Mideast Crisis

I have been at a loss for what to think or say about the Mideast "crisis". It is not because I am unclear as to how I view Israel's role, it is because I have concluded that this war is not rocket science, warranting careful analysis. Instead, it is merely another chapter in the story of the attack of Israel as a nation. The agenda is not disguised. Quite simply, the agenda of Hezbollah is to destroy Israel and the agenda of Israel is to destroy Hezbollah. Nobody even argues that both Syria and Iran back Hezbollah. Therefore, there is really not much left to tear apart. I believe that is why news coverage has been a bit dull. I do not go so far as to necessarily agree with Newt Gingrich's assertion that it is the 58th year of WW III, however, Mr. Gingrich's point is well taken. Furthermore, as was the case for many points of the Cold War, we could be on the eve of WW III. So, instead of analyzing this war to pieces, I will simply try to simply clarify the facts as I see them.

1. Hezbollah has been launching rocket attacks into northern Israel for months.
2. The Lebanese government failed to rid them selves of a terrorist army which is about one third the size of the Lebanese army, therefore failing to fulfill a UN resolution (not that I think too much of the UN, mind you).
3. Hezbollah kidnapped 2 Israeli soldiers and killed eight others.
4. Hezbollah was not anticipating such a strong show of force from the Israelis.
5. Hezbollah's arsenal is that of an army, requiring training by an army (Iran).
6. Al Quaeda has now vowed to "not stay silent" and seeks the domination of Islam from the Mideast to Spain.
7. Israel has been clear that it will use all necessary means to destroy Hezbollah.
8. Many Arab states have condemned the actions of Hezbollah.
9. John Kerry claims the war would not have happened if had been president.
10. The world has called upon the US to provide leadership in the "peace" process.

Now, the following should not to be confused with analysis, just a few opinions on the situation:

1. Americans who got a free ride out of the war zone have no right to complain about the speed in which they were evacuated. Those people chose to place themselves in a volatile region.
2. I think Iran and Syria are using this as a way to position the West and Israel against Arab states.
3. I think John Kerry is nuts. What fool would have the audacity to claim his leadership could have prevented war in a region that has been at war for centuries?
4. I think former President Clinton would have handled the situation much like President Bush is handling it.
5. Why is it that the world can demand our intervention? They weren't happy with our intervention in Iraq, so let's let the French and Germans take a stab at it!
6. I think Syria will provoke Israel into striking them, thus opening the door for Iranian involvement.
7. I think the war will be a boost for Republicans in mid-terms.
8. I think the war will change our economy in ways we can't even think of today.
9. I think the war will invite more terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
10. I don't think President Bush cares about his approval ratings any more and will make better decisions as a result.