All of Islam on our head. It's a heavy weight, indeed. Israel may be too much like the US for its own good. Being one of the club is not always a good thing. It may have been a tragic error to leave the European sphere of influence for that of Washington. (Perhaps the Jewish state was a little wary of European attentions. The US has been relatively kind in comparison. Who can blame the Israelis? Due to the First Amendment?) Small European states have far better insight concerning conduct of a small state. Israel is the size of Vermont. It is a western country, and expected to behave accordingly. A state is not held to the same level of moral standards as Hezbollah. Hezbollah is what it is. The US might be able, at least temporarily, to get away with stupidity. The US has the resources to withstand a long war (not withstanding possible universal bankruptcy following it), and almost all other states have financial ties that make it a vested interest. Small resource poor countries that become too troublesome are often left to rot by the international system. Remember, only European and other Western cultures are sensitive to the plight of Israel. If their oil supply is threatened, they will react. East and Central Asia have no collective historical guilt regarding persecution and attempted genocide. To the Chinese, six million dead is a drop in the bucket. If their oil supply is threatened, they will react. What will Israel do when the foreign tourists quit coming? When was the last time you bought a product made in Israel at the mall?
Israel to widen ground offensive. Hezbollah can't drink, but I'll bet they are firing up the good hash in celebration.
Iran will fight to its strengths. Learning from Hezbollah.
Definition of the Day: Relationship.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Big Mistake
William S. Lind: Welcome to My Parlor. Hezbollah's prayers are answered.
Fabius Maximus: The Fate of Israel. Big mistake.
Around the world, Hezbollah's methods, irrespective of cause or ideology, will be studied and emulated. No wonder Arab governments are luke warm in their condemnation, Hezbollah aptly domonstrates that the state is not the only game in town. States everywhere must be uneasy.
And
Nonprofit Fights Poverty With Poverty. Comic relief.
Definition of the Day: Confrontational.
Fabius Maximus: The Fate of Israel. Big mistake.
Around the world, Hezbollah's methods, irrespective of cause or ideology, will be studied and emulated. No wonder Arab governments are luke warm in their condemnation, Hezbollah aptly domonstrates that the state is not the only game in town. States everywhere must be uneasy.
And
Nonprofit Fights Poverty With Poverty. Comic relief.
Definition of the Day: Confrontational.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Another Quagmire
Uri Avnery: Is Beirut Burning? Another quagmire. The actions of a military junta. The Moral War is long lost.
Oren Ben-Dor: Who are the real terrorists in the Middle East? Even more critical. Expect more in the international press.
I typed "A state is not a people" and got one link.
Dean calls Iraqi PM an 'anti-Semite.' Now that's just plain stupid. Whom is undermining whom?
Definition of the Day: Caution.
Oren Ben-Dor: Who are the real terrorists in the Middle East? Even more critical. Expect more in the international press.
I typed "A state is not a people" and got one link.
Dean calls Iraqi PM an 'anti-Semite.' Now that's just plain stupid. Whom is undermining whom?
Definition of the Day: Caution.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Just Where Hezbollah Wants Them
Featuring a rant of sorts:
Israel to 'control security zone.' Just where Hezbollah wants them see Hezbollah banks on home-ground advantage and Problems with Israeli Military Performance. A victory for 4GW forces in the making?
See also Why Israel is Losing:
"And even Israel's accusations against Iran, although largely baseless, greatly enhance Iran's prestige in the region, and may bring about exactly what the Israelis are trying to prevent. While the Arab states look like traitors, Iran looks like a champion of the most celebrated of all Muslim causes."
Iran and Hezbollah have stolen al-Qaeda's thunder. Iran may see it's relationship with Hezbollah as a means to the ends of surviving as a state. Accommodation is not necessarily appeasement. Non-state actors will require neutral ground.
The author continues on to comment on 4th Generation warfare:
... the age of great power warfare has been replaced by a world in which great powers must live and compete with non-state actors who possess considerable military capabilities. William Lind calls this transformation "4th generation warfare."
Consequently, the age of Bismarckian warfare, or what William Lind refers to as "3rd generation warfare," is effectively over. "Bismarckian warfare" is a term that describes large-scale wars fought by large-scale armies, which require national systems of military conscription, a significant population base, and enormous military budgets.
Bismarckian warfare seems to have become ineffective in the Arab-Israeli context, because Israel no longer poses the threat that it once did to the Arab regimes, and the Arab regimes much prefer Israel to the rising non-state actors growing within their own borders.
William Lind has also argued that non-state actors such as Hamas and Hizballah can checkmate the Israelis as long as these Muslim parties never formally assume power. If Muslim parties were to assume the power of states, then they would immediately become targets for traditional Bismarckian warfare. However, as long as Muslim movements retain theirnon-state identity, they are strategically unconquerable."
We see similar situations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal (even though the Maoists* aspire), Columbia, Somalia etc. The state is ceasing to be universal.
More:
"The global diffusion of the news outlets is obviously important for understanding why Bismarckian warfare has become so ineffective. For instance, Hizballah has its own media network, and can draw upon the global satellite network to get its message out, and can also use the global media to take advantage of Israel's targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Further, the competition between Arab and Muslim satellite channels is also important, because each station wants to demonstrate its sincerity by spreading news that is not only critical of Israel and the U.S., but ultimately undermines people's trust in the Arab regimes and thereby lends legitimacy to non-state actors."
They learned everything by watching American cable news networks and taking the concept up a notch toward active (rather than passive) hostility. What good is a government if it is impotent in the cause? The state has infrastructure. It can be targeted. Hezbollah does not own the roads.
In conclusion, let's also not forget that mountain warfare is brutal. The Swiss have been at peace, and the Afghans unconquerable for a long term for very good reasons. The US and Israeli governments definitely receive the Chump Award for the decade. See Herbert, in Monday Column, Says U.S. Should Have Restrained Israel. Friends don't let friends drink and drive.
And
Chavez in Russia for arms deals. Always good for a laugh.
The devil'’s bankers. On enabling one's enemies.
Definition of the Day: Cannibalism.
* The Blogger spell checker's top suggestion for "Maoist" was maggot.
Israel to 'control security zone.' Just where Hezbollah wants them see Hezbollah banks on home-ground advantage and Problems with Israeli Military Performance. A victory for 4GW forces in the making?
See also Why Israel is Losing:
"And even Israel's accusations against Iran, although largely baseless, greatly enhance Iran's prestige in the region, and may bring about exactly what the Israelis are trying to prevent. While the Arab states look like traitors, Iran looks like a champion of the most celebrated of all Muslim causes."
Iran and Hezbollah have stolen al-Qaeda's thunder. Iran may see it's relationship with Hezbollah as a means to the ends of surviving as a state. Accommodation is not necessarily appeasement. Non-state actors will require neutral ground.
The author continues on to comment on 4th Generation warfare:
... the age of great power warfare has been replaced by a world in which great powers must live and compete with non-state actors who possess considerable military capabilities. William Lind calls this transformation "4th generation warfare."
Consequently, the age of Bismarckian warfare, or what William Lind refers to as "3rd generation warfare," is effectively over. "Bismarckian warfare" is a term that describes large-scale wars fought by large-scale armies, which require national systems of military conscription, a significant population base, and enormous military budgets.
Bismarckian warfare seems to have become ineffective in the Arab-Israeli context, because Israel no longer poses the threat that it once did to the Arab regimes, and the Arab regimes much prefer Israel to the rising non-state actors growing within their own borders.
William Lind has also argued that non-state actors such as Hamas and Hizballah can checkmate the Israelis as long as these Muslim parties never formally assume power. If Muslim parties were to assume the power of states, then they would immediately become targets for traditional Bismarckian warfare. However, as long as Muslim movements retain theirnon-state identity, they are strategically unconquerable."
We see similar situations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal (even though the Maoists* aspire), Columbia, Somalia etc. The state is ceasing to be universal.
More:
"The global diffusion of the news outlets is obviously important for understanding why Bismarckian warfare has become so ineffective. For instance, Hizballah has its own media network, and can draw upon the global satellite network to get its message out, and can also use the global media to take advantage of Israel's targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Further, the competition between Arab and Muslim satellite channels is also important, because each station wants to demonstrate its sincerity by spreading news that is not only critical of Israel and the U.S., but ultimately undermines people's trust in the Arab regimes and thereby lends legitimacy to non-state actors."
They learned everything by watching American cable news networks and taking the concept up a notch toward active (rather than passive) hostility. What good is a government if it is impotent in the cause? The state has infrastructure. It can be targeted. Hezbollah does not own the roads.
In conclusion, let's also not forget that mountain warfare is brutal. The Swiss have been at peace, and the Afghans unconquerable for a long term for very good reasons. The US and Israeli governments definitely receive the Chump Award for the decade. See Herbert, in Monday Column, Says U.S. Should Have Restrained Israel. Friends don't let friends drink and drive.
And
Chavez in Russia for arms deals. Always good for a laugh.
The devil'’s bankers. On enabling one's enemies.
Definition of the Day: Cannibalism.
* The Blogger spell checker's top suggestion for "Maoist" was maggot.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Enough Said
Paul Craig Roberts: The Shame of Being An American. Enough Said.
Robert Fisk: Elegy for Beirut. Forever Doomed.
William S. Lind: The Summer of 1914. "Israel is to America what Serbia was to Russia in 1914." Some alliances are not worth the price.
Classified blogger silenced. Fascism infects everyone.
Definition of the Day: Revivalist.
Robert Fisk: Elegy for Beirut. Forever Doomed.
William S. Lind: The Summer of 1914. "Israel is to America what Serbia was to Russia in 1914." Some alliances are not worth the price.
Classified blogger silenced. Fascism infects everyone.
Definition of the Day: Revivalist.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Promotion
Influences:
Answer Me! The First Three by Jim Goad, author of The Redneck Manifesto, is back. See also the banned Answer M! #4. The question: "Why are you such a stupid asshole?"
The first for a long time, a new issue of the Baffler will be mailed soon.
Definition of the Day: Revenge.
Answer Me! The First Three by Jim Goad, author of The Redneck Manifesto, is back. See also the banned Answer M! #4. The question: "Why are you such a stupid asshole?"
The first for a long time, a new issue of the Baffler will be mailed soon.
Definition of the Day: Revenge.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Strong v. Weak
The danger of an unequal struggle. Strong v. Weak. The weak will inherit the Earth? (Except are the weak really stronger for the attempt?)
IDF: We need two weeks to end Lebanon operation. Smarter than the U.S.
Just-4-Nutters.
Definition of the Day: Repulse.
IDF: We need two weeks to end Lebanon operation. Smarter than the U.S.
Just-4-Nutters.
Definition of the Day: Repulse.
Monday, July 17, 2006
More Meteorology
Fabius Maximus: More Forecasts Part Two: The Future of America. More Meteorology.
Foreign companies buy U.S. roads, bridges. Not really the sign of a healthy government. Everything must go!
Attack on Iraqi market kills 48. Still going strong.
What British Jews think of Israel. A mix of "their greatest hope and, at times, their deepest shame." It's not like they have chosen to live there.
Definition of the Day: Republican.
Foreign companies buy U.S. roads, bridges. Not really the sign of a healthy government. Everything must go!
Attack on Iraqi market kills 48. Still going strong.
What British Jews think of Israel. A mix of "their greatest hope and, at times, their deepest shame." It's not like they have chosen to live there.
Definition of the Day: Republican.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Kabuki
Israeli raids reach north Lebanon. Fire on gasoline. See also It's war by any other name and Informed Comment.William S. Lind: Two Signposts. On Kabuki.
The two faces of militant Islam. Not black and white.
See Video: Destruction of 2 BMPs and 12 invaders near Elistanzhi.
Definition of the Day: Religion.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Every Word is True
It's true. Every word.
Department Of Homeland Security Deputizes Real Mean Dog. Aren't police dogs deputized? You need to try harder.
Knightley: "I'm Not Anorexic. I Just Have A Pathological Fear Of Weight Gain." Say it's not so!
Fake TV News: Widespread and Undisclosed. Unfortunately, it is so!
Definition of the Day: Rapper.
Department Of Homeland Security Deputizes Real Mean Dog. Aren't police dogs deputized? You need to try harder.
Knightley: "I'm Not Anorexic. I Just Have A Pathological Fear Of Weight Gain." Say it's not so!
Fake TV News: Widespread and Undisclosed. Unfortunately, it is so!
Definition of the Day: Rapper.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Fill
Check out Dr. Fill.
Paul Craig Roberts: A Republic or an Empire? Just a delay.
Martin van Creveld: Knowing Why Not To Bomb Iran Is Half the Battle. Fools rush in.
Definition of the Day: Random Search.
Paul Craig Roberts: A Republic or an Empire? Just a delay.
Martin van Creveld: Knowing Why Not To Bomb Iran Is Half the Battle. Fools rush in.
Definition of the Day: Random Search.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Meteorology
US detainees to get Geneva rights. Non-state forces become recognized by the Supreme Court. The state is not always law.
Nearly 180 killed in Mumbai blasts. More murder.
Fabius Maximus: More Forecasts. Meteorology.
Definition of the Day: Radio disc Jockey.
Nearly 180 killed in Mumbai blasts. More murder.
Fabius Maximus: More Forecasts. Meteorology.
Definition of the Day: Radio disc Jockey.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
I'm Back!
I'm back (and using dial-up temporarily). I'll be updating my other blogs in the near future. Meanwhile....
William S. Lind: To Be or Not To Be a State? Who needs one? See Also.
Shia militia kills dozens in Baghdad. The headlines never change.
US urges unity over N Korea tests. It certainly isn't going to be stopped by US missile defense systems (unless the North Koreans provide a transponder).
Definition of the Day: Racist.
William S. Lind: To Be or Not To Be a State? Who needs one? See Also.
Shia militia kills dozens in Baghdad. The headlines never change.
US urges unity over N Korea tests. It certainly isn't going to be stopped by US missile defense systems (unless the North Koreans provide a transponder).
Definition of the Day: Racist.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
