Calling for Backup

Ok, so the Camel may have the hump, but the boys in black and white aren't done yet.

Point 1) the argument about ground troops earlier or later is not as straight forward as it sounds. We all know, our soldiers did well and did kill a fair number of the Hizbollah, but we also know that our ground troops had a very tough time against Hizbullah in their bunkers. Going in earlier could well have led to more deaths with the same deadlock. Bint Jbail was a disaster, what's to say other towns wouldn't have been the same or worse?

The Camel is right to say the war had to be fought on the ground, but he forgets that we just weren't ready or prepared for such a situation. Those Jihadist bastards fired anti tank shells at our boys at close range. That's how most of them died. That is a symptom of an army out of practise and poor planning, and that Olmert was too fresh in the job to have done much about. I'm not saying he's blameless, I just think everyone is getting carried away with calls for his head. The problem is far more complex and serious than just one politician alone.

There is no argument between the Camel and myself on Peretz apart from a far more punctillious understanding of Labor party affairs. That party is a complete embarassment and a disgrace to itself and the country. The party's founders would be turning in their graves to see the selfish egotism that now rides roughshod over all of its core values. Peretz was the hopeless leader for the impossible party.

I also restate to the hallowed humped one, that this political mess should not be scapegoated on Olmert - it is a reflection of our inner turmoil as a State. Something profound has to change to earn us back our success. Maybe, it's caught up with our actions towards one another... Maybe sadly it can only be remedied by the threat of another war? G-d forbid but maybe that's it.

Following on from that point, isn't it time we move on from the war and dig our heads out of the sand again. We still have Iran on our doorstep, who once again this week threatened Israel and Tel Aviv with thousands of long range rockets. Now is the time, for refocusing and uniting. This infighting is taking all of the anger and energy within the people and turning it inwards on ourselves.

I do agree that a fresh start would be great, new PM, new page, new start... great. Israel can't stomach defeat, this I know,but Mr. Camel beware of the precedent it sets. If Israel will find it increasingly harder to win wars in the future, will he have to demand the PM leaves office every summer from here on in? If so the country will be in turmoil, but the store owners at Rabin Sq. will be singing all the way to the bank.

PP