[cardcrimson]

1697424755[/url]']
Judging by our comments, I think emotions are still raw.  There isn't an obviously correct solution here.  But I think the first step toward any correct solution will have to be to address the humanitarian needs of everyone in the region.  And I wish I knew what is real news and what is fake news coming out of the region.  People are willing to hyperescalate based on emotional reactions to explosive or shocking claims, and I don't think it's possible to make sound decisions when people are being triggered by news of questionable veracity.

I appreciate this comment. Modesty is the best policy when it comes to the public commenting on foreign affairs, especially when clouded by the fog of war. I am hopeful, however, that Biden, Blinken, Sullivan, Netanyahu, etc., are making decisions based on actual facts. Also, I note that there is no report yet of a ground invasion. I’m dubious that waiting this long would be the optimal military strategy. My inference is that Israel actually is trying to mitigate risk to civilian lives. 

In the bigger picture, I feel something needs to be said. Judaism is a peaceful religion. We say a prayer for peace every time we read from the Torah, which is weekly for me, more frequently for many others. Every time we bless our children, we ask for God to give them peace. Jews do not relish this war. We are terrified of it. I know that Islam is a peaceful religion as well. Many Palestinians want the same thing that Jews want. 

As is obvious from the events of the last 8-9 days, this is a war of Hamas’ choosing. Israel wants to destroy Hamas, not the Palestinian people.

Thanks for posting. .. .

[cardcrimson]

1697424755[/url]']
Judging by our comments, I think emotions are still raw.  There isn't an obviously correct solution here.  But I think the first step toward any correct solution will have to be to address the humanitarian needs of everyone in the region.  And I wish I knew what is real news and what is fake news coming out of the region.  People are willing to hyperescalate based on emotional reactions to explosive or shocking claims, and I don't think it's possible to make sound decisions when people are being triggered by news of questionable veracity.

I appreciate this comment. Modesty is the best policy when it comes to the public commenting on foreign affairs, especially when clouded by the fog of war. I am hopeful, however, that Biden, Blinken, Sullivan, Netanyahu, etc., are making decisions based on actual facts. Also, I note that there is no report yet of a ground invasion. I’m dubious that waiting this long would be the optimal military strategy. My inference is that Israel actually is trying to mitigate risk to civilian lives. 

In the bigger picture, I feel something needs to be said. Judaism is a peaceful religion. We say a prayer for peace every time we read from the Torah, which is weekly for me, more frequently for many others. Every time we bless our children, we ask for God to give them peace. Jews do not relish this war. We are terrified of it. I know that Islam is a peaceful religion as well. Many Palestinians want the same thing that Jews want. 

As is obvious from the events of the last 8-9 days, this is a war of Hamas’ choosing. Israel wants to destroy Hamas, not the Palestinian people.

Thanks for posting. .. .