http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/july2006/murtha73-1.htm
 
 
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/july2006/murtha73-2.htm
 
 
Murtha,
 
From the editorials I have read so far, it looks like Olmert does not the "guts" or political philosophy to complete an unprecedented historical nuclear attack on Syria, which most of the world would see as an "unprovoked attack" on Syria......to decimate it.
 
But its interesting the Likud party and other parties are starting to talk about or have "no confidence votes".  So, perhaps there could be change in leadership in Israel before long.
 
But I am personally of the opinion, that Israel should not escalate any further.  They have rounded up a third or more of Hamas leadership and took them out of action.  I think that was a wise strategic move.  (The PA has really hurt themselves by this stupid stunt.)
 
Secondly, since the P.A. terrorists have not been able to offer any "Proof of Life" of the soldier, the general consensus is that this soldier is most likely dead already.  I suspect this is why Israel stopped the ground troops.  I could be wrong, but I suspect that they realize that it would just cause more casualties on their side, and would not result in this soldier being rescued (if he is dead already).  The P.A. Terrorists are HUGE liars.
 
I think that this whole event was an orchestrated attack on Israel to tempt Israel to respond with military escalation.  The Terrorists WANT war!  If Israel can resist picking up the gauntlet, I think that would be wise.  Right now the score is: Israel 100+ and Terrorists 4.  They are ahead of the game.
 
Having said that, I would not rule out the possibility of an IDF escalation if they are further provoked with anything significant.  Only God knows what lies in the immediate future.
 
With regard to your 2nd post, the reason that Russia leads the invasion is because:
 
1) Russia has signed mutual defense treaties with these Muslim countries.  They are already providing military intelligence, strategy and weapons.  If Iran or Syria are attacked, Russia has committed to coming to their aid.  Everyone knows this, that is why the U.S. cannot get involved militarily, because if the U.S. does the U.S. is taking on both Russia and China.  This is something no one wants.  Consequently, the U.S. and Russia are only providing advice at this time, trying to mediate between these middle-eastern parties.
 
2) But eventually, we KNOW that Russia will get involved.  And I would say somewhat reluctantly, since the scriptures say that GOD puts a hook in their jaw and drags them into the conflict.  That choice of words makes me think that Russia is dragged into the conflict somewhat against their better judgment, but are required to honor their treaties with the Muslim countries.  The scriptures also indicate that Russia no doubt sees an economic advantage to taking the risk due to the "spoils" of war.  The "spoils" of war in the middle east would be control over OIL (whether the muslim fanatics realize this or not).  Russia may expect to complete an easy defeat (since for some reason the U.S. is not in a position to get involved....why? the rapture?).  Russia may have in mind seizing control over these oil producing countries.  But as we know, God has another outcome in mind.  But I suspect that the above are the "motivations" for Russia's involvement.
 
 
 
 

Maranatha!
Deborah
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