artichokess

this is where we differ (but i think you got that)...i think that "taking care of" an immediate threat doesn't always take care of it, it makes it worse.

in any case, we say x, y, z needs to be taken care of, then we can stop bombing you. hamas says x,y,z needs to be taken care of, then we can stop bombing you. i just don't see how this will ever stop.

i question whether reacting to an immediate threat is the right choice when your reaction to that threat will result in a greater threat towards you in the future. we can't just think of those being threatened now; we have to think of those being threatened in the future by what will grow as a result of our actions. that is the selfish side of things - the unselfish side is obviously the terror that has been brought upon azza.

i don't see the long term implications of this operation as being in israel's favor. we have only given more reason for sorrow, hate, and revenge, just like every operation before that. we have raised another generation to hate us even more. by not focusing on a political solution through diplomatic means, we are adding to hamas' (or whoever will take their place) ideological power and its threat to us. we might be saving a few israeli citizens in the immediate, but we are exasperating the situation and moving in a direction opposite of peace, which would bring real security. if we know that peace is the ultimate security, then why not focus all of are efforts on that instead of dealing with what is basically a symptom, a distraction from the real problem.

hey there. i'm an america to israel immigrant (without israeli parents) that served in a combat unit after immigrating 7 years ago, but today would refuse reserve duty. i've been reading a bit here, and i'm really glad that they chose someone thoughtful like you instead of a hasbara robot. it was enjoyable to read your often unexpected answers and imagine those who see israelis as a specific type confused and squirming in their seats. we have a lot in common in terms of our political views, but we come to different conclusions. ok...an actual question is coming, i promise.

you are taking part in violent action against a cause you somewhat believe in, and this baffles some of the people here. you seem to justify this position by stating that immediate defense is your main priority, even if the events and situations leading up to the war are the results of policies of your country you don't agree with. my question is, what do you think are the long term effects of this war? do you think that the "immediate defense" that marks israel's policies is working well for it so far? how do you think the palestinians are going to react to it when the dust settles? do you think that they will put israelis in a position where there will be more to defend them from or less?

maybe some of my questions aren't 100% pure. :). maybe we could talk sometime, at least partially because i want to understand you better