Thread: The National Defense Authorization Act

Wait, so repeling what lebanon would consider an enemy invasion into its land not count as a victory for the lebanese people? How is that not them losing. Let's say japan decides they want to invade america, and america prevents them from doing so, you wouldn't consider that a victory for the american people?

Also when I said 2000 I wasn't referring to the Intifada, I was referring to the ousting of the occupation of Israel from Lebnon.

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Since the Yom Kippur War, Israel's conflicts have been confined to fighting terrorist groups such as the PLO, Hezbollah, and Hamas. They have not attempted to conquer their neighbors, but only to suppress what they see as threats to the State of Israel. In that regard they were successful, at least in the short term. Victory is often defined differently depending on what side of the conflict you are on, and so I do see your side on this. In recent decades, it is not unusual for both sides to claim victory. War is much more complicated than it was 60 years ago. Nations don't even bother to actually "declare war" against each other and no one seems to agree on who is a "soldier" or a "terrorist" any more.

Originally Posted by OldFart

Since the Yom Kippur War, Israel's conflicts have been confined to fighting terrorist groups such as the PLO, Hezbollah, and Hamas. They have not attempted to conquer their neighbors, but only to suppress what they see as threats to the State of Israel. In that regard they were successful, at least in the short term. Victory is often defined differently depending on what side of the conflict you are on, and so I do see your side on this. In recent decades, it is not unusual for both sides to claim victory. War is much more complicated than it was 60 years ago. Nations don't even bother to actually "declare war" against each other and no one seems to agree on who is a "soldier" or a "terrorist" any more.

I agree with almost everything you have to say, except the first two sentences.

So occupying a country or an area isn't an attempt at conquering? And if their sole reason was to suppress terrorist groups, why did the whole nation have to suffer? Why did every person living in that country have to suffer? My parents fled Lebanon because of that war, because there were airstrikes going on everyday. Of course moving here may have been hard for them, but it's provided me with opportunities I may never had over there, it still doesn't justify it though you know?

Hezbollah was never considered a terrorist organization until either 2000 or 2001, I may be wrong but I am pretty sure. And also, Israel's occupation of Lebanon began before Hezbollah was even formed.

Originally Posted by matt5112

How about SOPA?

Stop American Censorship

Soup in spanish.

I suppose that Israel's purpose for occupation can been seen both ways. Israel saw it as protecting their citizens and Lebanon rightly saw it as an act of aggression toward it' people. Both are right to varying degrees. I feel for you and your family. I follow events in that part of the world as closely as I can and I have some small idea of what they must have faced.

The middle east is a very complicated place. Plenty of opinions on three sides of every issue. I have no desire to agrue with you, in fact I respect and appreciate your opinion. Trying to understand that part of the world is an endeavour that I know full well I'll never achieve, but I enjoy the pursuit.

You are right about Hezbollah, although I can't say exactly when they began to be referred to as a terrorist organization and by whom. On man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist.

Peace

I had no desire to argue as well, think of it as an exchange on opinion from two sides.

Thanks for keeping this mature and intelligent, I really appreciate it.

I went to college with a guy from Lebanon. He had moved here with his family in the early 90s. One thing that he opened my eyes to about Lebanon is the incredible natural beauty and rich history. Before the civil war, it was know as the "Switzerland of the East". Unfortunatley, these days,all that we in the west seem to hear about is the politics and conflicts. Lebanon has it's problems but in many ways it is an example to be followed in the region.

Lebanon is actually a prosperous nation and has an excellent human rights record and is truly a melting pot of cultures and religions. I'm sure many here would be surprised to learn that is once again become a very popular tourist destination. I know that you know all of this RK, just thought I'd throw it out there for anyone who stumbles across this thread. Reasearch Lebanon - you will be surprised at what you learn.

Here we go guys, it's happening. (soon)
U.S. military moves carriers, denies Iran link - Yahoo! News

To secure peace is to prepare for war. We will always be somewhere doing something. As far as everyone being concerned about the bills and laws being passed.... Remember if the government wants to do something they can and will BUT why (if they are sooo cloak and dagger) would they even waste their time writing such laws and bills???