we are just not determined enough, sorry

Submitted by idan (Australia), Mar 31, 2006 at 01:33

Of course you are right; the entire Israeli public is simply not as clear-headed, not willing to see things as they truly are. you, on the other hand, have the correct perspective.

And so I ask you to elaborate: how do we win this war? Details, please. "Determination" is not in itself sufficient. It is an ingredient to be added, not an entire solution. So: a detailed list of steps and actions, including troop numbers, positionings, code of conduct, logistics, and of course, a clear definition of goals.

Phrases such as "rooting out terror" and "sending a strong message" are not acceptable. they are meaningless metaphors when taken to "the field".

you write: "Israelis eventually must gird themselves to resuming the difficult, bitter, long, and expensive effort needed to convince the Palestinians and others that their dream of eliminating Israel is defunct."

This may not be apparent from your perspective, but this is PRECISELY what Israelies have been doing for the past decade or so. We endure, fortify, and bear it. we hang on despite it all. Because no steps, military or diplomatic, have convinced the other side to stop fighting.

The only way to achieve recognition of the fact that Israel is here to stay is, not surprisingly, to stay. arab countries are no longer attacking; we have shown that brute military force cannot drive us out. Terrorist attrition methods are now the preferred method. Well, we aren't going away. In the battle of patience, he who lashes out is the loser, not the winner.

Possibly this does not satisfy watchers from across the ocean. "Enough, already" is a childish attitude. We will do things as is beneficial to us living in israel, not to appease the spectator.

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