Hammas Chief Assasinated!
Dubers
Pet Shop BoyEdinburgh, UK Join Date: 2002-07-25 Member: 998Members
Pet Shop BoyEdinburgh, UK Join Date: 2002-07-25 Member: 998Members
in Discussions
<div class="IPBDescription">This is very serious news....</div> This is a very serious act of agression by Isreal against the Palestinian nation and the repercussions on Isreals civillians will no doubt be horrific. Why would Isreal embark on such an action when it knows the result will cost the lives of many of it's own citizens? They are risking the complete destabalisation of the region and open war with the Arab League of Nations. This was a very de-constructive course of action....
Comments
You seem to be implying that it was unwarranted.... Why is that?
Actually, I should stop here before I really derail this thread before it even really starts. I'm just surprised people would be surprised by this.
And from whose arse did you pull "the Palestinian nation"?
It's nice to see objective and unbiased reporting from forum members.
ANYWAY. It's just another spoke in the cycle of revenge that is the Middle East. Israel isn't more right or wrong than the Palestinian.
That said however, it should be noted that:
Israel <b>tries</b> to attack military targets, whereas suicide bombers <b>deliberately</b> go after Israeli civilians.
Palestinian countries are not just interested in getting some land back, they are interested in exterminating all Jews. You can watch the mullah propaganda videos yourself if you wish.
Now it does seem 'unfair' that Israel has big tanks and helicopters vs. guys with stones, but I would MUCH rather see Israel with that kind of weaponry than any of the despotic nations.
You seem to be implying that it was unwarranted.... Why is that?
Actually, I should stop here before I really derail this thread before it even really starts. I'm just surprised people would be surprised by this.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Many more than ever before will die as a result in response to such a move by Israel on both sides. Nowhere did I say it was unwarranted, I am implying it will cause many many more problems than it has solved hence de-constructive course of action. I am surprised by such a foolish move, he is not the leader of Hammas he is the founder. It serves no strategical advantage to have him assassinated in fact it's a strategical disadvantage, he is now an even more powerful symbol of an oppressed society for the Palestinians. He is now a martyr.....
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Dubers, I highly doubt you'd say the same thing if the US had caught and executed Osama Bin Laden. I can't comment accurately on this event because I haven't read or heard news coverage of it, but if it's true that Israeli forces have killed a high ranking leader of Hammas, congratulations are in order.
And from whose arse did you pull "the Palestinian nation"?<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
If Osama Bin Laden was executed by the United States yes that would be a very stupid course of action. You have to understand about the mentality behind Islamic Martyrdom. Once a person is killed in Jihad they become a divine figure. People worship these figures and this perpetually drives there fundamentalists to carry out more and more aggressive acts. The more martyrs you create the worse the problem is going to become. Normal upstanding Muslims who have no interest in violent acts against the West will take up arms for the crime committed to people they see as brothers. You simply cannot go around assassinating these Islamic spiritual leaders as it greatly aids the terror organizations propaganda efforts.
They are fighting fire with fire and what does that make? A bigger fire....
EDIT: I am very confused by what you meant by this comment...
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->And from whose arse did you pull "the Palestinian nation"?<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I see I misunderstood the meaning behind your initial post. My apologies.
Yes, the cause thrives on martyrdom. The thing is, these causes are not short on martyrs, but with enough key figures removed they can be made short on leaders. Once again I haven't read news accounts about this specific incident (link please? <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->) but if he's a leader, he's a good target.
If we're just talking about the founder, it's more likely that this is basically an act of retaliation. Getting shot at and blown up with no end in sight makes people irate; it's the same reason why the IDF attacked the headquarters of the Palestinian Authority a while ago - the morale of Israeli citizens.
I wish I had more information on the matter, but I guess you're right. If this man is no longer a leader then it serves no practical purpose to remove him. In the scheme of things, I don't think this will provoke any specific response - there's already plenty of tension and instability in the region, no shortage of causes nor people ready to die for them.
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->EDIT: I am very confused by what you meant by this comment...
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->And from whose arse did you pull "the Palestinian nation"? <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
My phrasing was inappropriate, but the point stands. There hasn't been a "palestinian nation" since Britain left the region and there wasn't a "palestinian people" until the term became a convenient label.
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->If Osama Bin Laden was executed by the United States yes that would be a very stupid course of action.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I don't see how this would be stupid. Every action has a reaction and it would be expected that the muslim would would martyr him, but he already is the legend who "smited the infidels". I personally would have him captured, but don't tell the media and merly interrogate and then excute. THEN release the news that US troops had killed him in a firefight in some middle of nowhere sand-hole. Too keep him around would be to just invite more attacks...
I see I misunderstood the meaning behind your initial post. My apologies.
Yes, the cause thrives on martyrdom. The thing is, these causes are not short on martyrs, but with enough key figures removed they can be made short on leaders. Once again I haven't read news accounts about this specific incident (link please? <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->) but if he's a leader, he's a good target.
If we're just talking about the founder, it's more likely that this is basically an act of retaliation. Getting shot at and blown up with no end in sight makes people irate; it's the same reason why the IDF attacked the headquarters of the Palestinian Authority a while ago - the morale of Israeli citizens.
I wish I had more information on the matter, but I guess you're right. If this man is no longer a leader then it serves no practical purpose to remove him. In the scheme of things, I don't think this will provoke any specific response - there's already plenty of tension and instability in the region, no shortage of causes nor people ready to die for them.
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->EDIT: I am very confused by what you meant by this comment...
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->And from whose arse did you pull "the Palestinian nation"? <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
My phrasing was inappropriate, but the point stands. There hasn't been a "palestinian nation" since Britain left the region and there wasn't a "palestinian people" until the term became a convenient label. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Here are the latest web news reports -
<a href='http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3556099.stm' target='_blank'>BBC News report</a>
<a href='http://uk.news.yahoo.com/040322/325/ep59v.html' target='_blank'>Yahoo News reprt</a>
<a href='http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/03/21/yassin/index.html' target='_blank'>CNN News report</a>
What are they going to do? Nothing because they're scared of Hammas? That's exactly what terrorism is supposed to do. TERRIFY.
<a href='http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3556099.stm' target='_blank'>BBC News report</a>
<a href='http://uk.news.yahoo.com/040322/325/ep59v.html' target='_blank'>Yahoo News reprt</a>
<a href='http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/03/21/yassin/index.html' target='_blank'>CNN News report</a> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Thanks. Heh. In the CNN picture he looks a bit like Saruman.
After reading the articles, I get the impression that he was still in a position of leadership. So as far as attacking terrorist infrastructure goes, this wasn't completely useless. As far as perpetuating the cycle of violence is concerned... I'm unconvinced that this action will lead to further violence any more than was already on the way.
And there wasn't anything in the articles to indicate that the situation could escalate into war (as in, between two <i>countries</i>). It would be a very stupid move for any of Israel's neighbours to assosciate themselves with Hamas so directly.
*shrug*. A day in the life of the Middle East.
And Hammas was never part of the Palestinian nation....if you remember well, Hammas was <b>never</b> part of the Palestinian nation. In fact, it's the illusion that they fight for Palestine that makes them look like they belong there. Same goes for whatever terrorist organizations on other countries do. Because as long as they say they'll fight for <insert counrty here>, and not fight against the country they are situated in, then they will be considered a part of the nation.
In order to stop a terrorist organization or group, they must first slow it down. Capturing or kiling their leaders is a MAJOR moral blow, and will seriously affect them.Although they may look like they're fighting, they're actually in confusion making it a good opportunity to stop them.
TBH, this is a good move for it. But of course, there will be more deaths. However, that is war....
I like Isreal actions, work your way down the food chain and sooner or later they will run out of people capable of leading.
And Hammas was never part of the Palestinian nation....if you remember well, Hammas was <b>never</b> part of the Palestinian nation. In fact, it's the illusion that they fight for Palestine that makes them look like they belong there. Same goes for whatever terrorist organizations on other countries do. Because as long as they say they'll fight for <insert counrty here>, and not fight against the country they are situated in, then they will be considered a part of the nation.
In order to stop a terrorist organization or group, they must first slow it down. Capturing or kiling their leaders is a MAJOR moral blow, and will seriously affect them.Although they may look like they're fighting, they're actually in confusion making it a good opportunity to stop them.
TBH, this is a good move for it. But of course, there will be more deaths. However, that is war.... <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
When will people understand by killing these figures you are aiding the propaganda efforts of these organizations. There are tens of thousand of Palestinians in uproar at this attack which is precisely what Hammas need. They will have a massive intake of new recruits because of this and Israel has shot themselves in the foot by doing this! This man WAS NOT THE LEADER OF HAMMAS, he was only a chief and spiritual leader.
THIS WILL NOT AFFECT THE RUNNING AND ORGANISATION OF HAMMAS and your sadly mistake if you think its these figures than operate these terror groups. They are only the front men, the face of the organizations as any good business has. The people pulling the strings you will never hear about never see on television or read about in the newspapers. These are the elite who mastermind these operations and killing the front men only aids these elite in converting law abiding citizens into criminals and unlawful combatants.
By carrying out violent actions against these groups you are perpetually driving these people to retaliate and you are justifying their actions. They want you to seemingly hurt them like this as it makes them look weak and damaged when actually you have made them stronger. Do not underestimate these people, they are extremely intelligent, motivated and calculated people who have the resources to hurt the west whenever they want.
To understand the situation in full you have to perceive all the information as objectively as possible a task which some of you are very unwilling to do. This is exactly the attitude that is causing the problems. NOBODY is right in this situation we are in today and NOBODY is justified in killing anybody as it is unlawful and simply a revengeful in this day and age.
What people are struggling to grasp is this affects us all not just the residents of the Middle East. What happens there is directly proportional to things that happen in the western world. Please try to look past your own borders and understand what is going on!
I'm a feverant supporter of the war on Terrorism but the Israel/Palastine conflict is not part of it, just like Iraq was a scapegoat for the War on Terror, Sharon started convineantly using the phrase after 9/11.
I'm getting ready to say niether side wants peace in this matter. Every single time they come close to signing treaty Hamas bombs something Sharon sends in tanks everything goes to crap. Now at first it may seem like retaliation but at some point you have to wonder if the obviously vieled attempt to stop a treaty isn't noticed by Sharon, I mean it's like the bazillionth time it's happened.
Despite any possible justification <b>first world Democracies should simply not be assassinating public figures with helicopters</b>, period.
And Osama Bin Laden is a international fugitive, Yassin has been arrested and released several times.
Public figure? That's an ambiguous term. This is the founder of Hamas, a man responsible for hundreds of civilian deaths. Does this mean Israel has the right to run in their choppers and shoot him? No. What is <b>does</b> mean is that The Palestinian Authority has a <b>responsbility</b> to actively seek out and apprehend these criminals.
Now I ask you: Are they doing their job? That answer is clearly no.
So then what happens? Let these terrorists continue their propagandic sermons and recruit more children? Of course not. Someone must do <b>something</b>. Ideally it would be the Palestinians themselves. But they are much too corrupt and have a vested interest in keeping Israel as a scapegoat for the poverty of its citizens when really that poverty is attributed to the greed and power of the despots who currently run those nations.
If Palestine won't root our the terrorists, than someone else must. Kudos to Israel for both killing a violent leader without harming innocents.
Just because a nation deems someone a terrorist doesn't mean they can forget every responsibilty they have as a Democratic world power. If one country can break rules to assassinate someone they deem dangerous what's to stop other countries from executing POWs or killing journalists and slaughtering civilians left and right? Just because they're terrorists doesn't mean we can act completely irresponsible.
Now Yassin has been arrested numerous times in the past, if Israel deemed him to still be a threat they should have arrested him again. Would it have been harder, probably, but it would have sent a much better message than shooting him with a missle from a helicopter.
This is going to be quite a compelling image I think. I don't have the least respect for the guy or the slightest interest in the situation and even to me it seems brutal. I mean seriously, taking out a quadriplegic with helicopter missles while he's being wheeled home from prayers? That sounds up there with clubbing baby seals.
Yes, he has been arrested in the past. He was released through some deals in the past. That does not mean that if he continues to tell others to kill Jews and to destroy Israel that he can get away with it. Taking him out is Israel's latest move. They no longer want those preaching that killing Jews is just and righteous to assume they are innocent and not viable targets. They are just as guilty as the suicide bombers themselves... Perhaps more so. Him being in a wheelchair matters not as his mind and words still worked.
Will these actions bring about more suicide bombings? Yes... But its not like another reason to attack Israeli citizens was needed for them. Its not like every suicide bomber is looked at as a martyr either. So one more will not matter.
Please, point out when Israel has broken any cease fire before one of the terrorrist organizations have, when concerning the latest peace attempts. The impression I have at this point is that Israel actually lives up to its end of the cease fire, but the Palestinian authorities fail to actively stop the terrorrist attacks. Until Arafat actually has his forces actively combat the terrorrists peace will not be possible. Both sides must want peace. Israel does not want to kill the Palestinians. I do believe that Israel would love to live in peace with the Palestinians... But they should not continue to work with the Palestinian authorities if they do not actively try to prevent Israel from being attacked.
Any goverment sponsered assassination is deemed illegal by the Geneva convention and several UN resolutions. This includes presidents, prime ministers, and even local deli owners. A responsible goverment isn't allowed to circumvent all legal process and "whack" somebody, I'm sorry just doesn't work that way.
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Please, point out when Israel has broken any cease fire before one of the terrorrist organizations have, when concerning the latest peace attempts. The impression I have at this point is that Israel actually lives up to its end of the cease fire, but the Palestinian authorities fail to actively stop the terrorrist attacks. Until Arafat actually has his forces actively combat the terrorrists peace will not be possible. Both sides must want peace. Israel does not want to kill the Palestinians. I do believe that Israel would love to live in peace with the Palestinians... But they should not continue to work with the Palestinian authorities if they do not actively try to prevent Israel from being attacked.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Israel has never violated a temporary cease fire persay, but it has also never signed a concrete treaty with Palestine defining borders and declaring peace. This is due to the fact that whenever such a treaty is ready to be signed Hamas or similar groups plan an attack and instead of ignoring them and signing the treaty therefore making any future attacks legitimate acts of war, Sharon claims revenge and sends in tanks and helicopters. I mourn for the people of Israel every time innocent civilians die, but at this point Sharon is as responsible for their deaths as Hamas is.
I personally think Sharon is a very dangerous individual with incredibly strong convictions about war and a real hatred for Palestinians. He should not be running Israel's military.
Yes. Yes we can. When these 'international laws' are ludicrous and provide no measure of flexibility, it is not unreasonable to 'break' such laws.
It of course is unreasonable to wantonly attack civilians and jounalists and other innocents. But this was no mere journalist or woman or child. This was a terrorist that these Islamic despots were doing nothing about, and nor was the UN.
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I mean seriously, taking out a quadriplegic with helicopter missles while he's being wheeled home from prayers? That sounds up there with clubbing baby seals.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Oh I agree it's a sad little David/Goliath image, but you have to understand who this man was. He had no interest in bargaining or compromise. Quote:
"The so-called peace path is not peace and it is not a substitute for jihad and resistance."
All the Palestinian Authority did was put him under house arrest, repeatedly, and then release him after demonstrations from his brainwashed minions got him out. He has encouraged and lead suicide bombings on not just military targets, but civilians and bus-riders.
Yes. Yes we can. When these 'international laws' are ludicrous and provide no measure of flexibility, it is not unreasonable to 'break' such laws.
It of course is unreasonable to wantonly attack civilians and jounalists and other innocents. But this was no mere journalist or woman or child. This was a terrorist that these Islamic despots were doing nothing about, and nor was the UN. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
See but to these extremists were infidel who are killing innocent people by the thousands, so if we can break "unreasonable" international law to fight terrorists (I personally think of Hamas as more of a guerella faction) then by that very definition it gives them a shred of credibility, which they shouldn't have.
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->This was a terrorist that these Islamic despots were doing nothing about, and nor was the UN.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
You act like he was personally manning these attacks, he was a figurehead to the Hamas cause, he wasn't in hiding, he wasn't making claims that he would resist arrest. The only logical conclusion is that Sharon couldn't find charges to arrest him on. Let's bring this down in scale, say the LAPD wants to arrest you, but they don't have anything to charge you with so instead they send SWAT to your house and kill you. Maybe you were a criminal in the past, and maybe you deserved to be in prison but should all laws be circumvented just because you deserve it? Come on let's be a little more mature this is International Policy were talking about not a schoolyard fight.
Geneva Convention IV applies to civilians and one of the things it states is that murder of civilians is illegal, but then we'd probably disagree about whether this guy was a civilian or not ( terrorists are not civilians and those who actively promote terrorrists and are leaders and/or founders of terrorrist organizations are not civilians ).
So you agree that Israel has not broken a cease-fire... But they're still guilty? For what? Trying to protect themselves from terrorrists? I remember times where Israel would do nothing until somewhere around the 3rd attack... Asking them to continue accepting such acts is wrong.
If people want Israel to stop retaliating then they should start expecting the Palestinian authorities to do their jobs and actively combat the terrorrists instead of promoting, helping, or even being the terrorrists.
Edit:
This guy was a terrorrist. He founded a terrorrist organization ( they are not guerillas ). He was the "spiritual leader" of said terrorrist organization. He actively promoted terrorrist acts against Israel. This makes him just as guilty as those who actually committed the acts.
As far as your point of asking Palestines to stop these attacks it's simply not possible. Hamas is not a goverment sponsored group, they operate with their own funds and their own people, the police make arrests when they find recruitment going on (although this never makes the news) and palestinians generally condemn the terrorist attacks on Israel. However there is a strong sentiment that their occupation is unjustifed, something I don't agree with since Palestine started the war and Israel actually gave back a lot of land. But I do agree with the fact that Sharons tactics are overly agressive and wreckless, unlike Hamas he has full contorl over his military and more than once he has give orders to completely destroy villiages and hotels just because a few members of Hamas were reported to be there.
He's an extremist just as much as Yassin was, and is just exploiting his political ties and the current views on terrorism. Ever since 9/11 his actions have been more and more extreme. Ultimately the responsibilty of getting a treaty in place rests with the leaders of each country, Hamas will always be a seperate entity from the Palestinian goverment so citing their actions as a reason to not sign a treaty isn't logical.
Thats funny, I thought Hammas was trying to to eliminate jews from the middle east. But I guess it is Sharon's fault he is jewish eh?
No seriously, sharon is not strapping the bombs on the backs of children and sending them off to blow up bus loads of civilians. They tried to be peacefull and Hammas wanted none of it, as I point back to their goals of the elimination of jews.
Thats funny, I thought Hammas was trying to to eliminate jews from the middle east. But I guess it is Sharon's fault he is jewish eh?
No seriously, sharon is not strapping the bombs on the backs of children and sending them off to blow up bus loads of civilians. They tried to be peacefull and Hammas wanted none of it, as I point back to their goals of the elimination of jews. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
What total population of Palestine do you think Hamas makes up?
I don't think Hamas has a leg to stand on politically, the land they are clamoring for is not theirs, the oppression they talk about doesn't really exist, and their methods are simply cowerdly and idiotic. That still doesn't justify such use of the military, at this point it would be the same as saying Al Qaeda are terrorists so the US will start randomly blowing up middle eastern contries....oh wait.
But just because Hamas is wrong doesn't mean Sharon has the right to treat the Gaza Strip as his shooting gallery, he uses excessive force extremly liberally and has been criticized countless times by the UN and even the US, he just doesn't care because he hates Palestines as much as Hamas hates Jews. So no him being jewish isn't enough cause for Hamas to do what they do, but him indiscriminantly killing Palestinians and sponsering assassinations isn't helping his cause.
Dr.D, you have to understand that Yasim <b>was</b> as brutal as they say he was. This was not some old grandfather filled with ambivalence and ghandi-esque ideals. He was directly responsible for hundreds of Israeli deaths and incited many palestinians, even children, to bomb Israeli civilians, <b>not</b> military targets.
Therein lies the difference between Palestinians and Israelis.
1. Palestinians are interested in Jewish genocide, they have called for it many times. Israelis are interested in stopping terrorists, and only terrorists. Any civilian deaths that have occured were collateral damage from an attempt to kill a military target. Palestinian suicide bombers indiscriminately kill.
2. The reason palestinians hate jews so much has much less to do with the assasinations and much more to do with propaganda. All dictatorships restrict information. That is why all pro-Jewish websites and telecasts are censored. Israel does not censor even Al Jazeer. Palestinians are not impoverished because of Israel, but because of brutal dictatorships that use Israel as a scapegoat.
Don't think I should feel any pity for the Palestinians because they are out gunned. Given the same weapons and technology I have no doubt they would burn Israel to the ground.
Now, more on this international law:
Yassim was most assuredly a terrorist that the PA did nothing about, again:
"The purpose of every operation is to kill Jews," Hamas has stated, "for by killing Jews, all the Zionist settlers and their allies will be driven from the area." - Yassim
He was sentenced to life in prison for ordering the assasination of 2 jews, and then released as part of bargain. Immediately he began ordering more suicide bombings. This is not heresay or conjecture, but facts worthy of an encyclopedia. That is why your 'SWAT' analogy is flawed.
He is guilty beyond any doubt. Ideally he would be apprehended and tried at an international court. But, as I said, why should anyone follow international crede and governance when the UN refuses to acknowledge these terrorists whilst they send their brainwashed minions to bomb Israelis.
It's like absolving Osama Bin Laden since he's just a 'figurehead', when really he is a prime orchestrator. Do not make Yassim out to be innocent, for he is not.
Therefore: Does Israel have the right to kill a murderous terrorist whom the local, and even international authorities will do nothing about, notwithstanding international 'law'? That answer is clearly yes.
Find this for me please. There is, or at least was ( cannot remember if Bush has "repealed" it ), an Executive Order banning assassination ( implemented by Reagan ), but I cannot find any such UN resolution ( I may just be blind ).
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->As far as your point of asking Palestines to stop these attacks it's simply not possible. Hamas is not a goverment sponsored group, they operate with their own funds and their own people, the police make arrests when they find recruitment going on (although this never makes the news) and palestinians generally condemn the terrorist attacks on Israel.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Well, generally speaking you are wrong. The Palestinian forces could make a lot of head-way in preventing these terrrorrist acts. They of course could not completely stop them, but they could reduce them significantly. The Palestinians have the security forces to do this, but they have rarely been ordered to do this. If the Palestinian security forces do not act to rid themselves of terrorrism, then we should not be surprised when Israel chooses to act on its own. Sure, there are some raids or arrests, but nothing on the scale of what they could and should be doing.
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Ultimately the responsibilty of getting a treaty in place rests with the leaders of each country, Hamas will always be a seperate entity from the Palestinian goverment so citing their actions as a reason to not sign a treaty isn't logical.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
If one side is not actively trying to stop Hamas then it is completely logical. The Palestinians government may not be actively ( or openly, depending on your cynicism ) supporting the terrorrists, but their refusal to actively attack them and eliminate them as a threat to Israel and by extension to peace, is an implicit sanctioning of the actions of Hamas and other terrorrist organizations. Especially when time and time again officers of the Palestinian authorities are found to be cooperating or actively helping the terrorrists.
Isreal is far from innocent, but at this point in time the responsibility rests with the Palestinians to actively support the peace process. Israel does not break the cease fire agreements. Many times they'll even take a few blows before they will retaliate during these cease fires, but we cannot expect Israel to continue to just take blow after blow and not doing anything about it. That's utterly rediculous. The Palestinians have shown they will not do anything about Hamas and other terrorrists... This is why Israel is now refusing to move forward.
Heck, even when a cease fire agreement is reached with the terrorrist organizations... Suicide attacks still occur.
I'd like to add to this. Yassim was obviously not a tough man to find. If Israel can find out where and when these terrorists are going to crop up, there is simply no excuse why the palestinians cannot do the same. The logical explanation is that the palestinians simply do not want to capture members of terrorists organizations. So long as these terrorists exist, Israel will keep attacking, and the oppressed palestinians will have a scapegoat to blame for their poverty while the real perpetrators stay in power: The Islamic dictators.
Next election, the candidate who vows to destroy the terrorists gets voted in. Begins an aggressive campaign against known terrorists and terrorist strongholds. The Palestinians get (more) irate. More violence. Protests. Palestinian community leaders condemn the actions of Israel and say they're open to compromise. The Israeli public listens.
Next election, the candidate who promises peace talks and compromise gets voted in. Scales back aggression towards terrorists, opens negotiations. Handshakes and smiles all around with the PA. Another atrocity....
You get the picture. Belive me, Sharon's probably not going to be there for much longer, and he'll be replaced with a Yitzchak Rabin, who will in turn be replaced by another Sharon. Incidents such as this assassination have no effect on the overall picture.