Israel and Lebanon

[KCwife]

So. Think this will continue to escalate further? Israel has declared a state of war. Kofi Anann is saying that Lebanon did wrong by going into Israel. Syria denies involvement but says that it is Israel’s fault. Think we will be going?

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/07/12/D8IQPH280.html

[DCJenn]

Will we go? Nope, we don't have the people to go.

I don't see anything good happening and it's so sad because really both sides have come a long way. (well, there's way more than just two sides.)

It's just sad.

Jenn

(Same thing with India and Pakistan. Hopefully everyone will hold on until more facts are known)

[Vishenka69]

I check the news every day. We already have tickets to go in September for DH's cousin's wedding. I'm really reluctant to book anything else at this point. Wondering if I should start negotiating with the airline to work some sort of deal.

As for Israel's bombing Lebanon, it's about time they stopped talking and giving stuff away and showed some force. Hamas doesn't understand anything else.

[PrincessFiona]

I guess I'd better turn on the news...holy cow am I out of touch with what's going on.

Kris

[KCwife]

As for Israel's bombing Lebanon, it's about time they stopped talking and giving stuff away and showed some force. Hamas doesn't understand anything else.

I agree. I just "hope" that this settles down...and that other countries don't jump in too quickly.

Vishenka surely the airline will let someone out of a ticket if a country declares war. (not sure if they have officially or just a state or act of war.)

[KCwife]

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060713/D8IR3CI80.html

Doesn't look like much is going to settle.

[Vishenka69]

We're flying Malev (Hungarian airline), so I'm not sure what their rules are. I'd be happy if they just let us skip Israel connect and stay in Europe for 2 weeks. I think it's too early to talk to them about it though.

DH's cousin just replied to my email saying the bullets are already flying up north (by Golan Heights).

I'm with Kris. I need to check the news! Holy Cow.

Vishenka -- it's so interesting to have someone with an actual 'foot in the action' so to say. Fluffhead has been to Israel many times (I think), so I always enjoy getting his opinion on the topic, too. It just seems that the opinion is based so much more in the reality of it.

If there are any Lebanese or Iranian posters out there -- I'd love to hear what you have to say as well. There are ALWAYS two sides to every story.

[fluffhead]

I think you all know my feelings about this stuff...there's not much to "debate" imo.

[Sheherezade]

One of DH's good friends from training is Lebanese. It's so sad. He's always been so happy that his country has been at peace. He grew up during the "bad" Lebanon years. He told us once that his family used to say goodbye every morning because they weren't sure if they'd see each other again - ever. Things were that bad in Beirut during his childhood. I wonder how he feels now - with this happening just as he has finished training and returned to the country. I can't imagine. Once again, I am astounded by how blessed I am and humbled by what other nations endure.

(I certainly don't sympathize with Hezbollah -- just with the uninvolved people that always get caught in the middle of these conflicts.)

[PrincessFiona]

Well, apparently Europe is condeming Israel's actions as a "disproportionate act of war".

Hey..thank gawd we brought peace and democracy to the middle east <tongue in cheek>

kris

[PrincessFiona]

I guess that was a debate stopper...but having caught up a little bit with the news now, I'm floored about everything going on. I think we're basically approaching WWIII...it's quite scarey.

I also feel that Israel's use of force was excessive in this case. Hezbollah does not = all of Lebanon and their attacks have targeted the North of Lebanon and many civilians have been hit.

[Sheherezade]

I have the whole WWIII thing in my head too. We are approaching a point of no return in that corner of the world. Soon, there will be no talking the tensions down possible.

It is so depressing, because it seemed like slow progress was being made 10 years ago. Now, this.

I'm concerned about Iran's connections to Hezbollah and the arguments about Iran's nuclear program. Syria could jump in....and Iran.....and Iraq is right there with all our troops. WWIII? Possible.

[Vishenka69]

I agree with Fluff and Tara. Nothing has ever been resolved, things just quiet down for a bit, sometimes the bit lasts longer sometimes not. The Israelis are used to this though. I still find it shocking that even though many have left the North to stay with family/friends further South, they still go on with their lives as much as possible and don't make a big deal of it. We're definitely freaking out a lot more over here than they are over there.