Let's not get into a meta-debate here, please. Day one of the site, let's try to keep comments on the subject at hand and not on the commenters or writers. Thanks.

That's a rather vague "offer" though, Roque. Israel offered to do something...what? What did they actually do? What have they done since? Probably the greatest half-measure in their history: leaving Gaza. What a foolish thing to do while remaining in the West Bank. It brought them no closer to achieving two states.

Now I am not one to accuse Israel of war crimes as I sincerely believe that will do nothing to further the debate. But I am one to accuse them of consistent stupidity in their policy decisions. I have a great deal of hope for the vision of Israel, and I am well aware that there many feet at which to lay the blame, both Israelis and Arabs are at fault here.

But the Israeli's cannot offer to "do something" about the settlements. They just have to do it.

One quick caveat--though proportionality may be meaningless in determining how to wage these fights, or at least not the most important qualifier--it is still important to judge whether they are worth the fight, worth the fallout, or essentially effective in the long term. Then, too, there is the moral question of civilian death which must be addressed. To me, if Israel is intent on carrying out this sort of mission, they should be as focused or more so on doing something about the settlements which are a huge impediment to peace, or at least to a Two State solution.

Actually, Chris, that might be an interesting series. What replaces the sense of proportional warfare in non-state conflicts? etc. etc.

I agree, though, it becomes almost entirely meaningless in these situations. There is always a good deal to question in regards to the wisdom of too brutal a retaliation, or the wisdom in firing off rockets randomly at civilian populations, because the reaction of your adversary is such an unknown...

So, in conclusion, your sanctimonious even-handedness and constant reminders of your enlightened liberal morality are only playing into the hands of the enemies of this very enlightened liberal morality.

Roque, we're working on a comment policy for the site, but in short, we expect our writers and our commenters to be respectful and act with some level of common courtesy. You are free to disagree and make your point, but do all you can to please refrain from ad hominem, name-calling, etc. Your perspective is appreciated, but your tone is not.