Liberal Talk Radio

What’s it say when a nation defined by a founding myth that’s equal parts Biblical and earthly fire and brimstone gets its ass kicked in a war?

[and, no, we're not talking about the U.S. in Iraq here, although I guess the same question might be asked]

Israeli newspapers quoted disgruntled reservists as saying they had no provisions in Lebanon, were sent into battle with outdated or faulty equipment and insufficient supplies, and received little or no training.

“I personally haven’t thrown a grenade in 15 years, and I thought I’d get a chance to do so before going north,” an unidentified reservist in an elite infantry brigade was quoted as telling the Maariv daily.

Israel’s largest paper, Yediot Ahronot, quoted one soldier as saying thirsty troops threw chlorine tablets into filthy water in sheep and cow troughs. Another said his unit took canteens from dead guerrillas.

Of course, as Bruno pointed out on this week’s program, it’s the ironic truth that Israel’s near disaster in the Yom Kippur War convinced many Israeli hawks to negotiate with Egypt. So, maybe if Israel now understands that it doesn’t have the force to back up its rhetoric at the present moment, it’ll think a little harder about diplomatic solutions. Although in truth Sharon’s efforts had started Israel down a more peaceable path, so who knows what’ll come of this.

Anyway, the Israeli military and security establishments are going to be looking for a way to save face here. Stay tuned.