AMMAN -- The Israeli military assault on the Gaza Strip entered its 11th day on Tuesday in a war that may last longer than expected, bringing more death and destruction to the Palestinians. Yet the longer it takes for Israel to achieve its military and political objectives against Hamas and "changing the equation in this region," the higher the Israeli risks of losing a political battle that might change the equation, but against its favor.
BEIRUT -- Many analogies are being made between the ongoing Israeli attack against Hamas in Gaza and the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Here are the most important ones, in my view.
EDITORIAL
Since the start of the recent clashes on Christmas Eve between Hamas and the Israeli military, spokespeople for the Israeli military have gone on record to stress that this war is not against the Palestinian people, but against what the Israelis call, "terrorists."
OPINION
Open Letter to Sameh Shukry, Egyptian ambassador in Washington, D.C.: The Alliance of Egyptian Americans (AEA) is a part of some half a million American citizens and residents of Egyptian origin. While we understand that Egyptian diplomats are required to explain and defend Egyptian government policy, we feel that those diplomats have other duties that are equally important and influential.
Israel's ongoing and decisive military response to Hamas' continuing rocket attacks should have been anticipated by the organization's leadership. Yet it seems they have badly miscalculated the Israelis' sentiment and resolve.
