Goanetters The parents of the Israeli soldier kidnapped by Hamas in Gaza were interviewed on UK TV about an hour ago.
I had expected total anger against Hamas. However, absolutely the opposite happened to my great surprise. The father indicated that the kidnap of soldiers on both sides happened often. Negotioations then took place and invariably, the soldiers were returned safely to the respective sides. This time, the father regretted that Israel broke the unwritten agreement between the two sides and instead of negotiating for the return of the three Israeli soldiers, started a brutal war. The Israeli father was entirely critical of the Israeli government and felt that his conscripted soldier son may consequently not return alive because of such Israeli stupidity in this instance. I rest my case that Israel is entirely wrong to be so disproportionate in its aggression in this current war, irrespective of the cowardice shown at the G8 summit. I also strongly support those Goanetters who have expressed serious reservations that wars ever resolve disputes and that they may only do so temporarily. I for one believe in diplomacy to the nth degree. Israel totally failed over this test in the current crisis. Finally, those who clamour for war invariably make sure that, in particular, their men folk will not be involved and their families are at a distance from the conflict. Our chief war-monger on Goanet is unsurprisingly, thousands of miles away from the place of conflict, but rather good at pontificating for others to bravely die on his behalf, in places like Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon. Also, there are many Goans working in the hospitality industry in the above countries as well as in other occupations like engineering, road building, and construction. I was surprised how many I had come across in Haifa, alone, a few years ago. Their lives are now in acute danger because the new Israeli Prime Minister wants to demonstrate his virility in the region. War is definitely not the way for a lasting peace, except, very exceptionally. Cornel _______________________________________________ Goanet mailing list [email protected] http://lists.goanet.org/listinfo.cgi/goanet-goanet.org
