Just reported today, Israel's Air Force has destroyed the home of Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah. While perhaps not quite as satisfying as lighting a Menorah in Saddam Hussein's captured palace, the operation was highly justified and Nasrallah absolutely deserved it. Let's hope this is just the tip of the iceberg in Israel's offensive; Hezbollah needs to learn as firsthand as possible that attacking Israel is always a losing proposition.
Meanwhile, Israel has also discovered that the rockets launched on Haifa were made in Iran. No surprise there, of course; it's been clear that Iran has supported the terrorists from the beginning. But this should also directly signal America that Iran's ambitions include the entire Middle Eastern region, which is yet more evidence of the danger its nuclear program poses to the world.
Israel is also all over the blogosphere:
Columnist Tammy Bruce slams international critics of Israel for their weakness and hypocrisy.
The Pink Flamingo Bar & Grill (that's the name of the blog) explains the Islamic impetus behind Israel's attackers' intentions. I disagree with the post's contention that the jihadists' aims would be different were Israel not a Jewish state -- fundamentalist Muslims hate everyone else, but Jews in particular -- but overall it very astutely analyzes the situation.
Front Page Magazine's David Horowitz tells why the Western world should absolutely support Israel. (Technically this is a regular article and not part of his blog, but it's highly worth reading in all shapes or forms.)
Blogger MadZionist lays down the truth: Disengagement and appeasement have failed, and now it's time to unite and support Israel together.
And briefly, in other news:
Check out Victor Davis Hanson's new piece on President Bush and "Cowboy Diplomacy." As per Dr. Hanson's usual output, this essay is par exellence.
Thanks for the update on the situation!
Posted by: Mini Me | July 14, 2006 at 04:56 PM
I agree-- Israel must use force to defeat its enemies
Posted by: Marco | July 15, 2006 at 09:46 AM
Nice round-up!
Posted by: JasonPappas | July 16, 2006 at 07:57 PM
Thanks for linking me up, Surfer! Let's hope for the best...
Posted by: Madzionist | July 16, 2006 at 08:49 PM
Surfer,
I was watching Fox News and someone said that not only did Hezbollah begin all of this by kidnapping the two Israeli soldiers, but that Hezbollah launched missiles/rockets first at Israel. Is this true?
Posted by: Mini Me | July 16, 2006 at 09:19 PM
Hi Mini Me,
Yes, it's true.
Madzionist is correct. The world and Lebanon appeased Hezbollah and Iran for years, allowing this arms and troop build up in order to avoid civil discord and potentially a civil war in Lebanon. The world and Lebanon now receives its just due. I read where Prime Minister Siniora has now pledged to dispense Lebanese troops (half of which are Shiite) to the Israei border in conformity with U.N. resolution 1559 http://www.mideastweb.org/1559.htm. Wow...talk about too litle too late...
Posted by: Verdant | July 17, 2006 at 08:28 PM
Thanks for the comments...I'm glad the updates have been helpful.
As for Lebanon, I agree with Verdant - I don't think its troops will make much difference, since Syria and Iran basically control the country. But it'd be fantastic if Israel cleared out Hezbollah and let the Lebanese regain power. (Indeed, Lebanon has already gained back some control over the past couple years since Syria withdrew its troops, and now Hezbollah is the last main obstacle to true independence.)
Posted by: Solid Surfer | July 17, 2006 at 11:24 PM
Hmm, very weird - the post counter didn't list the above post.
Posted by: Solid Surfer | July 18, 2006 at 06:02 AM