Who Endured What

Asymmetry in conflict leads to asymmetry in coverage.

The headline about “enduring” an attack is correct. The attack on civilian non-combatants is terrorism, a variety of collective punishment and a violation of either international law or criminal law.  The suicide bombing was a terrorist attack.  The article suggests the attack was launched from Hebron, in the West Bank; not much linked to Gaza.

BrooklynDodger still argues that the Palestinians “endured” two attacks before the one on Israel.  The “arrest raid” has the aspect of an extra-judicial execution.  Annexing land is theft.

Israeli withdrawal from Gaza was simply in Israel’s tactical and strategic interest.  Tying tens of thousands of soldiers to protect a few thousand fanatics living in Gaza was a bad deal all round.  [BrooklynDodger wonders what those settlers did for a living?  Take in each others washing?]  Finally Sharon gave up trying to extract a concession for that, still leaving Israel better off.  But the American press is still arguing for a quid pro quo.  

Tensions rose in recent days between Israel and the Palestinians. Israel upset the Palestinians last week with plans to confiscate land around the West Bank settlement of Maaleh Adumim, for construction of the massive separation barrier.

Israeli troops also killed five Palestinians in an arrest raid in the West Bank town of Tulkarem. Israel said the five were all fugitive militants, but the Palestinians said two were unarmed teenagers. Their deaths prompted calls for revenge from the Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades groups.

Khaled al-Batch, an Islamic Jihad leader in Gaza, said he did not know who carried out Sunday's attack. "But it came as a natural reaction to the occupation crimes," he said. "It is our right to retaliate."


Aug 28, 9:09 AM EDT
Israel endures first attack since pullout
By AMY TEIBEL Associated Press Writer
BEERSHEBA, Israel (AP) -- A suicide bomber blew himself up outside the central bus station in this southern Israeli city during morning rush hour Sunday, critically wounding two security guards in the first attack since Israel began its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip this month.