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The Virginian Federalist

A publication devoted to focusing the debate over the pressing issues of the day on the interests of the Commonwealth of Virginia from the Federalist perspective.

Update: Israel, Gaza and Iran in Conflict - Ceasefire ResolutionYesterday

The most significant event of the day appears to be the agreement at the United Nations Security Council calling for the conflicting parties to initiate ceasefire in Gaza. As reported in the New York Times, the resolution urges an immediate ceasefire, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, opening of the Gaza borders and arrangements to prevent arms smuggling.

In commenting on the United Nations action the Jerusalem post notes significantly:

Israel, as a member state, is legally bound by any resolution in a way that Hamas, operating outside the control of the PA and listed as a terrorist organization by the US and Israel, would not - an asymmetry not typically seen in conflicts involving Security Council consideration.

It will be interesting to see what actions will be taken by the parties to the conflict to implement the resolution, and if implemented to review which strategic goals of the various parties were achieved.

© 2005-2008

Update: Israel, Gaza and Iran in ConflictJanuary 7

Our continuing analysis of the events in Gaza relative to the strategic objectives and timing continues today with reflection on the relation of internal Israeli politics to the conflict and the curiosity of the war being conducted in the media.

As our lead analysis in this series did, The New York Times speculates on the effect of the conflict on the improved political stature of Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak. While there are two other leading candidates for the prime minister position, Tzipi Livni of Kadima and Benjamin Netanyahu of Likud,the Times manages to minimize discussing any political effect of the conflict on them.

The leading sentences quoted just below are from a The Italian Journalism Agency (AGI) sourced story.

Almost one third of the 689 deaths caused by the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip are children, according to medical sources. The number of civilian dead has risen dramatically since last Saturday, when the Israeli army began its land attack.

The Age (Australia) originated a similar but enlarged story, but note the remarkable similarity to the just quoted story.

Almost a th

Update: Israel, Gaza and Iran in ConflictJanuary 6

We continue our update of our analysis of strategic events and objectives related to the conflict between Israel, Gaza and Iran.

One of the contentions between the parties to the Gaza dispute is that Hamas and the residents of Gaza are attacking Israel because Israel is an occupying power. This contention predates the current conflict. It is worth considering just what Israel is occupying. Prior to the movement of tanks and other ground forces into Gaza this weekend, there were no Israeli forces in Gaza, and no Israeli citizens living there. All of the territory of Gaza was under the administrative control of the Gaza government with Hamas as the elected party. In that sense no occupation could be described.

CNN recognized that there is some ambiguity in the discussion of Gaza as occupied territory and addresses that in an online article today. One significant reminder in the article highlights the meaning of occupied territory from the point of view of Hamas:

To Hamas, Israel's "occupation" is not limited to Gaza and the West Bank. Like many other Islamic militant groups, Hamas views Israel's presence as the de facto occupier of greater Palestine. Hamas' charter calls for the destruction of Israel altogether.
As former Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said on CNN's "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer" on Sunday, "

Update: Israel, Gaza and Iran in ConflictJanuary 5

We continue our strategic analysis of the conflict in Gaza with related updates.

A story in the New York Times Monday morning comments on the thread we raised related to the timing of the conflict:

Many Middle East experts say Israel timed its move against Hamas, which began with airstrikes on Dec. 27, 24 days before Mr. Bush leaves office, with the expectation of such backing in Washington. Israeli officials could not be certain that President-elect Barack Obama, despite past statements of sympathy for Israel’s right of self-defense, would match the Bush administration’s unconditional endorsement.

The article considers the reaction to the relative silence on the subject maintained by the President-elect:

Mr. Obama has disappointed many commentators in the Muslim world by steadfastly declining to condemn the Gaza operation, and he maintained his silence over the weekend as Israel began a ground invasion. “President-elect Obama is closely monitoring global events, including the situation in Gaza, but there is one president at a time,” said Brooke Anderson, chief national security spokeswoman for Mr. Obama, repeating what has become a mantra for the incoming administration.

Mr. Obama’s stance has been interpreted by Hamas spokesmen

Breaking: VA Gov. Kaine to Head DNCJanuary 4

Washington Post breaking story Virginia's Governor Tim Kaine will head the Democratic National Committee. He will serve in that capacity part time until his term as governor ends. In effect he would switch places with Terry McAuliffe who was DNC chair and will officially announce race for Virginia governor tomorrow.

© 2005-2008