gaza attacks

Pilgrim Without a Shrine has some analysis and reaction to the recent violence in Gaza:

Olmert’s appeal to the citizens of Gaza might seem reasonable on the face of it – after all they elected Hamas, presumably the citiznery could do something about it.  But, really?  When have you or I ever really held sway over a duly elected official in the peace-loving United States? Now what is the average Joe Gazan going to do? Sidle up to the rocket launchers and say, “Look I know we elected you a couple of years back, but it seems like you’re making matters worse than better, could you maybe stop with the rockets for a little bit?” It like asking the people of LA or Southern California to take on the gangs and the Mexican drug lords.  Its rubbish.

I’m no expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but it seems clear that Israel’s latest attack is a significant escalation in the ongoing violence.  I’d encourage you to read Pilgrim’s entire post for a perspective from the Middle East.