Calling Out Bush's War in Gaza

It may well be that in denouncing "Israel's" attack on Gaza, one, in an important way, unwittingly does a disservice to the cause of holding the Bush Administration accountable for its crimes.

Is there any doubt that the Bush Administration approved this assault? Is there any doubt that it could not have taken place without the Bush Administration's approval?

Is there any doubt that it could not continue without the support of the Bush Administration and the protective umbrella of its veto at the UN Security Council? Is there any doubt that it will stop the very day that the Bush Administration says that it must?

If so, is it in the interest of humanity that we Americans engage in the charade that the Israeli government is an autonomous actor in this matter?

All these observations are true in general, but we have plenty of specific evidence in this case.

In August, Haaretz reported that the U.S. had "rejected an Israeli request for military equipment and support that would improve Israel's ability to attack Iran's nuclear facilities."

The Americans viewed the request, which was transmitted (and rejected) at the highest level, as a sign that Israel is in the advanced stages of preparations to attack Iran. They therefore warned Israel against attacking, saying such a strike would undermine American interests. They also demanded that Israel give them prior notice if it nevertheless decided to strike Iran.

In early September, Haaretz reported that the request had included GBU-28 "bunker-buster" bombs.

In mid-September, the U.S. agreed instead to sell Israel 1000 GBU-39 "bunker buster" bombs which Israeli military experts said "could provide a powerful new weapon" in Gaza, AP reported.

These bombs have been used to bomb tunnels in Gaza in the current offensive, the Jerusalem Post reports. Israel claims that its goal in bombing tunnels is to stop the smuggling of weapons, but tunnels are also used to bring in goods, so blowing up tunnels has the effect of reinforcing the blockade on Gaza.

So: when Israel requested weapons that the U.S. expected would be used for bombing Iran, the U.S. said no, and added explicitly that it did not want to see an Israeli attack on Iran. And there was no Israeli attack on Iran.

Instead, the U.S. provided bombs that it had every reason to believe would be used for an attack on Gaza. And now there is an Israeli attack on Gaza, using those very bombs.

And therefore, there is no reason to doubt the active approval of the United States government for the current attack.

So, if one happens to be living in the United States, it seems clear that one's complaints ought to be addressed to U.S. officials. You can write to President Bush and your Congressional representatives here and to President-elect Obama here.

Comments

[Asean4Obama]

09:30 PM on 01/04/2009

LOL, now we are talking now about the tunnels. The Vietcong was labelled terrorists and they used tunnels to smuggle weapons, food etc and the US carpet bombed the whole Vietnam and still lost the war.

All what Egypt should do is open the Rafah checkpoint and station UN peacekeepers to check what goes in and out of Gaza and tunnels would not be needed and of course the blockade must be lifted so no need for tunnels.

Oh yes, if their is a ceasefire UN peacekeepers must be stationed on both sides of the Gaza and Israeli border, so they can move around and monitor the truce/ceasefire and any future peace deal.

Keep them their for the next 60 years so it never comes back to the mess we are in today. This could be done by the next US administration.

Peace

[BigPictures]

10:01 PM on 01/05/2009

Many world's problem requires a more effective world government, the United Nations. According to the UN resolution, if the Arabs renouce violence, Israel is obligated to return the Arabs land. Hamas should voice their complaints about Israel peacefully. For a weaker power, the path to its people's dignity is through non-violence principle of Ghandi and Martin Luther King. Israel should consult the UN regardiing how to deal with the Hamas' rocket attacks. The Abrabs Peace Initiative based on the UN resolution is a good principle for permanent Middle East peace. If Obama really wants to break away from Bush's policy and become a true leader of the world, he should find ways to strengthen the UN. One problem with the UN is it is not democratic, so a better UN would be more democratic. Many work needs to be done in international law. Until powerful nations decide to adhere internation laws, there will be no peace on earth. For example, the veto power of the UN security councile present a conflict of interests, which should be abondonded in order to be more democratic.

[OVERSITE]

07:03 PM on 01/04/2009

palestinian deaths 512

israel deaths 2

[Catothemuchyounger]

11:00 PM on 01/02/2009

I think you are way overstating the case. The U.S. did not put the Israelis up to this attack. The Israelis wanted to attack, and the U.S. decided to support them. We are not attacking Gaza, we are supporting Israel's decision to do so. Those are two very different things.

[BoulderSue]

10:49 PM on 01/02/2009

Bush et.al. just couldn't resist leaving PE Obama and us with another serious crisis to deal with before he heads for Dallas or wherever, could he? Truth be known, I would say he was never much interested in being a real president from the beginning. For Laura's sake, I just hope he doesn't start hitting the bottle again, or for our sakes he doesn't try to become an "elder statesman"!

[eciaccio]

10:35 PM on 01/02/2009

As always, women, children, and the elderly and infirm are the victims of "power politics" and religious/ethnic hatred. Please read Lost in the Rubble By Chris Hedges
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/2009010_lost_in_the_rubble/

[antoroc]

01:47 PM on 01/02/2009

At least Israel uses smart bombs, and makes annoucement of targets of "in coming," but HAMAS launches idiot missiles indiscriminately into Jewish neighborhoods. What HAMAS is doing is illegal by all norms of international norms of warfare i.e., Geneva conventions remember that doc - seems Israel and the US must abide by it.

What is Hamas' purpose and goals??? Why does Hamas rule by brute force and intimidation in the Gaza??? Do they seek a practical political solution or just the anniliation of all Jews and the destruction of Israel?? Who funds Hamas - Iran??? Is Iran insidiously working its hegemony across the middle east?? what happens when Iran gets the nuclear missiles and launches into Israel???

Does Hamas act for all Palestians and in their best interest?? Why is Hamas fighting the Palestian Authority as well?? And why wont Egypt open their border to Gazz???

Hmmm, is the motivation freedom and peaceful co-existence or hatred and power???

[RightWingMarine]

01:40 PM on 01/02/2009

I support Israel's attack on Gaza and while I am loathe to have any of my taxdollars spent on foreign aid of any kind I do feel a bit torn about supporting Israel. The fact that the tunnels may occasionally be used to smuggle food does not mean these tunnels should be barred from attack.

I believe more countries should have to seek our approval before taking a military action.