I think it can be argued convincingly that the Cold War was World War III, but that is a whole other kettle of worms.
You can hardly compare a handful of bombings, however awful, to the Nazi invasions of Poland and Czechoslovakia. Of course, in this case it is the US that invaded two other countries. So who really started this World War, such as it is?
By the way, Israel had made a full withdrawal from Lebanon as of 2000 until the unpleasantness in summer 2006, which essentially ended with a defeat for Israel. Or at least a lack of victory. Call it what you will.
PonderstormMike
· 2 years ago
Unfortunately, I think WWIII is still in the early stages.
I also would dispute the "handful of bombings" suggestion Echo made. Perhaps some days could be said to have only have a handful of bombings but there has hardly been a day in the Middle East where a bombing hasn't occurred somewhere. And I'm talking about the past decade.
Yes, we invaded Iraq. I could argue it was largely to complete what wasn't finished in the Gulf War (which was in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait). The invasion of Afghanistan was in response to an invasion on our soil by government-sponsored and protected terrorists within that nation.
As for Israel, their policy has been less than consistent at times. I am concerned that this gives the perception of weakness. Olmert exempted, I think this inconsistent reality has been fostered largely by foreign pressure to pursue diplomatic solutions that simply don't exist in this region. In the case of Olmert, I think it was due simply to incompetence.
PonderstormMike
· 2 years ago
Oh, one more thing. I would argue that the Cold War was simply World War II unfinished. Remember it was the Soviet Union who joined with the Nazis in attacking Poland.
All Comments
You can hardly compare a handful of bombings, however awful, to the Nazi invasions of Poland and Czechoslovakia. Of course, in this case it is the US that invaded two other countries. So who really started this World War, such as it is?
By the way, Israel had made a full withdrawal from Lebanon as of 2000 until the unpleasantness in summer 2006, which essentially ended with a defeat for Israel. Or at least a lack of victory. Call it what you will.
I also would dispute the "handful of bombings" suggestion Echo made. Perhaps some days could be said to have only have a handful of bombings but there has hardly been a day in the Middle East where a bombing hasn't occurred somewhere. And I'm talking about the past decade.
Yes, we invaded Iraq. I could argue it was largely to complete what wasn't finished in the Gulf War (which was in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait). The invasion of Afghanistan was in response to an invasion on our soil by government-sponsored and protected terrorists within that nation.
As for Israel, their policy has been less than consistent at times. I am concerned that this gives the perception of weakness. Olmert exempted, I think this inconsistent reality has been fostered largely by foreign pressure to pursue diplomatic solutions that simply don't exist in this region. In the case of Olmert, I think it was due simply to incompetence.