The Conflict
Goals in war, much like goals in life need to be carefully assessed, pragmatically. It is often that the outcome of an operation is mistaken for its purpose, and vis a versa. It is the outcome which should the concern of all involved in the planning of a military operation. Perplexing, this requires not only knowledge of oneself, to understand the motives and reasons for ones actions, but most importantly knowledge of ones opponent's culture, psychology and behaviour to predict their response. This has the dual effect of both humanizing one's opponent and crafting more successful operations. Leaders like Nelson Mandela triumphed in part because they immersed themselves in their opponent's culture.
The bombing of Israeli youths on vacation in Bulgarian, before their entering military service is a case in point. It was a carefully crafted operation meant to strike at the heart of the Israeli (and Jewish) people, their youth. It sent a message that no place is safe for Israelis and that reprisals by the Muslim world are a fact of life. The outcome of this action could only be an escalation of violence in the middle east and the world as a whole. The families of the dead can only be more embittered and less inclined to rational or peaceful action. The world was made a darker place thereby. What retaliation by the Israeli government can only be guessed at, but with every act of bitter violence they to are pushed to more extremes.
Whatever the plight of the Palestinian people, I can only feel they are being manipulated by the pan Muslim extremist groups. Palestinian military operations can have one and only one goal. How does this operation advance us towards a Palestinian homeland? Extremists, increasing the levels of hate and anger on both sides does little towards helping the Palestinian people. Some say that by using children as bombs, targeting Jews anywhere anytime, is a sign of their resolve. I wonder if this is not a sign of weakness.
It can be said that old men start wars, while young men pay for them. Perhaps it is time for the Palestinian camp to focus more on the old men (political leaders). Even though this is more difficult, it is a question of advancing their cause, not bringing the world to a greater level of instability. If it is retaliation that is the purpose: it must be very carefully crafted, because, as the saying goes, if revenge is your goal, remember to dig two graves: one for your enemy and one for yourself (or your family and friends as the case may be).
Gosho Mladenoff
Goals in war, much like goals in life need to be carefully assessed, pragmatically. It is often that the outcome of an operation is mistaken for its purpose, and vis a versa. It is the outcome which should the concern of all involved in the planning of a military operation. Perplexing, this requires not only knowledge of oneself, to understand the motives and reasons for ones actions, but most importantly knowledge of ones opponent's culture, psychology and behaviour to predict their response. This has the dual effect of both humanizing one's opponent and crafting more successful operations. Leaders like Nelson Mandela triumphed in part because they immersed themselves in their opponent's culture.
The bombing of Israeli youths on vacation in Bulgarian, before their entering military service is a case in point. It was a carefully crafted operation meant to strike at the heart of the Israeli (and Jewish) people, their youth. It sent a message that no place is safe for Israelis and that reprisals by the Muslim world are a fact of life. The outcome of this action could only be an escalation of violence in the middle east and the world as a whole. The families of the dead can only be more embittered and less inclined to rational or peaceful action. The world was made a darker place thereby. What retaliation by the Israeli government can only be guessed at, but with every act of bitter violence they to are pushed to more extremes.
Whatever the plight of the Palestinian people, I can only feel they are being manipulated by the pan Muslim extremist groups. Palestinian military operations can have one and only one goal. How does this operation advance us towards a Palestinian homeland? Extremists, increasing the levels of hate and anger on both sides does little towards helping the Palestinian people. Some say that by using children as bombs, targeting Jews anywhere anytime, is a sign of their resolve. I wonder if this is not a sign of weakness.
It can be said that old men start wars, while young men pay for them. Perhaps it is time for the Palestinian camp to focus more on the old men (political leaders). Even though this is more difficult, it is a question of advancing their cause, not bringing the world to a greater level of instability. If it is retaliation that is the purpose: it must be very carefully crafted, because, as the saying goes, if revenge is your goal, remember to dig two graves: one for your enemy and one for yourself (or your family and friends as the case may be).
Gosho Mladenoff
