It wasn't broadcast on CNN. It is not a "symbol."

topic posted Thu, June 25, 2009 - 12:39 AM by  Unsubscribed
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  • Hmmmm... he was accidentally killed with a tear gas canister, eh?

    Maybe getting killed as an accident doesn't quite have the impact as getting shot. Maybe he's not attractive enough.

    And, maybe, the Iranians are just better at protesting. Maybe the Palestinians would make much better progress towards peace and freedom if they'd stop firing rockets at innocent civilians, and instead engage in mass peaceful protests.

    Why can't the Palestinian manage to get hundreds of thousands out for a peaceful protest every week?
    • <Why can't the Palestinian manage to get hundreds of thousands out for a peaceful protest every week?>

      Um, because their society does not value such actions, but support actions which target innocents?

      Did I win? Did I win?

      <checkpoints?>

      There are no checkpoints in Gaza, Genius.

      <If they did that, and stopped firing rockets at Jewish civilians, they might start making some real progress.>

      Then they'd have to make some real progress.
      • <<<<checkpoints?>

        There are no checkpoints in Gaza, Genius.>>>

        but still hundreds in Palestine, dufus.
        • John:

          But things are worst in Gaza, right?

          Why aren't there mass protests in Gaza every week?

          Will the Palestinians ever abandon violence as their primary form of resistance, and replace it with non-violence resistance? If they do, they'll start making much better progress.

          P.S. It's great to see how passionate you are about the millions of people being displaced Pakistan, and all of the protesters being slaughtered in Iran. Your vocal outcry in support of those people's lives and freedoms really says something.
          • -Would Israel for example ever exist with "peaceful" demonstrations and “peaceful” resistance by the various zionists who established it?
            -Would Israel ever give back any land with “peaceful” demonstrations and “peaceful” resistance?

            No. Then why should the Palestinians?

            Lets see Iraq or Afghanistan get freed from the occupation with "peacefull" resistance, non-ciolance etc...

            Sami;
            • <-Would Israel ever give back any land with “peaceful” demonstrations and “peaceful” resistance?>

              Yes. Much, much sooner that the current method.

              <No. Then why should the Palestinians?>

              Uh, because it's the right thing to do? There are often peace marches in Israel, but not in Gaza...

              <That article demonstrates that Israel has attacked groups of people in Gaza that were not attacking Israel, which goes along perfectly with the point I was making.>

              No it does not. The difference is that this was a small group that was near someone that they were attacking, and it stands to reason that Israel would not just launch rockets into a mass of people (unlike the Pals).
              • "The difference is that this was a small group that was near someone that they were attacking, and it stands to reason that Israel would not just launch rockets into a mass of people (unlike the Pals)."

                Except that's exactly what Israel did, so it doesn't "stand to reason." That you or Israel think one of the people in the crowd was worth taking out at the expense of the rest doesn't change that.
                • <<"The difference is that this was a small group that was near someone that they were attacking, and it stands to reason that Israel would not just launch rockets into a mass of people (unlike the Pals).">>

                  <Except that's exactly what Israel did,>

                  No they did not. A family gathering is different form tens or hundreds of thousands of people marching about peace... How you cannot see this...I do not know.

                  An people call ME a partisan...

                  <That you or Israel think one of the people in the crowd was worth taking out at the expense of the rest doesn't change that.>

                  Too bad that you missed all of the reports of Israel NOT attacking certain targets in Gaza in the last offensive because of civilians. I guess you missed that, 'eh?

                  <Protests only seem to work when they cause some type of social disruption. Otherwise they are nothing more than a freaky parade that one can easily ignore>

                  Dustin, I don't know how many Israelis you know, and I'm not questioning anything, but I DO know that most that I know feel that the Pals only want to harm them. So, if there were large marches of peaceful people, people asking for peace, that would mean A LOT to the Israelis, since they have large peace marches themselves, so they 'get' it.

                  <They said they'd have massive protests. And then just didn't do it. What happened?>

                  I think that we can all guess why only 4500 people showed up to this event... That said, it's still 4500 more than I'd have expected, so those 4500 should be supported somehow. What group put on that event?
            • .
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              offline 39
              <Lets see Iraq or Afghanistan get freed from the occupation with "peacefull" resistance, non-ciolance etc... >

              Iraq and Afghanistan will see the withdrawal of US troops much faster when peaceful opposition replaces violence.


              The pacification of Iraq is yielding the withdrawal of about 1/3 of the troops. The increased violence in Afghanistan is seeing an increase in troops.

              get the picture?
              • Salil:

                Your pictures are drawn in such a pathetic exposed way, its unbelievable.

                "Iraq and Afghanistan will see the withdrawal of US troops much faster when peaceful opposition replaces violence. "

                Let me remind that this Iraqi "violence" erupted only when the bastards invaded Iraq. But the reasons these bastards are decreasing today, is due to the sweet red roses that the Iraqis received these bastard occupiers with. The red Iraqi roses (honorable resistance), the golden knives that were used to behead you the bastards and their bastard traitors, the sweetened chocolate missiles and rockets, bombings, etc... Decreasing because your economy got fucked for the next 20 years (at least) as a result of the red roses the Iraqis received you with.

                Or else, if the Iraqis spent the next 300 years in what you call "sweet opposition", it will not lead them anywhere. It will only lead them to more destruction of Iraq, and the stealing of its wealth. The same exact story in Afghanistan.

                And when you finally elect a president that really wants to fix things up and bring your country back on track, and regain the world's respect, he receives your sarcasm nd discourage because you want to remain a loser, stealing wealth, etc... that’s the real picture.

                Sami;
                • .
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                  offline 39
                  Sami, you're projecting your culture on the US.


                  The US does not steal wealth. We did not steal Germany's wealth. We did not steal Japan's wealth. And we are not stealing Iraq's wealth.

                  We have DIRECTED BILLIONS into Iraq.


                  We are purchasing small amounts of THEIR OIL at MARKET PRICES, after enabling them to access that resource in a manner they had been unable to do before.

                  The picture is that you don't have a clue and you've been fed propaganda and bullshit till it leaks out of your ears.

                  And the Iraq war had little to nothing to do with the economic hiccup, thanks.
                  • This is the maximum depth. Additional responses will not be threaded.
                    Salil:

                    You are only projecting your cheap background again. Keep at it and let everyone here know it.

                    "The US does not steal wealth. We did not steal Germany's wealth. We did not steal Japan's wealth. And we are not stealing Iraq's wealth. "

                    Of course I can debate this, but since its not he subject of this thread, then I will avoid so for now. But, there are strategic issues that lead the US to become part of this war, and part of these strategic issues, is the wealth of the concerned countries.

                    "We have DIRECTED BILLIONS into Iraq. "

                    Of course you are, where else the funding for your dirty operations be directed? You are having a cheap war in Iraq, therefore, naturedly you will e directing your "billions" there.

                    "We are purchasing small amounts of THEIR OIL at MARKET PRICES, after enabling them to access that resource in a manner they had been unable to do before. "

                    That’s why the traitor Iraqi admin you have there is running around in Europe and Middle East and everywhere, begging to write off Iraq's debts from these countries. That’s why there are at least 2mil Oil barrels that are stolen on a daily basis because of the lack of appropriate meters that need to be installed to control this. The meters that were stolen to ease the process of stealing oil. That’s why the second largest oil reserve in the world is fucking importing oil as well! Learn something real, would you!? That’s why the Iraqi Ministry of Oil was one the of the few ONLY ministries that were protected from the “looters” you brought in with you during the short time after your dirty invasion of Iraq.

                    I know this kicks your ass again, but again and again, you can call it propaganda all you want. It’s all well documented reality "propaganda." Its available world wide, go read about it since you enjoy “Reading” over being actually involved with reality.

                    The glorious days are over.

                    Sami;
                    • .
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                      offline 39
                      Sami, you just dont make any sense whatsoever. Seriously, its like trying to have a debate with a chimp.


                      <Of course I can debate this>

                      Of course you cant, actually.

                      <Of course you are, where else the funding for your dirty operations be directed? You are having a cheap war in Iraq, therefore, naturedly you will e directing your "billions" there. >

                      By definition this wr is NOT cheap. The US IS SPENDING BILLIONS and we arent taking a DAMN THING from Iraq.

                      You're just making things up because that's what YOU would do. We don't do it that way.

                      <That’s why the traitor Iraqi admin you have there is running around in Europe and Middle East and everywhere, begging to write off Iraq's debts from these countries. That’s why there are at least 2mil Oil barrels that are stolen on a daily basis because of the lack of appropriate meters that need to be installed to control this. The meters that were stolen to ease the process of stealing oil. That’s why the second largest oil reserve in the world is fucking importing oil as well!>

                      Nonsense, nonsense, nonsense. The Iraqi government asking for debt forgiveness has nothing to do with the oil we're purchasing from them. Totally unrelated. Anyway, EVERY COUNTRY imports "oil" - Iraq is importing REFINED petro products - freaking SAUDI ARABIA has imported oil.

                      <protected from the “looters” you brought in with you during the short time after your dirty invasion of Iraq. >

                      We didnt bring any looters at all. We protected the oil ministry because of the sheer value of wealth that the new nation was going to require was recorded and administered there, genius.

                      <I know this kicks your ass again, but again and again, you can call it propaganda all you want. It’s all well documented reality "propaganda." Its available world wide, go read about it since you enjoy “Reading” over being actually involved with reality. >

                      No Sami, it doesnt. all it does is reveal you utter ignorance of the issues and the degree to which you've been brainwashed.

                      You live in a fictional world. Open your eyes.
                      • Salil:

                        "By definition this wr is NOT cheap"

                        Well you know what I mean by "cheap" and you know that I am not talking about the definition of the word... I hope you got that much at least..

                        "Nonsense, nonsense, nonsense. The Iraqi government asking for debt forgiveness has nothing to do with the oil we're purchasing from them. Totally unrelated. Anyway, EVERY COUNTRY imports "oil" - Iraq is importing REFINED petro products - freaking SAUDI ARABIA has imported oil. "

                        Whats related then? Answer the question, coward of the year! But its very original to to say "KSA imports oil", i mean the number one largest oil reserve in the world, therefore richest (capable of buying anything), the country that provides 25% of oil around the world, imports oil? a cheap manipulation on your part...see it yet?

                        Iraq imports refined oil? trying to cheaply manipulate again? It imports "refined" oil, because the Iraqi limited refining capacity, and this capacity is still poor to date. Why the US (as the occupier who is so caring) is not helping (with its Billions "poring" in Iraq) to refine that capacity? Why they wouldn't help in installing the oil meters to STOP the oil theft? Coward of the year, care to answer? I mean the meters don't cost much after all...

                        Basic logical thinking, which clearly you fucking lack! Not everyone is brainless like you or your disciples you know. Some people can think and conclude based on evidence.. Not everyone is not allowed to use their brains.... I told you this before, Its the kick ass days, nowadays!

                        "We didnt bring any looters at all. We protected the oil ministry because of the sheer value of wealth that the new nation was going to require was recorded and administered there, genius. "

                        Note this, "You" hereafter is the "US government."

                        Of course you are, and also you invaded Iraq because you felt sorry for the oppressed people and wanted to give them "freedom", and let go of a the "dark dictatorship" they had... You also wanted to (free and protect) the world from the so called WMD... I heard this before and it really "touches" my heart... You also protected the Ministry of oil because you are so caring about the Iraqi people and their wealth... You are such angel on earth man... You are the genius, that’s for sure...

                        Salil, you are dumb and a cheap manipulator, just like your YOU!

                        "No Sami, it doesnt. all it does is reveal you utter ignorance of the issues and the degree to which you've been brainwashed. "

                        Oh you don't know me whatsoever and this bullshit you keep accusing me of does not exist. I am not brainwashed, because all of the above is available world wide, and since you like to "Read", go read about it. You can also start opening your TV on the news channels (not only your military channel) and start living in reality... Don't worry; the ridiculous salary won't go away if you do that. Just don't let "them" see you...

                        Have some integrity before you accuse people of lacking it.. Surrender being a coward.. These advices will help you feel better, I promise.

                        Sami;
                        • .
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                          offline 39
                          Sami, your ad hominems don't make up for your utter ignorance.


                          <Well you know what I mean by "cheap" and you know that I am not talking about the definition of the word... I hope you got that much at least..>

                          Its pretty clear you were talking about money. now you're saying you arent. way to lie.

                          <Whats related then? Answer the question, coward of the year! But its very original to to say "KSA imports oil", i mean the number one largest oil reserve in the world, therefore richest (capable of buying anything), the country that provides 25% of oil around the world, imports oil? a cheap manipulation on your part...see it yet? >

                          Uh, whats related is that Iraq is a new country that needs billions to rebuild and reconstitute and owing money is a bad thing, especially direct loans that were taken out by a previous government.

                          And WHAT EXACTLY is a manipulation? SA DOES import oil, genius. I'm not manipulating ANYTHING

                          www.cia.gov/library/publ...2175rank.html

                          <Iraq imports refined oil? trying to cheaply manipulate again? It imports "refined" oil, because the Iraqi limited refining capacity, and this capacity is still poor to date. Why the US (as the occupier who is so caring) is not helping (with its Billions "poring" in Iraq) to refine that capacity? Why they wouldn't help in installing the oil meters to STOP the oil theft? Coward of the year, care to answer? I mean the meters don't cost much after all... >

                          The capacity is poor to date because of insurgents, Sami. The US has built, and rebuilt, but local Iraqis didnt know how to maintain the equipment, or didnt care to despite hundreds of hours of training. Terrorists also wanted to disrupt Iraq's recovery so they sabotaged the refineries. Everyone knows this. The implication that the US has 'stolen' the oil (we did actually install all sorts of safeguards to prevent theft and to assist in monitoring - if you claim otherwise, prove that we didn't install the 'meters') is complete fabrication on your part.

                          <Basic logical thinking, which clearly you fucking lack!>

                          blah blah blah. You wouldnt know logic if it bit you on the face.
                          • Salil:

                            "Its pretty clear you were talking about money. now you're saying you arent. way to lie. "

                            What’s clear is your stupidity and cheap reading comprehension skills. Its like I told you before, if you are too dumb (or twisted) and can't extract information from the obvious, then its beyond me. You can think whatever you want. Its your 'cheap' manipulation of my words to hide your stupidity, period.

                            "The capacity is poor to date because of insurgents, Sami. The US has built, and rebuilt, but local Iraqis didnt know how to maintain the equipment, or didnt care to despite hundreds of hours of training. Terrorists also wanted to disrupt Iraq's recovery so they sabotaged the refineries. Everyone knows this. The implication that the US has 'stolen' the oil (we did actually install all sorts of safeguards to prevent theft and to assist in monitoring - if you claim otherwise, prove that we didn't install the 'meters') is complete fabrication on your part. "

                            We can argue all day long, but I will boil it down for you to save time. Its cute how you cowardly only spoke about the "insurgents' and cowardly hide the rest of the team which includes, corrupt US and Iraqi officials (whom you hired). Keep the unrelenting pressure over your hired Iraqi government to pass and approve the (Oil privatization law), until then enjoy the stolen oil and revenue to finance your dirtiness in Iraq...

                            What everyone knows, and according to your best friend Tarek Aziz, is that the 'prize' behind your 'cheap' invasion of Iraq, is to put your dirty hands over the Iraqi oil. And until then, keep the meters fucked; keep the insurgents around, and all that. ONLY when Shell, Chevron, and the likes, are in control, then the Iraqi oil will protected 100%, right?

                            "And WHAT EXACTLY is a manipulation? SA DOES import oil, genius. I'm not manipulating ANYTHING "

                            According to the CIA? Is this CIA the same agency that embarrassed Colin Powell at the UN with the non-existent Iraqi WMD stories and pictures? Is this the same agency that wrongfully told Powel about the small "Nuke Trailers" that were hidden around Iraq, and turned to be TV stations for Iraq's national TV channels under the supervision of the Ministry of Information (your friend Mr. Sahhaf)? The same agency that tricked your dumb ex-president into invading Iraq?

                            But it sure is the ONLY link (without any reference) that says there was ‘some’ oil importing by Saudi Arabia.

                            "blah blah blah. You wouldnt know logic if it bit you on the face. "

                            If you only knew enough about me, saloolti... oh shit I am calling you saloolti, I must have a crush and hate your guts at the same time!

                            Sami;
        • <<There are no checkpoints in Gaza, Genius.>>>

          <but still hundreds in Palestine, dufus.>

          Need I remind you what you wrote? Here, let me help, after Adam asks, "Why can't the Palestinian manage to get hundreds of thousands out for a peaceful protest every week?", your response was: "checkpoints?"

          Yes. There are checkpoints in the West Bank, but A) that says NOTHING about how the Gazans could congregate, and b) there are still easily that many people in many of the big cities in the West Bank...

          Point is, you were wrong. They could do it. Hell, they don't have to be "hundreds of thousands", they can be 'hundred thousand', or fifty thousand...or even ten thousand... Five thousand? One thousand? One hundred?

          <<<and stopped firing rockets at Jewish civilians, they might start making some real progress. >>>

          <and just when is the last time they fired any rockets? haven't heard of any lately...>

          So the fuck what? That it's not happened "lately"... So, you're saying..........................the argument that Israel is not worth blaming for any violence in the future is a good argument because they have not killed anyone "lately"? Is that what you're saying?

          <<"Why aren't there mass protests in Gaza every week?">>

          <If I were there I'd be worried about gathering in any sort of number due to the risk of being blown up from the sky. But maybe that's just me. And it's not like that's ever happened before, right?>

          <<Come on, apologists. This is your chance.>>

          One does not have to be an "apologist" to see that your point and link are ridiculously ignorant. First of all, Israel has NEVER shown any organized inclination to kill large amounts of innocent people. Second, your link? It has NOTHING to do with your point. Your OWN STORY says that the family that was killed was because of a mistake. And, while it's possible that a mistake will happen again, it's rather hard to imagine that Israel would attack a crowd of tens/hundreds of thousands that were peacefully marching. And, I say "it's hard to imagine" because they have not even shown any inclination of doing so.

          Unlike the Pals, of course.

          <<"Will the Palestinians ever abandon violence as their primary form of resistance, and replace it with non-violence resistance? If they do, they'll start making much better progress.">>

          <I don't know, will the Israelis?>

          A) there is not ONE Israeli group that uses "violence as their primary form of resistance", unless you want to call military operations, "resistance", which I suppose is possible, but in a different context. And, "non-violence resistance"? Well, Israel would be attacked every day if they did not fight fire with fire. To suggest that Israel should respond to the Hamas & pals rockets with "non-violence resistance"? Yeah. Right. That'd do something...

          <<Would the Israeli's even care about protests in Gaza? Why should they?>

          Because if there were hundreds of thousands of Gazans marching for non-violence, that would speak volumes to the Israelis. That there are NO non-violence marches? Well, THAT speaks volumes at this point...
          • That article demonstrates that Israel has attacked groups of people in Gaza that were not attacking Israel, which goes along perfectly with the point I was making. That I would be scared to gather en masse even peacefully if I were there, so it does not surprise me that Gazans aren't out in big groups protesting. Hamas would also not respond kindly to Gazans protesting their rule. Obviously.
            • Stickboy:
              > That article demonstrates that Israel has attacked groups of people in Gaza that were not attacking Israel, which goes along perfectly with the point I was making.

              I didn't see that at all.

              I read from your article, that there has been an ongoing cycle of violence with deaths on both sides. How many thousands of rockets did Palestinians in Gaza fire at Israeli civilians? And, yes, innocent civilians do get killed in the midst of a war.

              But what I didn't read, was Israel shooting at mass, peaceful, protests.

              And they did actually hold one mass (well, almost mass) peaceful protest in Gaza. They got relatively minimal turnout, which they blamed on the weather. They said that they would have more peaceful protests, but then simply never got their act together.

              "Organisers had forecast some 40,000 to 50,000 participants. They attributed the low turnout of about 4,500 to bad weather and said larger events would be held to force Israel to end what they called its imprisonment of Gaza's 1.5 million residents."

              archive.gulfnews.com/indepth...616.html

              They're right. If they had actually massive protests, and started having them regularly, they'd make real progress.

              They said they'd have massive protests. And then just didn't do it. What happened?
          • "Because if there were hundreds of thousands of Gazans marching for non-violence, that would speak volumes to the Israelis. That there are NO non-violence marches? Well, THAT speaks volumes at this point..."

            I don't know about that. Protests only seem to work when they cause some type of social disruption. Otherwise they are nothing more than a freaky parade that one can easily ignore

          • >>>Need I remind you what you wrote? Here, let me help, after Adam asks, "Why can't the Palestinian manage to get hundreds of thousands out for a peaceful protest every week?", your response was: "checkpoints?"...

            Point is, you were wrong.<<<<<


            Or the point may be that you don't understand the meaning of a question mark.
          • .
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            offline 39
            <First of all, Israel has NEVER shown any organized inclination to kill large amounts of innocent people.>

            This is simply false. Planting bombs in embassies in order to kill innocent Americans is just that. Thanks.
            • what are you referring to?
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                offline 39
                The Lavon Affair.


                en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavon_Affair

                that's an indisputable contradiction to the above claim. There are many others as well.
                • <<<<The Lavon Affair refers to the scandal over a failed Israeli covert operation in Egypt known as Operation Susannah, in which Israeli military intelligence and Egyptian Jews planted bombs in Egyptian, American and British-owned targets in Egypt in the summer of 1954 in the hopes that "the Muslim Brotherhood, the Communists, 'unspecified malcontents' or 'local nationalists'" would be blamed.[1] It became known as the Lavon Affair after the Israeli defense minister Pinhas Lavon, who was forced to resign because of the incident, or euphemistically as the Unfortunate Affair (Hebrew: העסק הביש‎, HaEsek HaBish). The spies acted seemingly without Prime Minister Moshe Sharett's knowledge, and Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion would later resign from his post after being unable to get the full investigation he insisted on.[2]>>>

                  Racist, bigotted wikipedia bullshit!! I'm sure andrew will explain how it was all the 'Pals' fault. ha ha ha

                  <<<Israel admitted responsibility in 2005 when Israeli President Moshe Katzav honored the nine Egyptian Jewish agents who were involved.[3]>>>

                  NICE, you so rock Jew President to 'honour' these criminals, even if it was well over due.
                  • This is the maximum depth. Additional responses will not be threaded.
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                    offline 39
                    Howabout the unprovoked and unwarranted attack on Egypt in 1957?


                    Or the deliberate targeting of peaceful civilians by Zionist militants in '48?


                    The above claim is as bogus as saying 'The US has never targeted innocent civilians'

                    its just bogus.
                  • This is the maximum depth. Additional responses will not be threaded.
                    <Racist, bigotted wikipedia bullshit!! I'm sure andrew will explain how it was all the 'Pals' fault. ha ha ha>

                    No, but I will point out that this was in 1954. Over a half century ago. There's Salilistic semantic bullshit argument. But, he's right - instead of "NEVER", I'll put "almost NEVER'. Unlike the pals, who will probably continue to try to kill as many innocents as they possibly can. When they were no longer able to blow up buses because of the checkpoints, roadblocks and walls, they switched to mortars and then rockets.

                    To not admit that Israel has no habit or history of trying to INTENTIONALLY kill innocent Pals...? That's a sure sign of hyper-partisanship. I mean, I'll admit that obviously Fatah has shown an inclination to stop attacks, and that's a positive thing, right? Why can you not admit a truth and positive factor when you see one?

                    Oh, right. We're talking about Israel. You can't say anything nice. Ever. Even if your integrity is at stake. Got it.
                • thanks for the history lesson
                  • This is the maximum depth. Additional responses will not be threaded.
                    This is an interesting take, too, although it's just opinion.

                    www.ynetnews.com/articles/...15,00.html

                    We also target civilians

                    Aims served by Israeli arms no loftier than those served by Palestinian pipe bombs

                    Idan Landau
                    Published: 03.02.07, 00:03 / Israel Opinion www.ynetnews.com/home/0,73...84,00.html

                    The "al-Sanabel" television station in Nablus almost aired an exclusive report this week: An elite unit of the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades raided an Israel Military Industries plant in the coastal plain and uncovered sophisticated weapons labs. The arms that were confiscated include 300 air-to-surface missiles for helicopters, 20 tons of plastic explosives, one bullet-proof bulldozer, and six Merkava 4 tanks.

                    The report that was almost aired noted that this achieved strategic balance against the weapons labs uncovered in the raid on Nablus, where forces confiscated five pipe bombs, one LAW rocket, a large explosive device, and four bags of fertilizer used for bomb-making.

                    The report, as noted, was not aired. Not only because Israel Military Industries labs were not uncovered, but also because "al-Sanabel" was put out of action. The IDF detained the station manager and confiscated its broadcasting equipment. Why is the IDF assaulting journalists and media outlets? This is apparently an irrelevant question and an almost immoral one under the current climate.

                    Why did the IDF impose a siege on the government hospital in Nablus and prevent wounded Palestinians from being taken there? Why does the IDF take over a school and turn it into a Shin Bet interrogation center? What was the sin committed by Anan al-Tabibi, who was shot in the head by a sniper while in his own backyard? Again, illogical questions. We have a war, and in war there is no reason to be strict when it comes to respecting life of civilians.

                    The thing is, this is untrue. This is not a war, but rather, a unilateral invasion into a Palestinian town, and even in wars there are explicit bans on unnecessary harm to the civilian population. The IDF has not heard about it; the Palestinian population, including its assets and needs, are like thin air for the invading forces.

                    It is doubtful whether anyone in Israel was stunned by the uncovered weapons labs in Nablus. It is even more difficult to believe that anyone is shocked by the strategic threat faced by the State of Israel in light of the quantity and ridiculous quality of weapons that were confiscated.

                    In fact, what were we expecting? That Palestinians accept our aerial raids and tank shells with a bare chest and an olive branch? This is a violent conflict and each side makes sure to arm itself to the teeth.

                    The tank shells produced by Israel Military Industries do not serve loftier goals than those served by pipe bombs in Nablus. Both are used, maliciously and arbitrarily, against innocent civilians. The difference is merely in power: The immense damage caused to West Bank towns by Israel's military technology cannot be compared to the limited damage caused by Palestinian terrorism in Israel's cities.

                    Many Israelis cling to the over-used argument that "yes, but we don't mean to harm civilians, and they do." After 5,000 killed Palestinians (including about 1,000 minors,) 50,000 injured Palestinians, 30,000 razed homes, and 13 million (!) uprooted olive trees, this justification sounds like a bad joke and nothing but. It's better to remain silent in shame.

                    No dialogue with Arab world

                    We say that terrorism needs no excuses, only opportunities: It appears the IDF's periodic invasions into West Bank towns and the extensive destruction they leave in their wake do not need excuses. And still, it's difficult not to connect the current military activism to the diplomatic freeze we've seen, particularly in recent weeks.

                    Within an amazingly short period of time, the Olmert government managed to slam shut almost every possible door for dialogue with the Arab world. The Mecca Agreement on Palestinian national unity "did not deliver the good," officials in Jerusalem grumbled. With the Syrians we are not even allowed to make initial contacts, lest we irritate Big Brother Bush; even the release of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit is not urgent enough for the government.

                    Diplomatic envoys are running around European capitals and in Cairo, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice comes and goes, and everything is at a standstill.

                    Actually, some things are moving, the same things that are always moving – the settlements. More than a 1,000 new residential units are being built, while a police headquarters was recently established in the E1 area slated to connect Maaleh Adumim to Jerusalem and detach once and for all the northern West Bank from its south; meanwhile, the fence continues to expand eastward.

                    This is unpleasant, so Olmert and Peretz sit there sweating and wondering: How do we get out of this mess? The international community is already starting to doubt Israel's willingness to reach a peace agreement. The Israeli public is bored, and is already fed up with the Zeilers and Winograds.

                    The Esterina Tartman spin barely lasted a day and a half. And suddenly, Army Chief Gabi Ashkenazi bursts in with a sparkle in his eyes: I have an idea! How about we invade Nablus? We'll blow up a few houses, come back with five pipe bombs, the world will see what kind of scum we are dealing with here, and the people of Israel will again be proud. Hmmm, says Olmert. Hmmm, Peretz agrees.


                    Idan Landau is a Linguistics lecturer at Ben Gurion University. He spent time in prison for refusing to serve in Gaza or the West Bank