Monday, June 14, 2010

Gaza flotilla deaths can be blamed on Obama

According to a report by World Tribune, the nine deaths that occurred when Israeli commandos stormed the Free Gaza "aid" flotilla that tried to break Israel's maritime blockade of the Hamas-ruled territory last week can be largely blamed on US President Barack Obama.

The paper cited diplomatic sources that revealed Obama had demanded Israel "exercise extreme caution and restraint" and not use traditional non-lethal riot gear (like tear gas) against the passengers, even after Israel shared intelligence showing the passenger of the Mavi Marmara were affiliated with a Turkish terror group and likely to offer violent resistance. Had the Israelis boarded the Mavi Marmara with tear gas and rubber bullets, it is very likely there would have been no fatalities in the confrontation.

Instead, the Israeli commandos carried only paintball guns and pistols. They were quickly overwhelmed by dozens of "peace" activists wielding knives and clubs, and several of the Israelis were taken hostage. The second wave of commandos, understandably fearful that their captured comrades were being lynched or may end up like other abducted Israeli soldiers, quickly requested and received permission to use their sidearms.

In a misguided effort to prevent a violent clash by putting the Israeli commandos and the activists on equal footing, the White House actually set the stage for a far more deadly situation.

Comment: The larger question is why did the Israeli IDF agree to such terms? What does Obama hold over Israel in order to get us to follow such stupid protocols? There is more to this story.

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