James Joyner reacts to a “large and well-organized attack” by Palestinian insurgents at a crossing point in the Gaza Strip . A 300 lb bomb was complimented by attacks with mortars and automatic weapons by militants, leaving several Israelis dead.
Clearly, the attempt to bring democracy to Israel is doomed to fail. The insurgency is growing stronger, despite almost sixty years of fighting by the U.S.-backed government and the expenditure of billions of dollars. How many more must die before we call this operation off?
Several things are clear:The arrogant refusal of the Israelis to get more international support is a key reason they are now losing. The Israelis did a poor job of planning for this operation and have failed to react quickly enough to events on the ground. The Israeli Army is too small. More troops have been desperately needed for half a century now, yet the administration has failed to provide for them. The failure of Israeli leaders to provide adequate armor for its people is outrageous. A draft is imminent if this operation is not called off. Sharon is a chimp. Rumsfeld must go.
About right.