[ConsistentLibertarian]

I wonder how an oil embargo would effect the fall elections ...

[Diogenesis]

".... despite Iran's plea for a de-escalation... "

Iran directly and indirectly created this new war through its client/servant Hezbollah.

[not-alone]

The media is not covering this very much. Yesterday most cut this out of Powell's comments, even though it was a main part of his statement after the bombing. Thanks for post

[foreverfree]

bump

[American in Israel]

Would America take 14 days of cross border rocketry and mortars (over a thousand this week alone) without declaring war?! The Jews have got to be the most restrained people in the world.

[wretchard]

Even if you cut through the spin and disinformation, this much seems clear: events have taken on a life of their own. The Israeli-Palestinian war is like a tributary running to join a mighty and grim river. Ordinary people like to think that Presidents and Kings and such "know" what is going to happen. That there is a plan.

I don't think anyone knows what is going to happen next. Deep forces have been released, and politicians are struggling for control. The situation is now officially out of control.

We may be past the time when anyone can stop the train wreck from happening, much like August 2, 1914. "The lights are going out ... we shall not see them lit again in our lifetimes."

[Feckless]

"could lead to devastating consequences for the entire region."

The entire region being those Arab countries left smoking ruins glowing in the dark. I don't see a problem with that.

[Sawdring]

Bump!

[verity]

. "There is a perilous possibility that Israeli will attack Syria,"

:<)

[a_witness]

The New York Times, a leading U.S. national newspaper, said the threat of an expanded war loomed dark over the Middle East as a result of the 14-day border hostilities. "There is a perilous possibility that Israeli will attack Syria," the newspaper said. It also said an Israeli cabinet minister, which the paper did not name, has warned that "Israel is serious about hitting Syrian targets, which means the theater of the conflict will be vastly expanded." Ariel Sharon, in turn, warned both Syria and Lebanon of "the cruelty of the Israeli response" if Hizbullah continues to attack Israel's northern border. He said he has asked U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney to convey this warning to President Bashar Assad.

I would suggest everyone take this warning very seriously.

[Stavka2]

But, but, where are the UN forces who aer supposed to be stopping this and for that are getting paid with Western monies? Time for those Indians to earn their keep. Oh, that's right, the same place they were in the Sinai in '67 and '73.

Russia and America both should resign from the UN club and form a northern alliance....break away members of the EU welcome.

[Quix]

GUESS I READ ISRAEL A BIT LIKE I READ CHINA.

I don't recall either one of them publically threatening without 110% intention to follow through to the letter--and more than plenty follow-through to do exactly that.

This is one of the more sobering prophetic bits of news I've read in this whole period of conflict.

I stll suspect it will die down and not turn into WWIII but I am most definitely NOT sure about that. In any case, buckled seatbelts are fully in order.

[Don Myers]

It sounds as though Israel has decided to majorally kick some rear ends, and the US has either given them the green light or just decided there wasn't anything they could do to stop Israel. It is about time, Israel.

[monkeyshine]

Could be the excuse the USA needs to enter the war on Iraq and Iran. Not that we need one, we are obviously the 800 pound gorilla, but we'll need some sort of excuse. War against Syria will change the focus from the Palestinian issue, and really throw a wrench into the mechanations and machinations in Europe.