Treppenwitz Again

This time he's doing an analysis of modest length concerning lessons learned during the recent unpleasantness. He covers most of the tactical elements fairly well, in particular the Israeli over reliance on armor as the weapon of choice. The Kornet has eliminated about 60% of the utility of using tanks and 100% of the utility of APCs. Mobile fortresses have been turned into convenient kill boxes.

Strategically, his assertion that

"Likewise, no mugger in the history of larceny has ever been convinced to accept only your watch and half the money in your wallet. Terrorist organizations are muggers writ large, and negotiating with the likes of Hamas, Hezbollah, AL Aksa, Al Qaeda, Islamic Jihad, et al simply gives them proof that you are a willing victim and are prepared to hand over far more loot than you already have."

is absolutely correct, as is

Once diplomacy fails, keep the diplomats the hell out of the way. This war proves more than any previous conflict that no foreign diplomat has ever had Israel's best interest at heart. Diplomats can speak for and to civilians, but have no role whatsoever once hostilities begin... except to relay someone's interest in accepting terms of surrender. Israel made a huge blunder by not making our last diplomatic communication an order for all civilians in Southern Lebanon (below the Litani river) to evacuate within 48 hours. The human shield argument doesn't hold water here. These people watched for six long years as Hezbollah build bunkers under their houses and apartment buildings and placed rocket launchers in their back yards. They can't suddenly claim to be hostages. The time to protest to the U.N. or flee was then... not after the start of hostilities. Once the 48 hours was over Israel should have used Fuel-Air explosives to incinerate and asphyxiate every living organism remaining on or under the battlefield. Yes, these weapons are against the Geneva Convention (except to detonate mine fields), but Hezbollah is not a regular army, does not abide by any existing conventions... and is therefore not entitled to their protection.

To that I would add that a public examination and debate as to whether mosques and imams (and or mullahs) are legitimate targets of war should be undertaken. The concept of sanctuary is meaningless when there is an arms depot under a floor and orders are being issued from the pulpit. The muslims have chosen to practice warfare in a manner which dictates that their choices be honored. They have made mosques command and control centers and we should respect their decision - it's the right multicultural choice.

Olmert & c. have performed a necessary service for Israel. Their blundering incompetence has stripped away some of the delusional aspects of the Israeli political divisions and revealed areas of weakness which must be reinforced if Israel is to survive. The 'land for peace' rubbish has been given a deserved setback and perhaps the notion will be discarded entirely. The Palis don't deserve what they have today, let alone anything further.

The Lebanese have also been given some lessons to study. They may be dancing with glee in the rubble today but I haven't heard of an offer from Iran (let alone Syria) to make them whole. The promise may come but the ability to deliver anything but Russian made munitions may be lacking. The current episode is just a prelude and the main show will not end until Iran is on its knees.