'm sort of torn in this situation. Israel has a right to defend itself, but Israel also has a history of crushing an ant hill with a bazooka while the U.S. looks the other way.

I've never understood the U.S. government's blind support of Israel. Israel is an ally, no doubt, but it seems Israel could level Beirut tomorrow and get nothing more than a phone call from Condi Rice "expressing concern." The same goes if the Dems were in power at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Take care,
PK

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 10:29 am

agree.

but i guess continuing the mess in Iraq is more important that being able to defend our own soil.

dbdynsty25 wrote:World War III is only a stray missile or terrorist bombing away...it will happen in the next year and we are going to be screwed because we're stretched so thin across the planet. Do you really think we could defend our soil right now if a country decided to invade us? Hell no.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 10:35 am

I can't help but think that our invasion into Iraq somehow contributed to this increased conflict in the Middle East overall. I only hope that fighting doesn't escalate and the US troops in Iraq get drawn into it. We would surely side with Israel, which would only ignite even greater anti-US terrorism in the area. There certainly doesn't seem to be a peaceful solution right now.

pk500 wrote:
dbdynsty25 wrote:
JRod wrote:f*** if this thing gets any bigger we could be in a terrible situation with no way out.
That happened the minute we set foot on Iraq's soil for the 2nd time.
Indeed. We're already in a terrible situation with no way out: It's called Iraq. The utter lack of post-conflict planning and complete miscalculation by this Adminstration has caused a quagmire, no matter how smart it was to remove Hussein from power.

I must admit, though, in this situation it is good to have Hussein out because he would be just another menace waiting to join the Arab frat party sh*tstorm in Lebanon.

I'm sort of torn in this situation. Israel has a right to defend itself, but Israel also has a history of crushing an ant hill with a bazooka while the U.S. looks the other way.

I've never understood the U.S. government's blind support of Israel. Israel is an ally, no doubt, but it seems Israel could level Beirut tomorrow and get nothing more than a phone call from Condi Rice "expressing concern." The same goes if the Dems were in power at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Take care,
PK

Zlax45 · Post by **Zlax45** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 10:41 am

pk500 wrote:
dbdynsty25 wrote:
JRod wrote:f*** if this thing gets any bigger we could be in a terrible situation with no way out.
That happened the minute we set foot on Iraq's soil for the 2nd time.
Indeed. We're already in a terrible situation with no way out: It's called Iraq. The utter lack of post-conflict planning and complete miscalculation by this Adminstration has caused a quagmire, no matter how smart it was to remove Hussein from power.

I must admit, though, in this situation it is good to have Hussein out because he would be just another menace waiting to join the Arab frat party sh*tstorm in Lebanon.

I'm sort of torn in this situation. Israel has a right to defend itself, but Israel also has a history of crushing an ant hill with a bazooka while the U.S. looks the other way.

I've never understood the U.S. government's blind support of Israel. Israel is an ally, no doubt, but it seems Israel could level Beirut tomorrow and get nothing more than a phone call from Condi Rice "expressing concern." The same goes if the Dems were in power at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Take care,
PK

I second PK's logic here...It is just sickening

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 11:08 am

JackB1 wrote:I can't help but think that our invasion into Iraq somehow contributed to this increased conflict in the Middle East overall. ]

You obviously dont know the past or recent history...

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 11:09 am

JackB1 wrote:I can't help but think that our invasion into Iraq somehow contributed to this increased conflict in the Middle East overall. I only hope that fighting doesn't escalate and the US troops in Iraq get drawn into it. We would surely side with Israel, which would only ignite even greater anti-US terrorism in the area. There certainly doesn't seem to be a peaceful solution right now.

Jack:

Normally I agree with you on matters of the Middle East, but conflicts between Jews and Arabs have taken place since Biblical times. The area has been a powder keg forever.

This conflict would have occurred whether Uncle Sam was the new neighbor in Iraq, or not. Now, the level of support that Hezbollah's fellow f*cks in Arab terrorism provide Hezbollah could be influenced by the U.S. presence, as they might see this conflict as another way to antagonize the U.S. because the U.S. is such a staunch ally of Israel.

But this conflict was bound to happen, U.S. presence in the region or not.

Take care,
PK

fsquid · Post by **fsquid** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 11:48 am

After watching the pictures from over there, does anyone have Genesis's "Land of Confusion" in their head?

tjung0831 · Post by **tjung0831** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 12:09 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote: Do you really think we could defend our soil right now if a country decided to invade us? Hell no.

There isn't a country in this world with big enough balls to even think about a military ground invasion in the USA. We might not always do things the right way or maybe even finish the job in other countries when it comes to war but if worse came to worse and we had to do what we're capable of we could pretty much anihilate the rest of the world.
WE ARE THE USA BABY.