Tales from the Steppes

2004-03-22

12:25 p.m.
Middle east political rant

Terrorism - As defined by the FBI, "the unlawful use of force against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population or any segment thereof, in the furtherance of political or social objectives". This definition includes three elements: (1) Terrorist activities are illegal and involve the use of force. (2) The actions are intended to intimidate or coerce. (3) The actions are committed in support of political or social objectives. (FEMA-SS)

Question for the day: At what point do the actions of a government cross into the realm of terrorism?

I usually try and stay out of political discussions, as they frequently resolve nothing but reveal and solidify our differences. I think that most of our politics are really based on underlying personal philosophies, no matter how we may dress them up for dissemination. The actions of the state of Israel have often given me a queasy feeling in my stomach. (This is not to say that I necessarily support the actions of others in the Middle East.) Today's actions, though, have left me with my mouth hanging open. The real question for the day should be: Are the Israelis fucking nuts?

How many people will die (on each side) because of Yassin's assassination? More than if he had lived?

Hurrah for the "War on Terror"! So just who is winning here?