Red Dawn of War

Growing up I could (and still can) watch Red Dawn over and over again. For any of you who are either too young to remember the Cold War or for some reason unbeknownst to G-d haven’t seen the greatest movie ever made, it’s about the fight of a bunch of high school kids against the invading forces of Soviet-Latin American soldiers in the U.S - WWIII. As a little kid, pre-Red Dawn, I remember playing in the playground, seeing the white line of a passenger jet and running with the other kids in mock preparation for the Russian invasion. Growing up in the Cold War offered a sense of right and wrong, good and evil. The kids in Red Dawn were fighting evil, defending their homes and families. Yes, they were guerillas, but that’s not important. It’s the message.

So of course my world of right and wrong disappeared one day back in August, 1991. Then there was only right, and subsequently only self. But then I found myself in Israel – and I rediscovered what is worth fighting for and where I belong. This last war was especially difficult to watch, having friends fighting while you sit at home because you haven’t been called up. It is now even more difficult when, the day after the cease-fire takes effect and Hezbollah says it will not disarm and we don’t do anything about it, our Minister of Defense talks about talking with Palestinians, it is revealed that the Chief of Staff was at the bank selling stocks 3 hours after two soldiers were kidnapped on the day fighting broke out up north, another minister is indicted and yet another is under investigation. All the while, over 100 boys (and one girl) in uniform have fallen. Our goals were not achieved. Syria and Iran openly warn Israel not to try anything, or face more hostilities.

This war did not turn out well for us. It has hurt our deterrent power. We have seen disorganization and failure of leadership on the military and political levels. More than anything some Israelis are having trouble in continuing to believe. Don’t get me wrong. I do. But you hear things.

Which brings me back to Red Dawn. There was no political echelon in Red Dawn directing the movements of the American freedom fighters. There was a will that would not die. There was knowing what had to be done and doing it. There was purpose. This we have in Israel, and no matter what the situation of our political establishment or military or anything else, this we will always have. For now, we should be getting for the next round. It’s coming. Soon.

Wolverines!

Photo Source: http://victoryatseaonline.com/war/reddawn.html

Possible Fox Kidnapping in Gaza

Haaretz online is reporting that witnesses have said two Fox journalists in Gaza have been kidnapped.

Remeber that Islamist War I've Been Warning Everyone About?

Lebanon, Afghanistan, Israel, Chechnya, Philippines, Indonesia, Somalia, Iraq, US......

From SomaliaNet:

Ethiopian troops to fight Islamists in Somalia Beledwein town
Mon. August 14, 2006 10:15 am.
Mohamed Abdi Farah

(SomaliNet) Large number of Ethiopian troops were reported to have occupied on Monday settlements of Hiran region in west of Somalia bordering with Ethiopia to help the defeated warlords back the country. Confirmed reports say.

Around 30 battle wagons and heavily armed troops from Ethiopia came this morning in Kala-Beyrka and Jawil districts near Beledwiene town, 335 km west of the Somalia capital Mogadishu, local witness told Somalinet.

Reports say the Ethiopian troops were accompanied by militia loyal to former ousted leaders in the region who want t recapture Beledweine town.

“We are in state of shock because of the Ethiopian occupation in our land,” one of the residents said.

The fear is mounting among the residents over the deployment of Ethiopian troops there and it is much likely to clash with militia of Islamic Courts.

“We have ordered our fighters to get all alert to fight Ethiopian troops if they try to enter the town,” One of Islamic commanders said “we will defeat the Ethiopians and its puppets and make them regret Insha-Allah,”

Sources close to former defeated Beledwein governor say the Ethiopian troops are determined to reach Beledwein town and capture it and will hand over to pervious authority.

It is the largest movements by Ethiopian troops this time to be closer to Beledwein town, with residents worry that they will be caught by gunfire.

Local elders and intellectuals appealed both rival sides in the region to refrain from any action that might lead more bloodshed and disaster and solve any conflict through peaceful means.