Martyr Mouse: R.I.P.

The beloved character of all right wing, extremist Palestinian children, Farfour, was affectionately "martyred" on his show, instantly morphing him into "Martyr Mouse." Basically, an Israeli official came to buy Martyr Mouse's land. In the end, the character declined to sell his land to the official, and he was killed for it; therefore, he became a martyr for dying for his land and principles, by not selling out to a dirty, child killing Jew. It should be noted that the television station, Al Aqsa TV, that broadcasts the program, is run by Hamas.

I wonder who they are looking for to take over Martyr Mouse's spot on Hamas children's television?

Abbas Disavows Hamas Coup

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas blasted Hamas for their part in an armed coup that forced him to dissolve a unity government that contained a Hamas majority. Many Palestinians in Gaza are attempting to cross Israel in hopes of reaching the West Bank, where they can escape the violence of the region.

President Abbas has called on Hamas to relinquish their control over government offices in Gaza, and turn them over to his newly appointed government. Hamas, however, states the dismissal of the elected government and the appointment of a new government is unacceptable.

In hopes of reconciling differences, Abbas has called on the international community, including Israel, to broker a lasting peace for the besieged region.

Arabs seek help from Jews

Why is that since Hamas has seized control of Gaza, that so many Palestinians have flocked to the Israeli begging for help?

It seems rather hypocritical--from my comfy vantage point--to see this kind of behavior. Frankly, it is bizarre. If I believe someone is the devil, then I am not going to go beg them for help when my own people go savage. Perhaps, they think if they can not appeal to God, then they can make a mutually satisfactory deal with the devil. I am not sure the devil, in this case, is going to be very receptive to their plight, since Israel has allowed them to sit at the border, stating that the people seeking passage through their territory are in no immediate danger.

I am not saying those people should be ignored or allowed to suffer, at all. Rather, it proves the majority of people in this area are not really enemies after all. If I can go ask someone, whom I see as a mortal enemy, for help, then they probably aren't as ominous as I allegedly believe them to be.

Bombs Fall in Israel

I was wondering how long it would be until the mess in Gaza and the West Bank fell into the lap of the Israelis.

It always seems to lead to this. Each group, whether it is Hamas or Hezbollah, wants to test the resolve of the Israeli government and military. I find myself believing that these groups are less worried about fighting among themselves, but simply using it as a cover for a bigger fight with their Jewish neighbors.

My question is now: what will the Israelis do about this recent incursion of Katyusha rockets into the Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona?

Hamas

In what many see as a coup d'etat, Hamas, which won parliamentary elections in 2006, is believed to control much of Gaza. Earlier today, the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, declared a state of emergency, and dissolved the parliament, reverting all constitutional authority to him.

As of now, Hamas has declared they now control the compound where the Abbas is staying. If Hamas controls the presidential compound, they, in essence, control the government. It is reported, also, that Hamas sees this as the first step of declaring an independent Palestinian nation, which is something Abbas, along with his Fatah Party, has been unwilling to do.

The European Union has suspended all funds to the region, which total $112 million, along with all aid projects, because of the continuing violence and the uncertainty of the position of the elected government.

This appears to be another situation Israel might have to step in and resolve, since it is a direct threat to their national security.

Palestine Teeters

Reports indicate that Palestine is teetering on the brink of anarchy as its president, Mahmoud Abbas, plans to declare a state of emergency.

What will Hamas and Fatah do with each other? It would appears as if the Hamas unity government will collapse, if things do not de-escalate.

Israel's Iraq

Israel has now officially inaugurated its very own "Iraq." Hezbollah is not alone. They have Hamas, and now al-Qaeda, it would seem, to help them fight the war against Israel. Now, Lebanon is simply the playing field for a much larger issue. Like the United States and Iraq, Israel should not have invaded Lebanon. Sometimes it is better to maintain the status quo than to try for something better. In these types of situations, where you are dealing with centuries old stereotypes and hate, you only end up making the situation worse. There is no honor on either side. Instead of making Hezbollah extinct, they have caused them to dig in deeper and draft in some of their buddies, like al-Qaeda, to join the fight. In essence, you decrease your security by taking a direct approach to this type of situation.

Who's to say how this situation will turn out? Al-Qaeda says the Israelis, along with the Crusaders (meaning the US), are trying to destroy Islamic nations. It will certainly make things difficult for the US in dealing (or in the case of Bush, not dealing) with this situation. With the US in Iraq and Israel now rooting into Lebanon, who is to say the Islamic beast will not pounce? It's like an animal caught in the corner. It may not see any other solution but to attack with full force.

Some people never learn from the past, nor search for alternatives.

No end in sight

It would seem there is no end in sight for the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah (and Hamas) as we go into the seventh day of fighting. The United Nations may have a plan to move UN soldiers into southern Lebanon to create a "DMZ"-like area. Israel needs to step back a bit and see if diplomacy cannot end this conflict and create the resolutions it seeks. The world, and the terrorists organizations, see they mean business!

Bush is making a mistake...yet again!

Today, Bush is trying to pressure Syria to stop backing Hezbollah. Now what's wrong with that you might ask? Instead of Bush bringing Israel, Hezbollah, Hamas, etc., to the table to negotiate their differences, he is playing favorites. Now, I've never been president of the United States, I'm not an ambassador, but I have enough sense to know that you can't pressure one side to stand down while the other side is blowing up jack.

As a good faith movement, the United States should ask Israel to implement a 48 hour cease fire in Lebanon, and then ask Hezbollah, through Syria, for the same. There, you have an even-handed approach to a situation that is quickly growing out of control. Both sides are being asked to do exactly the same thing. No side is being singled out as the bad guy. Then during that 48 hours you work like mad, openly with both sides, to create a long term cease fire, while creating a proactive dialogue for both sides. That people is what you call coming to the table! It's not George Bush in Russia telling Syria what it will do. I'm sorry, but that doesn't work. Did it work in Iraq? I don't think so! But here Bush is again trying to tell another country what to do. When are we going to impeach this asshole exactly?

I am in agreement with the prime minister of Lebanon; the escalation of hostilities is disproportionate with the abduction of Israeli soldiers. Instead of attacking Lebanon, perhaps Israel should have offered them economic incentives to implement military programs to root out Hezbollah from Lebanon's southern border. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar, Mr. Bush!

Iran, Iran, Iran

What will we do with Iran? It is now the redheaded step-child of the international community. No one wants to even think about it, much less discipline it.

From what I know, Iran is now the foremost threat to our security. Not just the security of the United States, but that of the entire world. The Middle East is a volatile place. People there hate each other over religious and family issues. Iranian President Ahmadinejad is working hard to bring trouble to his country. His rhetoric is offensive, almost like he is begging for a confrontation with the West.

I am not sure what he means when he says that Iran's nuclear program is irreversible. I suppose he means that the IAEA can go suck a long one, and leave him the hell alone. I imagine the CIA is working overtime in Tehran this evening. It wouldn't surprise me that the United Nations moves forward with sanctions against Iran. Iran certainly is more dangerous than Iraq ever was. They now possess the "atom." We just must make sure they can't refine that atom further and then attach it to missile. To me the options are obvious, Bush must take direct action, along with the United Nations, to shut down Iran's nuclear program (I didn't say invade). I am talking about airstrikes against the facilities where uranium is being enriched. These attacks can take place from naval ships in the Persian Gulf and from B-52 bombers way overhead. Sure, this will piss someone off, but I think we will all be pissed off when Iran nukes Israel or China.

As for Israel, I am not sure what Ahmadinejad's motivation is for attacking Israel verbally. I believe it is a way to somehow create support for Iran with other Muslim nations. I believe, if anything, such rhetoric only serves to distance other Muslim nations from Iran. Today, the president of Palenstine stated that Hamas-led government should recognize Israel as an authentic nation. Iran has always been the ugly duckling of the Muslim nations. It is primarily Shi'ite in its worship of Allah. I believe other Muslim nations are wary of the Ayatollah, who is the "bigwig" of Iran's theocracy.

Basically, Iran is cruising for a bruising. It will simply take a concise aerial strike of Iran's nuclear facilities. That's all! We can leave the Iranians to be in charge of their own government. Of course, we can keep a closer eye on them and make sure they tow the line, or risk another strike.

Simply, Iran cannot be allowed to possess and utilize nuclear energy and technology!