Disproportionate Use of Force?

Today Israel is bombing Lebanon for I believe the eighth straight day. Let me be clear at the outset, civilian deaths are not my thing. I don't hand out candies or play loud music or wave my flag when I hear that Lebanese innocents are killed. It pains me deeply that such things are happening.

That said, let me touch on the issue that the Arab side keeps bandying: disproportionate use of force. To put it bluntly, when you tickle a doberman's balls, you shouldn't be surprised when you get your arm bit off. The terrorist groups are basically saying, "fight us on our terms with our weapons, tit-for-tat like we're used to." That's not how it has to happen. When you fuck with the big dog, don't be surprised if you get bit.

Further, I love how the Arabs preach peace in times of war and war in times of peace. They spend peace time gathering weapons and inciting hatred against Israel. Then when, lo and behold, the evil Israel attacks them, they start crying to their mommies about how they are peace-loving people that just want coexistence. People should be smart enough to see this rouse for what it is.

These terrorists are the worst cowards on the planet. They will only fight when its civilians that die. They, in fact, celebrate the deaths of Israelis. Then, when Israel uses its might against them, they cry about how poor and destitute they are. If they're so poor and destitute, why don't they do what other poor people do around the world: refrain from shooting at countries with large standing armies.

Hezbollah may claim that there are tons of prisoners that Israel is holding. But, according to Time magazine the grand total of Lebanese prisoners that Israel holds is 3. Yes, 3. Sure, it holds 9,000 Palestinian prisoners, but that's Hamas' problem.

Now, the question remains: was bombing all of the Lebanese infrastructure necessary? From an Israeli military standpoint, it made attacking Hezbollah fighters easier. However, from a humanitarian and long-term perspective it was a bad idea. This could lead to deeper ties with Iran. Still, the Lebanese govt has done nothing--even in the face of destruction--to help bring an honest solution to this conflict. That is, no pressure on Hezbollah from them.

In conclusion, I asked a Lebanese friend that had participated in the "Cedar Revolution" about whether Hezbollah could derail Lebanon's sovereignty. He giddily said, "Hezbollah will not be an issue." I think in the post-occupation euphoria, the Lebanese truly believed that a terrorist group controlling the south wouldn't be too big a deal. It's a sad irony what's happening today, after so many Lebanese fought and prayed for a sovereign, peaceful Lebanon.