Jacki’s whereIstand Blog

The press reports that Israel has agreed to a 48 hour "cease-fire" in response to the bombing in Qana where reports coming out of Lebanon indicate over 30 children were killed.  Israeli spokesperson Adam Ereli agreed to suspend aerial activity, but made clear that Israel maintained the right to "take action against targets preparing attacks against it."

In my mind, a cease-fire requires a cessation of military force - in its entirety.  It does not mean, ‘we will stop dropping bombs from the sky for 48 hours so that we can try to improve our public image because we have just slaughtered innocent people and by the way, we reserve the right to resume bombing when we feel like it." 

How will Israel know whether "targets [are] preparing attacks"?  Are there Israeli intelligence gathering forces in southern Lebanon?  Can Israel see Hezbollah prepare rocket launches?  More likely, Israel will resume attacks once the public outcry against the Qana bombing subsides.  Maybe they will wait 48 hours or maybe they will continue military action earlier and justify it with a claim of suspected aggression by Hezbollah -  a claim impossible to verify.  Then again, who’s checking?  No one. 

July 31, 2006 -
Israel apologizes for airstrikes near the Lebanese village of Tayba. While the airstrikes were not directed at specific targets, they were intended to protect ground forces. A Lebanese military vehicle is reported to have been hit by the airstrikes.

whereIstand Tags

• Is Israel’s invasion of Lebanon justified?

US dropped medical supplies for victims in Lebanon to the Int’l Red Cross today, meanwhile Reuters reports the US will provide Israel with roughly 100 bunker busting bombs.  Has the U.S. confirmed this? 

whereIstand Tags

• What are the appropriate next steps that the US should take in Lebanon?

The NYT and Int’l Herald Tribune reports Saudi Arabia pledged $500 million dollars in aid for Lebanon on Tuesday.

King Abdullah announced that he would grant the money as "a nucleus for an Arab fund" to reconstruct the country.

The kingdom also pledged one billion dollars to support Lebanon’s currency and promised $250 million for reconstruction in the Palestinian territories.

The Lebanese prime minister, Fouad Siniora, said the Saudis had also pledged $50 million in emergency humanitarian aid for victims of Israeli attacks and displaced people.

whereIstand Tags

• What are the appropriate next steps that the US should take in Lebanon?

Kofi Annan claims Israeli strike on the UN outpost was "apparently deliberate targeting."  Israel denies striking the outpost intentionally and promises an investigation.

whereIstand Tags

• Is Israel’s invasion of Lebanon justified?

Senator Clinton unleashed the DLC’s economic plan today.  Finally, a plan.  I suspect it’s no more than its name suggests, but at least it’s a start. 

From the WaPo:

whereIstand Tags

• Who will win the most seats in the ‘06 elections?

This is the global solution for the Lebanese people.  The U.S. ‘hopes’ to participate in a $100 to $150 million international aid package to the Lebanese. 

Let’s poll the people living in Lebanon and find out if they want $100 million (that they will never see) or bombs to stop fallilng on top of them? 

The U.S. is calling the invasion of Lebanon a humanitarian crisis.  Interesting categorization, convenient too.   Rice says the U.S. will not support a ceasefire until the Israeli soldiers are returned and Hezbollah withdraws 12 miles from the Israeli border.  What happens once Hezbollah announces the soldiers are dead?  What then will the U.S. set its hat upon as excuse for buying time to ‘destroy’ Hezbollah. 

Washington says Rice met with Lebanese officials to help the country get control over its southern border.  That sounds like a tall order.  Is the U.S. advising the Lebanese government now?  To what extent is the U.S. helping the Lebanese take control over Hezbollah?  Looks to me like Rice’s trip had one purpose:  PR.  Unfortunately, for American taxpayers it was an expensive trip. 

whereIstand Tags

• Is Israel’s invasion of Lebanon justified?

Worth the trip!  Just off the F train or Ocean Parkway, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon - even in the rain! 

The design of the space is well done.  You feel like you are submerged in water or walking through a cave throughout a great deal of the aquarium. 

You’ll find walruses, sea lions and penguins outside.  For a more up close and personal view, check out the walruses swimming underwater in tanks.

Don’t miss the alien stingers.

Catch the sea lion show for a great delight.  Sit in the front row for a kiss from a sea lion!

Admission is 12 bucks.  And, there is a parking lot available for the road trippers out there.

For more information about the aquarium, click here.

whereIstand Tags

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