Last night a spokesman for the Israelis (unsure of name or title but from the Israeli embassy to the US) said explicitly that the goal was now to destroy both Hezbollah and Hamas … even the pretence of simple selfdefense or rescue of kidnapped soldiers has been dropped completely on both fronts.
The S.F. Chronicle ran a story on Friday how this campaign was planned last year - so the kidnapping of the soldiers was a happy (for the Israelis but not the individuals) conincidence. I saw Bibi on TV this a.m., he put on quite a show.
agreed … it was just surprising that he was willing to be that clear on a major US network … I assume the announcement of the rush shipment of more weapons from the US to Israel was a very clear message that W&Co are pleased with Ohlmert. (I have assumed from the beginning that there was agreement and collaboration on this move by Israel but some seem to think that W&Co were taken by surprise - this seems a misunderstanding of the relationship to me but I’m not expert just “paranoid” that this is move one of an explicit war on Syria and Iran as well)
grania July 23, 2006 at 10:05 pm
The US had to be aware what Israel was planning - now whether Bush was aware or not is another Q. I really think he has to be drinking again. But you can count on Cheney et al., being fully aware. Bibi was beating a war chant this a.m., on Iran - and why isn’t he home standing at one with Olmert? Granted someone has to put the squeeze on for more money and munitions. IMO this whole campaign has Sharon written all over it.
“Yes Mr. Ohlmert, No Mr. Ohlmert, anything you say Mr. Ohlmert. Yes Sir, the President … I’m sorry Mr. Olmert …. I mean the real president …. President Cheney ….. says he … says he hopes the latest batch of American precision weapons help you start another civil war in Lebanon …. Why yes of course Mr. Ohlmert, I do too …. “
Last night a spokesman for the Israelis (unsure of name or title but from the Israeli embassy to the US) said explicitly that the goal was now to destroy both Hezbollah and Hamas … even the pretence of simple selfdefense or rescue of kidnapped soldiers has been dropped completely on both fronts.
Not surprised Siun - word was getting out anyway.
The S.F. Chronicle ran a story on Friday how this campaign was planned last year - so the kidnapping of the soldiers was a happy (for the Israelis but not the individuals) conincidence. I saw Bibi on TV this a.m., he put on quite a show.
agreed … it was just surprising that he was willing to be that clear on a major US network … I assume the announcement of the rush shipment of more weapons from the US to Israel was a very clear message that W&Co are pleased with Ohlmert. (I have assumed from the beginning that there was agreement and collaboration on this move by Israel but some seem to think that W&Co were taken by surprise - this seems a misunderstanding of the relationship to me but I’m not expert just “paranoid” that this is move one of an explicit war on Syria and Iran as well)
The US had to be aware what Israel was planning - now whether Bush was aware or not is another Q. I really think he has to be drinking again. But you can count on Cheney et al., being fully aware. Bibi was beating a war chant this a.m., on Iran - and why isn’t he home standing at one with Olmert? Granted someone has to put the squeeze on for more money and munitions. IMO this whole campaign has Sharon written all over it.
Sharon is apparently on death’s door today …
Saddam is being force fed
but W is at the WH entertaining Saudis and Condi before her flight to Israel and Rome … seems her sense of ME geography is a little confused.
I’m told there’s a run on shoes in both Riyadh and Rome :-)
a little comic relief …sent by a german colleague:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3934788900154749704
Speaking of shoes - we’re dragging our feet for sure and what is God’s name is Condi going to say anyway.
“Yes Mr. Ohlmert, No Mr. Ohlmert, anything you say Mr. Ohlmert. Yes Sir, the President … I’m sorry Mr. Olmert …. I mean the real president …. President Cheney ….. says he … says he hopes the latest batch of American precision weapons help you start another civil war in Lebanon …. Why yes of course Mr. Ohlmert, I do too …. “