Updates from 12/28-12/29 and 12/30.
The Dove quotes an American general on the folly of the current incursion. Money quote of the money quote:
Politically, the ultimate result of ’06 was to make Hizbullah, and their Christian allies under General Aoun, the arbiters of events in Lebanon.
“We have now seen the Israelis run through their target list in Gaza. Hamas is still firing at Ashkalon and Beersheba. One wonders just who has who by the testicles in this situation. If the Israelis back away with some sort of unilateral ceasefire, then the ’06 judgment of the Muslims on them will be confirmed in many minds.”
The one correction I would make is “Arab,” as opposed to “Muslim,” in the above sentence.
Richard refers back to 1982 to make his point that plus ça change… The quote of quotes:
It makes no sense to argue that the Palestinians fighting Israeli invaders in Gaza are terrorists. Yet it’s clear that even if we accept they are terrorists . . . the military suppression of 10,000 guerillas (or terrorists) who arose from the heart of a population of 1.5 million Palestinians will give us at most a tenuous five-year interlude, until the next generation of guerillas (or terrorists) is ready to resume the armed struggle. History tells us that the new wave of fighters will be more radical, better trained and more desperate.
He also gives us an American Jewish organization calling for an immediate ceasefire. And a break in Likud’s facade regarding the war.
MJ Rosenberg gives us some insight into the American media blitz and Marc Lynch shows how the narrative is being crafted in the Arab world. Lynch’s perspective is an important corrective to the idea that Hamas has widespread Arab institutional support. However, as some of the above links show, Hamas’ popular support can grow immensely, thereby further pushing Israel into isolation.
Middle East Report has an editorial on the issue as it relates to Obama’s foreign policy. (h/t Ted Swedenburg)
Dawud Walid, of CAIR-Michigan, has a piece tying the lessons of Muharram to the situation in Gaza. Also supports my point that the CAIR local chapters are far more in tune with American Muslims than CAIR national.