I cannot help but be happy by the return of Hamas-held Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit back home to Israel. For five years, the barbarians of Hamas, who kidnapped him, held this young soldier in contravention of all international norms and refused Red Cross access to him. Israel is exchanging over 1,000 terrorists and murderers for his release. Do I have mixed feelings? Yes. Many in Israel say it's not a fair exchange. There are valid arguments on both sides.
One young soldier in exchange for over a thousand terrorists (we are not talking about simple rock-throwers here) is never fair. After the fighting with Hizbollah in Lebanon a few years back, Israel did a similar deal and got back two mutilated and tortured dead bodies. Fortunately, this time, they got their man back alive. Those who argue that these deals only encourage more kidnappings are absolutely correct. It is also correct to point out that most if not all of these prisoners will go right back to what they were doing and that more Israeli lives will be lost.
Yet, kidnappings will continue anyway because that is what Hamas and Hizbollah do. Killings will continue because that is what Hamas and Hizbollah do.
Yet, there is one thing we should not forget. Any thoughtful person will see clearly that Israel has a higher regard for human life than do her enemies. This illustrates it for all to see. Call it unfair; call it naive; call it foolish; call it whatever you want. Israel today stands on higher moral ground than Hamas. Unfortunately, much of the world needs to be reminded of that.
You nailed it, Gary. If anyone ever suggests some moral equivalence here you know they either brainwashed, uninformed, or stupid.
ReplyDeleteMy friend is Israel writes me that it a horrible deal. No doubt, knowing the nature of Israel's enemies, there will be more cowardly attacks on civilians and more kidnappings. Yet when everybody is under attack, it is important for morale to know that everything will done to save you. The US Marines have that same confidence.
Will this trade, with Israel's high value on life or the despicable nature of the Arabs, register with the world? Not likely. Cognitive dissonance is a bitch.
There is some analysis in the press that, after refusing such deals for years, Netanyahu timed this deal to embarrass the Palestinian Authority, by giving Hamas a boost. Netanyahu needs a demon like Hamas, just as Hamas needs a demon like Netanyahu. It is like the Onion headline in 2001, over photos of George W. Bush and Osama bin Laden: "Privileged Children of Millionaires Square Off on the World Stage."
ReplyDeletePalestinians deserve better than Hamas. Israel deserves better than Netanyahyu. Where are the leaders who are ready to get the whole matter settled, and put the terrorists out of business?
Only 447 were released today. There is a move in Israel to keep the rest (550) in prison.
ReplyDeleteThis incident also has given the Israelis the resolve to instate a Death Penalty for acts of terror. There will be no more exchanges of live prisoners for Israeli soldiers.
Miggie,
ReplyDeleteThose of us who support Israel have formed an emotional attachment to the case of Gilad. We rejoice that he is free. Logically, the deal is hard to defend for obvious reasons. Your friend in Israel is right in his resentment. One would hope that the world will recognize the humanity involved in Israel's decision, whether it was right or wrong.
Siarlys,
ReplyDeleteActually, I think a better analogy is when the Cubs blew the pennant in 2003.
Keep in mind that an English paragraph should contain only one main idea. Anything else is...
IRRELEVANT!!!
Yes... and???
ReplyDelete"The first half of an analogy is always easier than the second half, in which respect it resembles life, but not, of course, love."
ReplyDelete--1339 or So, Being An Apology for a Pedlar
Make an effort Gary. Get on with the second half, even if it hurts.