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Champion
 
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The trouble is the cost probably isn't too high for the Israely Government unless another country intervenes. Is this discounting the behind the scenes sponsorship of the iranian and syrian governments?
____________________________________ As the old robot saying goes "does not compute"
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Champion
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You may be interested to know that Hizbullah recieves an annual $1,000,000 stipend from the Iranian government. Not entirely sure of the source for that - was printed in the Guardian today, so it's probably repuatable. They also report that both Hizbullah and Hamas have openly visble offices in Tehran, and have had for a number of years.
Ias
Maelstrom: Then: Regimental Sergeant Major Mdjai, Havocstan Army
Now: "?"
DUTT: Then: Commander J.W. Cranstan, Durholme City Guard
Now: Justice
RL: Ias
I was going to run for parliament, because I want to make the world a better place, but I ran into some old friends and went out for a beer instead.
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Devil's Advocate
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Flannel (7/18/2006)
Thats an interesting point. I rather go down the line that Soldiers (especially when in Uniform) are generally willing voluntary peronnel who have made a concious decision to support (with lethal force) their Governments decisions. Hence they are legitimate targets since they have made an active 'choice' to represent what they are seen to stand for.
However my line rather falls apart for those countrys who force their citizens to be part of the army.
Would you agree/disagree with that general concept?
Um. I dunno. I think it's a slippery slope really. Do all soldiers in the army agree with every order they are given? if you vote for a government, does that mean you tacitly agree with their politics and are therefore viable targets?
I only say this as i'd like to firebomb labour party conferences...
TBH I think I have to agree with Marios and say that this moralising probably isn't helping the argument at all. Do we want another thread about the moral side of it, and keep this one about the news coverage?
If you can't beat your computer at chess, try kickboxing.
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Cold Water and Brass Tacks
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Iasus (7/18/2006)
You may be interested to know that Hizbullah recieves an annual $1,000,000 stipend from the Iranian government. Not entirely sure of the source for that - was printed in the Guardian today, so it's probably repuatable. They also report that both Hizbullah and Hamas have openly visble offices in Tehran, and have had for a number of years.
IasThey do have offices. Its true... Whats your point about the stipend? Senior American Politicians and celbrities were proudly funding the IRA for years.
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Champion
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I'm wondering what the Iranians are up to, that's all. I have to say, I'm not surprised they're so open about it - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has often stated that he's not particularly fond of Israel, and doesn't seem to be afraid of pissing people outside Iran off. It makes me wonder if they're doing anything explicit to prevent a solution in Israel/Palestine.
That said, the biggest problem in the region atm is that Israel is going hammer and tongs at Lebanon, which was just starting to get back on its feet after the last time the Israelis attacked. Also, the actions of both Israel and Palestine recently have not exactly been conducive to a peaceful solution.
Ias
Maelstrom: Then: Regimental Sergeant Major Mdjai, Havocstan Army
Now: "?"
DUTT: Then: Commander J.W. Cranstan, Durholme City Guard
Now: Justice
RL: Ias
I was going to run for parliament, because I want to make the world a better place, but I ran into some old friends and went out for a beer instead.
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Cold Water and Brass Tacks
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| Ah I see... well I suspect hes quite in favour of political groups that oppose Israel, he has been quite open about his opinion that Israel should not exist as a country and should never have existed. He's not interested in a settlement he doesn't recognise Israel as an independant state. His reasoning for this is not entirely insane, nor is he without sympathy around the world.
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Wag
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Whats your point about the stipend? Senior American Politicians and celbrities were proudly funding the IRA for years.
Context is important in politics. It's not about the pounds (it's not terribly hard to move money to people anonymously), it's about the message.
Which senior american politicians/celebrities? If they are that senior/that much of a celebrity it out to be something you can remember/find out about really quickly - they can't be both nameless and famous!
Accepting for the moment that it's true (I heard much the same thing years ago, but not from a particularly substantial source) it's a message of unofficial support on behalf of some celebrities (doesn't really reflect on the administration unless they are allowed to overtly break a law) and some individuals in the government (at which point, it really matters exactly who you're talking about - being a Senior American member of Congress is not nearly as meaningful as being the Secretary for Foreign Affairs or the Vice President).
Again, assuming it was officially sanctioned, then it's a message of under the table support for Northern Ireland (nothing surprising there - one breakaway British colony supporting the attempt of another - more relevantly, the Irish-American population is quite significant - that's democracy in action!). Slightly offensive to Britain, but we weren't in a position to take umbrage and they were careful to be polite about it and throw themselves behind London based peace initiatives.
Directly funding (if indeed it's the case - if they are doing it publically then we ought to be able to find a solid source to back it up) Hizbollah straight from the government is a similar message, but in a much louder tone.
Alliances are intangible things - the presence or existence of pieces of paper is merel administrative - but explicitly providing a government stipend is a pretty strong message of support (quite a bit stronger than merely allowing a member of an associated political party a visa to visit your country - quite a bit of furore over that at the time).
Marios
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Cold Water and Brass Tacks
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Marios (7/19/2006)
Whats your point about the stipend? Senior American Politicians and celbrities were proudly funding the IRA for years. Context is important in politics. It's not about the pounds (it's not terribly hard to move money to people anonymously), it's about the message. Marios, it wasn't your point I was asking about, so you are hardly in a position to make an answer on behalf of someone else since you have no knowledge of their point. They have also answered that question earlier so your reply is redundant. Nor am I going to bite on another of your derailing debates. The information is fairly simple to find out, if you wish to discuss it go start another thread and I may join you.
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