Egypt4u

After the 14th day of Israeli retaliatory attacks on the Gaza strip, a UN resolution is passed calling for an immediate and durable cease fire, it was not backed by the US, but they did not use their veto over the vote. An Hamas spokesman said “It will not work”, meanwhile the Israeli’s keep up their air strikes and Hamas is still firing rockets into Israel. Although technically binding, it is unlikely that Israel will adhere to this resolution. Under the UN charter it is possible to bring war crime charges against Israel for use of excessive retaliatory force against the Palestinians. If given sufficient backing we could see criminal war trials similar to the ones seen after the Bosnia conflict.

I doubt, somehow, that anything like that will happen even though it should. Look at how many UN resolutions Israel has ignored before and without any consequences. The UN really has no teeth to enforce anything, especially when the USA abstains (I stiil can't catch my breath over that!).

I suppose that with the huge Jewish lobby within the US it is an impossibility to condemn any action of Israel. I also believe that they are in a difficult position in trying to maintain the status quo within the area. With the present policy of most Arab states in denying the right of Israel to exist, what would happen if they pulled the plug on them. My biggest fear is that someone or other would really threaten their existence in some way and without America to control them they would lash out with anything they have to defend themselves with. This of course could be the use of a nuclear weapon if they felt that they had no other choice than to face annihilation. Should that ever happen I think that we could be looking at WW3.

Horus wrote:I suppose that with the huge Jewish lobby within the US it is an impossibility to condemn any action of Israel. I also believe that they are in a difficult position in trying to maintain the status quo within the area. With the present policy of most Arab states in denying the right of Israel to exist, what would happen if they pulled the plug on them. My biggest fear is that someone or other would really threaten their existence in some way and without America to control them they would lash out with anything they have to defend themselves with. This of course could be the use of a nuclear weapon if they felt that they had no other choice than to face annihilation. Should that ever happen I think that we could be looking at WW3.

What huge Jewish lobby?

Not huge in numbers, but huge in influence. Take a look at this from the BBC website - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7104030.stm

LivinginLuxor wrote:Not huge in numbers, but huge in influence. Take a look at this from the BBC website - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7104030.stm

Not so Stan. That article was based upon a book by two academians which reviews say provides very little evidence to support their views. They say their book is accepted outside the US more than inside. Well of course. People in the US know it is bunk. That myth is so wrong that I laugh every time I see it and can't believe people think it is true. There are so few Jews in this country and they don't have that much influence. It is Christians who have the influence in this country and that is not going to change.

If that is the case, then it is interesting, so are you saying that it is a Christian lobby that is behind Americas support for Israel? If so I am curious as to why they would take that particular stance.

Why does it surprise you? I wouldn't say a Christian "lobby" but the majority of protestant denominations support Israel. Not necessarily what they are doing now.