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"Were you in Israel in 1991, living with your gasmask at your side every minute, in mortal fear of SCUD missiles fired on the command of Saddam?"

I wasn't just living in Israel with my gasmask by my side, I was living in Ramat Gan where most of the Scuds fell. One landed about 100 meters away from my home, destroying a neighbors' house. Luckily for them, they were not home.

And yes, I have and continue to serve in the IDF. I know something about combat duty. I also know something about knowing your enemy.

I have no love for Saddam. Yes, he was evil. Yes, he deserved a trial and punishment. I simply object to "how" the US threw him to the Shiites. One would not exactly define that as an "objective" and "international" court!

I object to the timing of his execution. It's not my personal opinion regarding the "timing." I interviewed several Palestinians in Israel today. Yes - they were pissed off. Not so much at his execution, but rather that he was executed on a holiday which is holy to the Muslims.

THAT is called blind arrogance.
THAT alienates those moderate muslims who we wish to make peace with.
THAT helps to produces suicide bombers who walk into coffee shops, buses and shopping centers in Israel. It's easy to be an arm chair general from the States. Israeli civilians are on the front line with Katushas from the North and Qassams falling from the South on a daily basis.

Lastly, the White House knew and cooperated with Saddam after his crimes of 1982. But it was critical for the White House to find a bad boy after 9/11. Saddam took the fall.

I have only one question. Where is bin-Laden? Why are we not focused on bringing him to justice?

ps - The Palestinians I spoke with today who were pissed off were Shiites - the ones who opposed Saddam in Iraq. We gave the Iranians a gift today. We also united some Sunni and Shiite muslims for executing a muslim on one of their holiest days. How many civilians died today in Iraq as a result of a show trial / hanging? But then again they are only numbers, right? How many US and British troops died today? How many Westerners were taken hostage?

This ain't the way you win a war! Someone needs to read Dale Carnegie and make friends while holding a very big stick. For now I only see a big stick waving blindly. US troops, Iraqi and Israeli civilians need not to pay a high price for images of Saddam hanging. It could have been and should have been handled in a different manner. Remember Yaser Arafat? Israel did not need a noose and a horse and pony show.

Many of you may have seen combat. You know what I am talking about. I am no bleeding liberal. Rather I am a soldier who will not be sacrificed for PR hanging show which served no purpose. Only negative results. Either be smart and win the war in Iraq or get out! There is no middle ground. And this is not Vietnam where the Chinese are drawing lines ;>

I again thank FreeRepublic for placing "Loose lips sink ships." under the comments we make. The enemy is in this room. And his name is not Saddam. Don't get "passionate" with your responses :>
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