Israel uses cluster bombs against civilians
| By TKeck - Jul 25th, 2006 at 2:50 pm EDT |
Yesterday, human rights watch confirmed Israel's use of cluster bombs on Lebanonese civilians, specifically in the village of Blida (July 19). These bombs are very indiscriminate and contrary to international humanitarian law. There is no other use for this bomb except to kill or wound civilians, as it leaves behind smaller bomblets, similiar to a small anti-personnel mine. Furthermore, although uncomfirmed by an independent source, Lebanese president Emile Lahoud has also claimed that Israel has used white phosphorous against civilians, a clear violation of international law if true.
Another interesting development is a story released by the SF Gate, which revealed that Israel had very developed plans for this war. This gives further credence to the argument that this war was planned and premeditated by Israel. This was not an "accidental war" as The Economist claimed in a recent editorial. This is part of the larger neo-con idea of remaking the Middle East by force.
Finally, don't give me this bullshit that Israel doesn't target civilians. You don't use cluster bombs unless you are targeting civilians. The damage has been done. An immediate cease-fire without triggering a wider regional war is our best hope for an end to this madness.
Another interesting development is a story released by the SF Gate, which revealed that Israel had very developed plans for this war. This gives further credence to the argument that this war was planned and premeditated by Israel. This was not an "accidental war" as The Economist claimed in a recent editorial. This is part of the larger neo-con idea of remaking the Middle East by force.
Finally, don't give me this bullshit that Israel doesn't target civilians. You don't use cluster bombs unless you are targeting civilians. The damage has been done. An immediate cease-fire without triggering a wider regional war is our best hope for an end to this madness.
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Israel does (And would be incompetent if they didn't) keep detailed, updated war-plans for almost every conceivable scenario; and frankly, an attack by Hezbollah in Lebanon has always been one of the higher possibilities.
Premeditated by Israel? The attack plans are according to schedule (Because Israel kicks ass - expect nothing but efficiency and professionalism from them), but let's not forget the main point here you're ignoring - Nobody forced Hezbollah to kidnap Israeli soldiers, and the Lebanese government would be perfectly within its rights to expel Hezbollah from the political process as a terrorist organization.
They had the choice, and they made their choice.
As for Israel's use of cluster bombs and/or white phosphorous - regrettable and stupid, if true. But at present, the latter is just a rumor and the former is a broad enough topic that I'd want to read what security experts have to say before taking a hard stand on it.
Anyway, what Israel is doing is disproportionate and plain wrong.
You mean the ones who commited crimes?
Are you meaning to tell me that armed violence against Israel is legitimate?
No, I'm not saying that. Armed violence against Israel sure is wrong, but it is equally wrong to punish an entire people (innocent civilians!) for the kidnapping of 2 soldiers.
And by the way, hundreds of death people and thousands of people fleeing the country, that's not just "some regrettable collateral damage."
Negotiate what? Hezbollah does not recognize Israel's right to exist. Hezbollah refuses to disarm. Israel unilaterally withdrew from Lebanon six years ago; there's no territory for them to offer up. Israel has been playing the good samaritan with these people for years already.
What demands is Hezbollah making against Israel that are legitimate? What, in your opinion, should Israel be offering up?
What offer do you think Israel can make that Hezbollah will accept and that's in the region's best interests?
Funny, that sounds like the very definition of "regrettable collateral damage" to me.
Link
And here is some useful info on cluster bombs from Human Rights Watch:
Link
One minute Israel denies it uses these weapons; the next minute they are buying them up as if it can't get enough, fast enough - like a junkie who can't admit he has a substance-abuse problem.