Toughness and resolve

Submitted by Ziva Dahl (United States), Jul 18, 2006 at 15:03

Weakness is provocative and toughness and resolve is mandatory in standing up to Islamic terrorism in the Middle East and elsewhere. You comment that pre-1990, Israel was tough, did not compromise and knew that it any sign of weakness only increases their enemy's resolve. After 1990, Israel, tired of war, has been willing to compromise, to give back land, etc.

I agree that Israel has no choice but to be tough and uncompromising. This is an opportunity to use maximum force to try to destroy Hezbollah and Hamas, not just lob a few missiles and let the UN or the international community force a cease fire. If Israel does not return to a no-compromise, tough posture, it has no future in the Middle East. No question. But, unfortunately, even a tough policy prior to the 1990s did not bring them peace. They still fought 3 wars plus the Lebanon action.

Will the Israelis learn this hard lesson? Will we Americans learn it also? History is not encouraging.

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