We are All HA#2- Trust: A Snowball's Chance in Inferno
Ok, As I was saying before this outburst, I never liked Hizbullah, don't like Syria or Iran, and reiterate that Lebanon needs to "absorb" Hizbullah's alacrity into an official "underground, Lebanese army controlled, non-sectarian para-military civil resistance."
To elaborate on the plan, If Martians invade; everyone would go to his or her post on the front, near the mother-ship landing site. If Israelis invade, the "recruits" would head to anti-aircraft missile pads around bridges, hospitals, Dairy and Biscuit factories, Civil Defense centres, water dams, and Peach orchards. Those are normally the IDF's favourite targets.
A few unique Lebanese qualities passed on to HA are: intelligence and scheming. One has to admit that HA was fully capable of constructing undercover rocket launch pads, and dug a maze of tunnels under the noses of Israel's watch-towers, not to mention the thousands of over flights, and 3 spy-satellites twinkling high above.
If one uses Google Earth – chances are one can spot a water pump, but somehow the IDF intelligence (or lack of it) missed spotting missile-launchers that are – emmm.. Visible? The more dogmatic and presumptuous comments I read from the Israeli side, the more and more I lean towards the belief that God's Angels where distracting the IDF soldiers. Hallelujah!!!! Not only should one never trust the IDF's sagacity, we have reason to suspect vision and visibility impairment. What else can explain how they managed to hit all the bomb shelters and civilian buildings, but failed to incapacitate rocket launchers. If it weren't God, who was it? the IDF should come with an explanation quick before I fall on my Knees in praise and adoration. [Read Full Article]
posted by Fadi @ 11:19 PM
25 Comments:
more and more I lean towards the belief that God's Angels where distracting the IDF soldiers.
Yes it is clear that God loves Hezbollah. And it is clear he hates the Lebanese. That is why he put HA in their midst so they would attract Israeli bombs to Lebanon. Of course, God will shield his HA princelings. The Lebanese (apparently) can go to the devil.
Ok Fadi,
I don't know what this post is about. The title is enough of a put-off.
Maybe you and your mother are Hezbo now. That does mean "we" are all Hezbo now.
Josey,
How about you read further than the title before you make judgements about people and their mothers?
If you don't want to bother to read, don't bother people with your comments.
Ash,
Read the full article. It's a nonsensical melange of rejectionism and triumphalism. Here was my favorite part:
"Last but not least: June 28, 2006 - Israeli warplanes (not kites) flew over one of Bashar al-Assad's palaces. An act of war. President wasn't in the palace; otherwise he would have declared war."
Aside from the silliness of the topic for which the example was posted (Israel and Syria are still technically at war, and Syria is providing money, weapons and support to groups attacking Israel, so it is in no position to complain about "acts of war", having engaged in many), anyone who thinks Bashar Assad has any intention of declaring war on Israel needs his head examined. Bashar is many things (myopic - odd for an eye doctor, that - venal, ruthless and stupid come to mind) but suicidal isn't one of them. Bashar will no more get into a face to face fight with Israel than, well, Hezbollah would. Hezbollah ducks and hides (the only way to fight a guerilla campaign but tough on the civillians they are ducking and hiding behind). Assad gets to go them one better, and just use his proxies to fight for him.
I particularly admired the way he all but vowed to fight Israel down to the last Lebanese.
Fadi, you can laugh all you want or ignore all you want, but if your idea of a "peace plan" is Israel lays down its arms - at the insistence of someone who can't even bring himself to write the word without quotation marks, no less ::eyeroll:: - it's about as useful as my 1 year olds are to the US army.
Look, if you want eternal war the Israelis are willing - though not happy - to oblige. Just don't expect to win (unless by win you mean have large portions of your infrastructure destroyed, suffer many needless deaths and have Israeli troops on ever increasing swaths of your land. In other words, if your definition of victory is Hezbollah's, then you can expect to win. Often. And at a far greater magnitude of "victory" than this one). But I would check with some of the rest of your countrymen before you (like Hezbollah) make that decision for them.
To the reasonable people on here, sorry if I'm coming on a little strong. I certainly don't mean to make light of Lebanon's situation, which is horrific. But it's attitudes like Fadi's that will keep returning Lebanon to this point again and again and again.
Yes, Akiva, but at least you took the time to read what Fadi had to say before you responded.
So the war is over. I think we (Israel) won you think you (Lebanon) won. So be it. I regret all the casualties on both sides and happy that I am no more in Lebanon, fighting the only people in the this region that I find trully likable. I hope you will spring back to prosperity and no more fighting will occur between us. I wish you well and hope that one day we will become true friends.
Dan
Interesting responses.
CMARR II = Where the Lebanese go is their business. If they choose Heaven for climate or Hell for company, it's up to them. Personally, I like warmer places. Care to join me?
I promise we'll play the Yo-Mama jokes right after we conclude the discussion and burry the dead on both sides of the border. After checking Jose Walesblog, I presume he is Lebanese. If so, our mums can chat this over coffee. I take no offense at being unjustly associated with a HA; otherwise the word Zionist or IDF would have been insult. Am I right?
Akiva. I'm confused. If what I'm saying is nonsensical and silly, then grammar, typos, or "punctuation" should be the last thing on your mind. Try answering to what I wrote, not to what you hoped I wrote.
I can only volunteer my life to defend my country, and I'd rather live for my country to do that! I vow no lives, especially the Lebanese lives onto anything. I certainly never presume to make decisions for anyone either.
God! I was just expressing myself. Did I claim I was drafting a constitution, outlining the peace plan, or delivering a divine message?? Don't be so uptight and snubbed. Underplaying a situation for normal people brings in constructive and intelligent ideas.
Gad Fly is my nickname. I write to make someone overreact or at best, roll their eyes out [try cold tea bags]… You fell for that! The less aggressive readers might simply laugh with me or at me. As in ha,ha!
Thank God you're not an army official or a War minister - You took a good intentioned frivolous article that proposes defense against alien aggression – possibly Martian - and turned it into a death vow and a death-threat against me and Lebanon. This hatred, this aggression, this rage!!! All against a blogger?! Saving the explosive weapons for the Qana Children??
One cannot be too sure or too careful how words (simple words) are understood: We all make mistakes; you just made your biggest BLUNDER over this blog.
You got too heated and too angry at me: Me, a person with nothing to defend him but a keyboard and an idea. If you had a gun, you would have shot me. If you had an F-16, you would have piled down my neighborhood. If you had a nuclear weapon, you would have burned the down the whole region. I didn't even point a water pistol at you...
I'm peaceful, you're not.
Got my point?? I make fun, your likes make war.
To prove my point, trusting in men's better judgment against using force stands a snowball's chance in Inferno. Unless it was a Lebanese snowball– cool as the Lebanese are, it'll stay solid cold to chill down their beers.
Calm down my friend! No cause for this outrage or unjustified fury – Everyone is LOOKING at you with a mix of amazement, shock, and disbelief... I believe you owe those you have offended an apology. I myself take no offense – I'm actually grateful for the free demo.
Care for some pop-corn with the ice-child beer, or would you go for the "Molotov cocktail" instead?
Arch and Imad,
I usually read before commenting. But this was #2 after #1:
"We are all Hizbullah* (*Limited Offer,**terms &conditions apply)"
which I did read. I have seen enough. I take from your comments that #2 was a touch better (though glancing quickly, makes no sense).
Enjoy your "We are all Hezbo #3" when it comes out.
fadi i love you :)
just kidding. i loved this post man. it's amazing though that they still respond, besides the point mind you.. they never look at the message behind what we write.. get over your propaganda and look at the facts.
Akiva m, check uri avenery's article 'from mania to depression', there you'll find many reasons as to why you should pretty much be quiet right now.
i gave up on the israelis, i really think it's not their fault, they're not used to think for themselves and they're so clearly not very clever. bigfoot is a nice way to put it, i feel israel is a bigfoot let lose in the arab world.
i really like your responses to the previous comments, like the guy from jordan, for that i pretty much wrote why it's way out of line to be talking about peace now.
still very amuzing that they tell us how to run our country and how we should react to other arabic countries when their internal affairs are so fucked up and when they don't show loyalty to even the US (to which israel is a wellfare country).
listen akiva, the tide might be going against us now, we all know israel would've collapsed a long time ago for being economically bankrupt and so corrupted if it weren't for the israel lobby and the christian zionists in the US.
you might feel all mighty now but, my friend, no empire lasts forever. your modern day collonialism to the east presented to the world as 'peace treaties' will crack down at the expense of the failure of the global corporates.
you have to understand that israel is now protected by the neocons in office not for their moral obligation to israel (for these are people without morals) but only because israel is their military asset in the ME. now they don't think so anymore..uncle sam is growing more and more disappointed with the 'mighty IDF'.
on the other hand, more and more americans are growing impatient with the american policies.
i can see it happening.. sooner or later..
like fadi told you before, need help packing?
your modern day collonialism to the east presented to the world as 'peace treaties',
why don't you stop reading piles of bullshit on the net, it's filling you up with hate and rage. Do you still remember that there are people living here in Israel, and not "elders of zion". Exactly what would happen if we would have peace treaties with all of our neighbors ? It would be a stable American base on ME ? No Mirvat - It would be a stable ME witch could no longer be substent to "devide&concver" of greater powers - Just look at Europe - open borders, hard currency - a power wich can economicaly stand against USA, and not be eaten by it. Your attitude is one of the obsticles for peace.
Mirvat, please tell us what should israel do (except packing and leaving), while your being concistebt with that aproach of yopurs: "your modern day collonialism to the east presented to the world as 'peace treaties' "
Mirvat,
You're just a bitter little girl, aren't you?
It's really very simple. As long as the Arab world's vision for progress in your own countries is "Israel out of the middle east", there will be no progress in your own countries. If that is the vision 20 years from now, then 20 years from now you will remain saddled with dictatorships and armed thugs, repressive regimes and sectarian violence. And you will only have yourselves to blame (well, that's in an objective sense - subjectively, Israel will still be around for you to blame all of your own failings on).
On the more optimistic side, there is certainly reason to believe that "Israel out of the middle east" is not the vision of the entire Arab world, and that the vision of peaceful coexistence will come to dominate the middle east in the coming years. I certainly hope that is the case.
Either way, views like yours, Mirvat, are dinosaurs; endangered either because they will be swept away from within on a tide of hope, or because they will be excised from within after another 60 years of failure.
Either way, Israel will survive, and flourish.
But thanks for the offer - next time I switch apartments in NYC I'll give you a call.
andrey i told you before. your government should start respecting its neighbors, stop doing all the things that fadi mentioned, show a real intention for peace. i know that people live in israel. these include settlers who are making the life of palestinians a living hell. you give support, as people, to your army and your government to blow us up. as people in israel, can't you pressure your government to stop acting like a terror state? that would be a start no?
you know what, it's not the things we read, it's the things we live and see, israel has yet to prove otherwise.
simply, if not packing and leaving, baby steps. dismantle the settlements, how about that? ILLEGAL, does that mean anything for your government? let the inhabitants of west bank have control over their water, their borders, their air. no can do? well you tell me then..tell me what the palestinians can do please.
Oh Andrey, you said it youself, what should Israel do. An idea have crossed my mind (also you can read the article of some things Israel can do to put an end to Arab resentment). Someone has to take the first move, and if Israel is as peace loving as you say, let her come forth in action, not in words. Packing is of course an alternative, though appealing, but not realistic at the time being.
As for the piles of shit that are piled of the internet, we are VERY well aware of them, especially those full of hate and rage. Did you read what you wrote? How do you flush that out?
Mirvat has the right to express herself, and to call the peace treaties as she wishes, especially when she has a point. Are all countries in the world to give in to US influence, be it under WTO, NATO, open skies, anti-terrorism, Protection of Oil resources, of Fish resources, of anti-emissions, etc.. at the expense of their own people? Have you not heard of the anti-globalization. Peace Treaties are just one form: they impose conditions on countries. American policy is catching up quickly with the term: colonial. It's a pity that the US politicians never realized the true value and security of America in what it had to give the world, not what it has to take from it.
Why was that issue so irritating to you? I would worry about the US using Israel as a beating stick/punch bag to take the blows - a US puppet.Wake up. Nothing is for free, even the tens of billions that are pumped into Israel yearly. Do you think they are donations? Please think again. You are the US first line of defense. Don't you realize that? You are as victims of super/emerging powers as we are. You are equally Proxy!!
Say whatever you wish of Iran and Syria. They care less about Lebanon than they do about Israel. Did you ever see anyone on this blog defend them? So, if you're really concerned about them, go ahead and get into a fight with them direct. Money from Iran for assistance? I would take money from Micky Mouse if they offered us billions to reconstruct. Care to pitch in?
Oh Josey, I've included photos on the blog Gad Fly for ease of follow-up.
fadi, Why was that issue so irritating to you? I would worry about the US using Israel as a beating stick/punch bag to take the blows - a US puppet.Wake up. Nothing is for free, even the tens of billions that are pumped into Israel yearly. Do you think they are donations? Please think again. You are the US first line of defense. Don't you realize that? You are as victims of super/emerging powers as we are
isn't it just what I said?
Andrey, could have fooled me, but if we are in agreement, each will have to work on his/her side to patch things up. What's the use throwing accusations at each other when we're in deep waters - you and us.
Akiva - somewhat, your information about the Arab world's views on peace is a bit outdated. Israel has created even more bitter grass root enemies amongst the Arab population. There is nothing we can do about it ourselves, but that's the case. Usually, the masses do not chat and discuss, they resort to different means, such as rising against their regimes which I agree, are Israeli-Inclined. If the regimes do not retract, THEIR people will view them as associates, and internal chaos never fails to turn into regional chaos. This war was broadcasted live on TV with horrid details and imagery, and for once, I'll act as the devils advocate and presume that Israel was rightfull defending itself - that message did not sip through to the masses - where the fire is raging.
The Arab regimes, particularly those at peace with Israel, are repressive. You got that right. But for love of power, life, or money, they won't hold back the flood of contempt. The issue that Israel exists or vanishes is not the point, the point is that Israel will not find peace either. Do you consider war-revenge-war-revenge a pretty cycle? Does it help the prosperity of Israel?
The best way to put Israel and the region on the track of peace is for Israel to give up boastful threats of use of violence. You and I know that war is a very expensive choice for Israel. We trust that the less agressive Israeli citizens, for love of life, money, or for a return of peace and quiet, should hold the stick policy back. It's a double edged knife. It hurts you as much as it hurts us, and depletes the stock of friends and allies.
You think 60 years is a long time? What's a year, what's a century, what's a millenium. We're not going anywhere, and the Palestinian birth rate alone - Among Israeli Arabs and Palestenian Arabs - is a demographic time bomb as far as Israel is concerned. So are shifting International interests. Israel, unless it works for integration, is doomed, even if not one single bullet is shot across the border. Integration is not a bad thing after all. What's wrong with all of us living in the region with open borders and open minds? Why should the Israelis under a Middle Eastern Federation with an Arab majority suffer? Why haven't the Armenians suffered (400,000 Armenians in Lebanon alone are an honourable example of integration without loss of identity and culture)? They are our fellow citizens and brothers with very strong influence. This region is like a sponge. Israel cannot fight forever. Israel has to reconsider its raison d'étre soon. First, a multi-ethnic, multi-religious state with a secular government, and later on, open up the borders to its neighbours. Ethnic and religious states are a recipe of disaster.
In two decades alone, 300 million Arabs and 1.5 billion muslims will be living in Israel's immediate environs.
My advise, take the first step, and we will all meet you half way.
Otherwise, plane tickets on me. TLV-NYC? First Class. One Way. Extra Luggage allowance.
Need help packing??
enriqueta, i started reading but then you completely lost me at your 8000 years argument.. i don't see how that makes sense or hold any historical significance or accuracy.
as for myself, i wouldn't feel the colonialism living in the US would i? the US is not going to make a colony out of itself right? i lived all my life in lebanon and was much happier than being in the US. I had to leave for a while for my phd for the only reason that the phd program was cancelled because we don't get enough funds unless we sign peace with israel and that's the blackmail that fadi was talking about. and once i'm done i'll be running back home.
i don't stereotype, not a word i say is against people, it's against the politics that control them.
you're a good person, i can tell from the way you right that you have a good heart. you must know deep down where your country is going wrong. i'll just leave it at that.
israel was always a welfare state that depended on aids from the US (average 500 $/person each year). this is even said by reps, it's no secret to anyone and it's not an insult, it's the truth.
i'm not intolerant more than many of my jewish friends who believe in what i believe and you'd be surprised to know that very few jewish americans agree with what israel is doing.
thanks for your blessings.
All my friends on the other side,
First, a quick historical glimpse at the history of the region. Near the Nahr Kalb north of Beirut is a wall which marks the following cultures coming in, and going through: Assyrian, Egyptian, Roman, French (Napoleon), British, Independance 1943, Israeli retreat 2000.
We too survived the Pharos, only we were not their slaves, we were their equals. I might add to them the Persians, the Hellenics, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arab Islamic, the Fatimid Islamic, the Suljuc Islmaic, the Turkish Islmic, the French, the Israeli-Syrian Era. That is what I meant we were not going anywhere - hence do not have to return. For some reason, we have been so useful to the cultures, so accepting without loosing the real thing that matters: Love of Life, Love of Prosperity, Love of Building, Love of Freedom. Heart's the same, and another language is just another means of communication.
This country, my country, everyone's country, Lebanon has not lived an eternal bliss though. Invaders always come with anger, and leave - either defeated, or enchnated, or both. We're too cute to be hurt, and though we are a small country, we strike the Goliathes in the world right between the eyes, not enough to kill (we're humane), but hard enough to send the invader packing. We are the swamp, you can come in for a wrap, or come in as a drowning case waiting to happen. Bottom line: forget war, we'll win eventually, not militarily, but let's say that we win because our wounds heal faster, because we smile quicker, and because we return sooner. Half a million displaced lined up the broken highways and bridges of this country at 8 a.m, and lined up the border entrances - awaiting for the ceasefire to go home.
Bottom line 2: We never Leave, we just travel. Hence, we never return, we're always there. {He're some poetry for you Enriquta)
All through this discussion, we did not have to defend our existence. All through this discussion, the friends on the other side have been on the defensive. I think it's time to lay arms for a while and pause - our arms are open. We have nothing to fear.
The reason I broke into this historic-dramtic introduction (smile) is to say: look into the future and forget Khamas, forget Khizbulla, forget Iran, forget the US, and think of your own country for a change, our country: Palestine/Israel Israeltine (thanks Ghadaffi), names don't make a difference. Tomorrow, peace, prosperity does. The Khamases and the Khizbullas did not fall from Mars, they were a a byproduct of a bloody process. However, this region is a sponge, extremism is the fastest fire that burns on itself, and it's only cure is - Moderation. Spray Extremists with some moderation and see what becomes of them. Spray moderates with bombs and walls, with settlements and with "it's your fault" and you end up with more extremists.
Moderation.
My favourite fact: The crusades occupied the region for 170 years. Do you have any idea that the Southerners who are currently engaging into war with Israel are the descendants of the Crusades, hence the coloured eyes, the light coloured hair, the broken "r" in Nasrallah's pronounciation. These are Genes my dears of our previous invaders, used to keep away our future ones.
Last bottom line in this comment: relax, unwind, open up, and moderate. It's never easy at first, but then it cools down.
Who knows, in 100 years, you'll be speaking Arabic, southern Accent in Tel Aviv. We can say the same about Beirut, but you know, we are not offended, Hebrew has not stopped being used in Beirut. We have never been your enemies, but you are turning yourselves into ours.
Give up arms, give up threats. They don't work. Never did, Never will!
Otherwise, you might have to wait another 2000 years before you have the chance to "rest" at your home. It's like crossing the dessert for 40 years, only to lose the true purpose of what: Home, country, peace means.
Peace be on you, and among you - it's your call now.
If you do, a free ticket to NYC on MEA, the best airline in the world. You've never flown an airline unless you flew MEA, you've never
tasted food unless you've eaten in Lebano, you've never had a honeymoon unless you've been to Lebanon. You've never skied, bathed, danced,
loved, dreamed, or had coffee unless you've been in this country. I've been around the world twice.
Don't you even want to know the taste of the other side? Don't you even know how it feels to be a welcome guest? To be at a second home?
Lebanon is the only country a Jew, a secular, a muslim, a christian is home. Difference is only a part of the existence. You are never at home where you are untill you make yourselves at home with your neighbour to the north. After that, who knows, 2000 years of the past are worth nothing when it comes to a future, to seeing Beirut, to Being at peace, to be less of a target.
Aren't you tired of being hunted down? Aren't you tired of being criticized? Aren't you tired of having to defend yourselves all the time - for what?
We're not. though killed, we're not hunted, though criticized, we're never offended, though fighting back, we're not defending ourselves, we're intact, we're secure.
Choose your responses CAREFULLY, try not to use accusations, and avoid using words as "Hizbullah, Hamas, Iran, Syria"
Can you loosen up for just one time and think how it would be if you weren't so engulfed in today that you fail to see tomorrow?
Do it!
You're missing a lot. Try it!
sswolfenseiness- It must be a miracle for someone of your phylum to be able to write three sentences altogether.
Darwin was right, planktons- & slime-like creatures do evolve eventually.
Amazing. Keep trying.
mirvat, all of this american aid covers 1/6 of our security budget. See the thing is to work a lot, invent, develop, sell and pay huge taxes for everything. The only ones we ask for help are jews from the world. You Lebanese people have twice a size of jewish comunity in the world out there. So the secret is to stop expecting other to help you, and start helping yourself.
Andrey,
Perhaps If you spend less on wars, you will pay less taxes and enjoy shorter working weeks. Please do not expect others to solve your
Labour problems. If you fail to, Curacao in the Dutch Antilles offers tax breaks and laid back atmosphere. Got that? errr. there? Better still,
they're an Island, which is a blessing if one has Trinidad and Tobago for neighbours - another Island.
Correction: The Lebanese community - while indeed twice the size of the "Jewish Community" [I'm sorry for the term, I don't believe personall in religious classification of any kind], the Lebanese supporters are 200 million Arabs at least. That's 10 times the 2 times.. and numbers are growing. Oil revenue is going higher, hence their disposable income. If we're just talking Common language ties! They are with us, and more enthusiastic than all of us to HELP. Including Israel's two peaceful neighbours: Jordan who has been great in assistance, and Egypt as well.
After the destruction of Lebanon by the Israeli IDF, We didn't call for help. People are not blind, they watch TV, they offered to HELP.
Saudi pledged 1.5 billion dollars, Kuwait 300 million, etc.. Arabs around the world held Telethons and collected hundred of millions of dollars in Aid. Even Iran, whom I might not necessarily like, will offer 2 billion dollars for construction. I don't mind any extra cash, do you?? Of course I wouldn't use their money to paint Khomeini heads on the Katiosha and Raad Rockets - that is not a pretty thing to paint. (smile)
Still, We appreciated the stand and moral support more than anything else.(as opposed to Immoral support of the USA sending Arms and weapons and depleted uranium to grill civilians while they sleep).
All Bridges will be built by LEBANESE private individuals, from North to South, including the Highways to liberated Shebaaa and Kfarshouba farms (smile),all 150 bridges, and new houses for Samir Kontar, Nasim Nesr and other lebanese abducted persons in Israeli prisons, as we expect them to return soon.
The Airport will be repaired by a private company. All studies to survey the damages will be conducted by Lebanese Consultancy firms for free. Banks are contributing enormously as well. Moreover, People do not cry and wail every time a rocket breaks a whole on an agricultural road.
We are not Beggars my dear - don't go on that road. We don't beg for attention, we don't beg for recognition, we don't beg for compassion, we do not resort to fiction, and certainly we do not abuse all the above either!!
We are Masters of our pride, and the Masters of our dignity. Do you know any of those words?
If you do, then I think you should rephrase: "expecting others to help us." into a more constructive statement.
In spirit of encouraging an Intelligent discussion, let's not exchange meaningless accusations and unsubstantiated insults, there's no shortage of that!
fadi, I was commenting Mirvats "israel was always a welfare state that depended on aids from the US (average 500 $/person each year). this is even said by reps, it's no secret to anyone and it's not an insult, it's the truth.
", and "the only reason that the phd program was cancelled because we don't get enough funds unless we sign peace with israel "
I was NOT talking about reconstruction after the war, and if you thought I was, than I am surprised of your calm answer.
Andrey.
Thank you for the clarification, then perhaps you can drop the "You Lebanese" generalization for avoidance of confusion.
If that were the case, then what Mirvat stated was no secret to anyone and it's not a cause for insult, it's the truth.
Only she chose to go study in the US than to ask for money to study in her homeland. Did you get a donation request?
I'll try to overdramaticize the situation as I see it, this is not anything against you personally, just an image that crossed my mind.
See the thing is to work a lot, invent, develop, sell and pay huge taxes for everything. The facet of the Israeli economy
is the Defense Industry. Taking that into account, I'm certain there is a lot of work, invention, and development required in
making weapons. I'll buy that - tax free. Plenty of invention and hard work: 70,000 tons of bombs dropped in 34 days with a fifty
percent error margin only. Or else, how can you explain that the bombs that were not dropped on bridges, mistook ambulances and high rise
building blocks for missile launchers.
Could you kindly request those concerned to invent, develop, sell, and pay huge taxes on QUIET 20 tonne bombs, and less "jolty". Somewhat I find
the noise created by those bombs... a defect, especially when one has to wake up at 1,2,3,4,5,6 a.m. air raids. It's not comfortable really, as you literrally EJECT from wherever you may be located. You see, Some people have to wake up to do nothing all day (as we don't work hard as you can tell..).
The Industry can sell it to the world as "Humane Euthanasia specifically tested on live victims: Completely Silent". The world would BUY that!
Then someone can use the proceeds from taxes, someone gets a scholarship for a Phd in Peace Studies at Tel Aviv University, and another inventor wins a State Prize for discovering the Silent-Mega Explosion, and a PM will get the Nobel Peace Price for only using it against people he suspected were making Long-range missiles out of Milk Cartons or Peach Orchards. Never mind who gets the Environmental Award, because of reducing Noise pollution.
Do I get the cycle right?
Hard work indeed.
fadi said "You are developing and selling weapons, it's a bloody business" (not real quote, but a summary).
Well, we had to develop this industry, not the way "I was born in a poor neighborhood and had to sell drugs to servive", but "We were surrounded by millions of arabs, who's leader were yelling : "we will drop the jews to the sea", and there were sanctions against selling arms to us".
I don't know the percentage of Israely economy, which is based on weapons industry, but we have lots of good stuff, like new pentium 5 - totaly developed in Israel, wi-fi technology, centerino, flash card technology, firms developing infrastructure for hi-tech electronic plants, image recognition firms, software development - for example ICQ,java.
We also are known for good and big diamond industry. Agriculture - things don't grow in europe the whole year, only during the summer, the rest of the time we sell them fruits, vegetables and flowers. Tourism. 2 more big industries are vine (some day Bashar will have it, it's all on Golans), and women's jewelary.
That's just to clean that diabolic image you painted.
Dear Fadi ,
I would like to post a reaction to your post from Saturday, August 19, 2006 7:28:12 AM
>All my friends on the other side,
-Thanks , I consider all Lebanese people as my potential friends.
>First, a quick historical glimpse at the history of the region. Near the Nahr Kalb north of Beirut is a wall which marks the following cultures coming in, and going through: Assyrian, Egyptian, Roman, French (Napoleon), British, Independance 1943, Israeli retreat 2000.
- A nice idea. Only your list isn't complete . where is for example , Syria 2005 ?
>We too survived the Pharos, only we were not their slaves,
- I think the fact that we were slaves of Phar'o causes us to appreciate our freedom.
> we were their equals. I might add to them the Persians, the Hellenics, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arab Islamic, the Fatimid Islamic, the Suljuc Islmaic, the Turkish Islmic, the French, the Israeli-Syrian Era.
- So here your list is more complete.
>That is what I meant we were not going anywhere - hence do not have to return. For some reason, we have been so useful to the cultures, so accepting without loosing the real thing that matters: Love of Life, Love of Prosperity, Love of Building, Love of Freedom. Heart's the same, and another language is just another means of communication.
-I think , it is the most important sentence in this blog : Love of Life ! So that is the point that unites us and distinguishes us from people who's only dream is to become Shahid . Mr. Nasralla and his masters from Teheran don't love life !
>This country, my country, everyone's country, Lebanon has not lived an eternal bliss though. Invaders always come with anger, and leave - either defeated, or enchnated, or both. We're too cute to be hurt, and though we are a small country, we strike the Goliathes in the world right between the eyes, not enough to kill (we're humane), but hard enough to send the invader packing. We are the swamp, you can come in for a wrap, or come in as a drowning case waiting to happen. Bottom line: forget war, we'll win eventually, not militarily, but let's say that we win because our wounds heal faster, because we smile quicker, and because we return sooner. Half a million displaced lined up the broken highways and bridges of this country at 8 a.m, and lined up the border entrances - awaiting for the ceasefire to go home.
-I like this passage , although I think Lebanon lost at least twice in the last 40 years : 1. Cairo agreement 1969 , 2. October 1990.
>Bottom line 2: We never Leave, we just travel. Hence, we never return, we're always there. {He're some poetry for you Enriquta)
-I think the same applies to Jews : they never loose connection with the Land of Israel.
>All through this discussion, we did not have to defend our existence. All through this discussion, the friends on the other side have been on the defensive. I think it's time to lay arms for a while and pause - our arms are open. We have nothing to fear.
- I only wish that our countries will have ties like we have in that discussion.
>The reason I broke into this historic-dramtic introduction (smile) is to say: look into the future and forget Khamas, forget Khizbulla, forget Iran, forget the US, and think of your own country for a change, our country: Palestine/Israel Israeltine (thanks Ghadaffi), names don't make a difference. Tomorrow, peace, prosperity does. The Khamases and the Khizbullas did not fall from Mars, they were a a byproduct of a bloody process. However, this region is a sponge, extremism is the fastest fire that burns on itself, and it's only cure is - Moderation. Spray Extremists with some moderation and see what becomes of them. Spray moderates with bombs and walls, with settlements and with "it's your fault" and you end up with more extremists.
Moderation.
-I agree with any of your word. Like Communism , the radical Islam will fall. But for now it is very strong and we have to challenge it.
>My favourite fact: The crusades occupied the region for 170 years. Do you have any idea that the Southerners who are currently engaging into war with Israel are the descendants of the Crusades, hence the coloured eyes, the light coloured hair, the broken "r" in Nasrallah's pronounciation. These are Genes my dears of our previous invaders, used to keep away our future ones.
- Quite an interesting info. Does it apply only to Southerners ?
>Last bottom line in this comment: relax, unwind, open up, and moderate. It's never easy at first, but then it cools down.
-But the so-called "spiritual leaders" of our enemies don't want their people to become modern ! They prefer to keep them ignorant , and thus to feed them with crazy ideas of Jihad , Shuhada and 72 virgins !
>Who knows, in 100 years, you'll be speaking Arabic, southern Accent in Tel Aviv. We can say the same about Beirut, but you know, we are not offended, Hebrew has not stopped being used in Beirut. We have never been your enemies, but you are turning yourselves into ours.
- You know , it's interesting . I think now about Irishmen who use English , but hate England. Also most of Chechens use Russian as their speaking language .
>Give up arms, give up threats. They don't work. Never did, Never will!
-Somebody mentioned in this blog Switzerland , that has a strong army.
>Otherwise, you might have to wait another 2000 years before you have the chance to "rest" at your home. It's like crossing the dessert for 40 years, only to lose the true purpose of what: Home, country, peace means.
- You know , maybe all the wars we have to manage since 1948 – somehow it is another version of crossing the desert …
>Peace be on you, and among you - it's your call now.
- And I wish peace to Lebanon and all its 18 communities.
>If you do, a free ticket to NYC on MEA, the best airline in the world. You've never flown an airline unless you flew MEA, you've never
tasted food unless you've eaten in Lebano, you've never had a honeymoon unless you've been to Lebanon. You've never skied, bathed, danced,
loved, dreamed, or had coffee unless you've been in this country. I've been around the world twice.
- There will be people saying the same about Israel and El Al. But it will be nice to take express train from Jerusalem to Beirut , fly MEA somewhere and to stop on the way back for skiing at Chouf.
Don't you even want to know the taste of the other side? Don't you even know how it feels to be a welcome guest? To be at a second home?
>Lebanon is the only country a Jew, a secular, a muslim, a christian is home. Difference is only a part of the existence. You are never at home where you are untill you make yourselves at home with your neighbour to the north. After that, who knows, 2000 years of the past are worth nothing when it comes to a future, to seeing Beirut, to Being at peace, to be less of a target.
- You know , very few heard of the peace agreement of 1983.
>Aren't you tired of being hunted down? Aren't you tired of being criticized? Aren't you tired of having to defend yourselves all the time - for what?
- We have no other choice , than to defend ourselves. For what ? There are a lot of answers. I would prefer to answer in a "jewish" manner : to answer with another question : " Did Charles Martell ever know the real value of his victory at Poitiers ?"
>We're not. though killed, we're not hunted, though criticized, we're never offended, though fighting back, we're not defending ourselves, we're intact, we're secure.
- A lot of jews will say that ,despite all the troubles , Israel is the safest place at the earth.
>Choose your responses CAREFULLY, try not to use accusations, and avoid using words as "Hizbullah, Hamas, Iran, Syria"
Can you loosen up for just one time and think how it would be if you weren't so engulfed in today that you fail to see tomorrow?
Do it!
You're missing a lot. Try it!
-There are a lot of dreams about the "New Middle East". My wish is that our politicians will try to see the tomorrow. The era of prophets has gone away. Who could predict in 1985 that USSR will collapse in just 6 years ? Who would predict in 1945 EU ? Let's see what will happen and do our best for the future.
With the best wishes.
Emil.jakubowicz@gmail.com
http://emil-jakubowicz.blogspot.com
Jerusalem , Israel
Post a Comment
<< Home