Opinions from around the world

Israel knows that when fighting starts on the ground, we also have to prepare for another battle from around the world - the battle of opinion. And knowing the world as well as we do, we embrace for impact, and try to defend the ongoing attacks at Israel from the Arab world, the UN and of course our all time favorite the EU.

But there are a few leaders out there that are going against the Flow and are coming out and saying things IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL. I am not sure that the world is ready to hear such things but it seems that sometimes Israel can actually do the right thing. There are even those coming out and saying the Israel has the right to defend itself - These people are surly crazy. Here are a couple of examples:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper defended Israel's air attack and sea blockade on Lebanon today, dismissing some suggestions that it was a disproportionate response to the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah terrorists.

Israel has the right to defend itself. I think Israel's response under the circumstances has been reserved. I think it's tremendously disappointing that these attacks come in areas that Israel voluntarily evacuated. So I think the onus to end this escalation is on the other side. And I would urge them to return the prisoners. (source: National Post/Hat Tip: Shlemazl)

If that not enough This is what Tony Blair said yesterday (hinting at France and Russia?):

"We can condemn as much as we like, we are not actually in that situation. We are not having to make the decisions in that situation. (source)

Bush came out saying the following:

U.S. President George W. Bush laid the blame for the violence squarely on Hezbollah, calling it a "group of terrorists who want to stop the advance of peace.'' (source)

It nice/sad to see that it takes an attack like we had on Tuesday to get some of the world leaders to back Israel. Of course it makes it that much more amusing how the EU can come out saying this:

"The European Union is greatly concerned about the disproportionate use of force by Israel in Lebanon in response to attacks by Hezbollah on Israel,'' according to a statement issued by Finland, which holds the EU's rotating presidency. "The presidency deplores the loss of civilian lives and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. The imposition of an air and sea blockade on Lebanon cannot be justified.''

Notice that neither Hezbollah nor Lebanon are held to any degree of responsibility in this event. They also neglect to mention the fact that Hezbollah had fired over 100 rockets into Israel yesterday including Haifa.

But to top the Cake we have Russia and France - always there to give us a good "laugh":

French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy called Israel’s bombardment of Beirut’s international airport “a disproportionate act of war,” adding the risk of a regional war “absolutely” existed.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mikhail Kamynin denounced both Israel’s attack on Lebanon and its on-going operations against the Palestinian territories. “The continuing destruction by Israel of civilian infrastructure in Lebanon and in Palestinian territory (and) the disproportionate use of force from which civilian populations suffer cannot be understood and justified,” he said.

“The attack on Beirut international airport is a dangerous step on the way to military escalation,” he added, calling on all sides to stop a slip towards war. (source)

I must ask the French what a disproportionate act of war means? Is there a proportionate act of war?? is that when you hold up a white flag after they kill you or before??

The Russians also seem to think that this started when Israel Attacked the airport - becuase up until then all was fine and dandy.
Then again these are all countries that don't like to see Jews fight back - They were a lot hapier when you could progrom a Jewish community and they would get up and leave - I bet they miss the "good old Days"
Shabbat Shalom