The complete idiot’s guide to Mideast peace – part 205

‘US issues unusually firm condemnation of shelling of UN school in Gaza’

‘US did not specifically accuse Israel of the shelling of girls’ school where 3,300 civilians were taking shelter, killing 15’

This incident, more than any other of late, has polarised world opinion into thinking that Israel no longer possesses the same standard of moral rectitude previously associated with its use of state-of-the-art weaponry.

It is either that or, worse still, a lack of professionalism and supervision is becoming evident and contributing to too many battlefield errors in Israel’s prosecution of this present campaign.

If Israel is to remain a viable Western democracy set down among a patchwork of Middle Eastern states, then its actions will need to be exceptional rather than predictable. Right now, there is little to distinguish it from any nation seeking to defend itself in time of war. Too much reliance on technological superiority and military muscle does tend to have its limitations and these are becoming more noticeable as the contest continues. Israel needs to employ a more persuasive method in getting to where it wants to be. And, by allowing the rest of the world to support it in that endeavour, this will certainly do it no harm at all.

www.laxiankey.com – ‘ for those of us with better things to do.’

And, for a people who have had to make plenty of difficult choices throughout history, making one more should present not too much of problem. Especially if, after 66 long and weary years of almost continual conflict, everyone else should be more than willing to go along with it.