Conventional Wisdom Is Often Wrong

Many became 'alarmed' with the Israeli Incursion into Southern Lebanon. Several of this poster's favorite sources, embraced hysteria, jumping into the fog of battle. But, alarmists are never quite accurate.

And they are being proved wrong again...
'Even a cursory perusal of the Arab press, will reveal that Hizbullah's status in Lebanon has changed for the worse, as many Lebanese come to the rather shocking realization that the south of their country, unknown to them, had in fact been transformed into an Iranian and Syrian launching pad against Israel posing an existential threat to their own livelihoods and to their entire country.

Hizbullah is now on the defensive, trying to protect its political assets against a more assertive Lebanese domestic majority, that seems more determined than ever to contain Hizbullah's "state within a state," so that they are not drawn again into a destructive war with Israel, without as much as a word of consultation.'

We have watched an irrational negative perception, sway many since the Election of 2004. So many issues, have been overwhelmed by confusing emotions, losing all objectivity.


'Arabs Increasingly See Lebanon As A Loss'

The Jerusalem Post notes several indicators that the Arabs now discuss that hardly supports the idea that Nasrallah triumphed over Israel:

* Hezbollah lost almost a quarter of its ground forces and had to flee the sub-Litani region; Israel lost 100 men.

* The war left multibillion-dollar damage throughout Lebanon; Hezbollah barely dented Israeli infrastructure.

* Hezbollah lost a number of command-and-control centers that Israel destroyed during its incursion, and will not likely be allowed to rebuild them.

* Almost all of its long- and medium-range rocketry and launch materiel has been destroyed, and the short-range rockets that they have in large numbers proved completely ineffective, both militarily and as a political/terror deterrent. In fact, the failure of the rocketry to force Israel out of the war has severely damaged Hezbollah's main purpose for the Iranians, which wanted Hezbollah and its rockets to serve as a psychological weapon and deterrent against any military action. Now that the Israelis have weathered the worst of Nasrallah's attacks, no one fears them any more.

Mr. Charles Krauthammer was one of the many Conservative Pundits, this poster greatly appreciates, who was convinced the Israeli effort was a disaster. He intensely asserted, Israel had suffered a significant defeat. One may remember, Mr. Krauthammer had previously accepted MSM misrepresentations of the Katrina Tragedy.

Mr. Krauthammer once complained on the Fox News 'Special Report' program, President Bush's pre-declaration of a Disaster Area on the Southern Coast, was an overreaction to the incoming Hurricane. Later, he would mimic various 'drive by' hype, with an emotional rebuke of the Bush Administration as providing an inadequate response.

Everyone is human, everyone makes mistakes, and everyone has their bad days. To provide commentary on Television must be a sincere challenge. And using the Liberal Media as a source is treacherous.

However, it was odd to see such alarmist responses from so many Conservatives. Especially those in such high profile forums. The combat had not even ended in this Battle in Southern Lebanon, and many were convinced of a defeat without significant basis. This poster wanted to send these admired voices a very stiff drink, and strongly advise they leave the Beltway for a needed rest.

Why weren't those prepared for the predictable propaganda of the misleading Muslim Radical Militants? Those who would again fictionalize a fake victory, in attempt to deny reality? Have they forgotten about the manipulation in Janin? Pallywood?

Or that wacky comedian Baghdad Bob?

But for many to blame the Bush Administration for the Israeli effort in Southern Lebanon, seemed entirely unfair. The Israeli Operation in Lebanon should have reminded all, how successful, resolved, strong the Bush Administration, the amazing US Armed Forces, and Allied Coalition truly are in Iraq.

It is not without irony, only a week or so ago on a broadcast of Special Report, Mr. Krauthammer changed his prior convictions entirely. After the fog settled, the mighty Mr. Krauthammer stated 'Hezbollah had lost this Mideast War Politically and Militarily..."

HEZBOLLAH DIDN'T WIN

Having lost more than 500 of its fighters, and with almost all of its medium-range missiles destroyed, Hezbollah may find it hard to sustain its claim of victory. "Hezbollah won the propaganda war because many in the West wanted it to win as a means of settling score with the United States," says Ali al-Ibrahim. "But the Arabs have become wise enough to know TV victory from real victory..."