After seven weeks of ‘precision’ bombing, the IDF, by its own reckoning, has managed to kill 1,000 Hamas soldiers. So only another 34,000 to go. So keeping the kill rate constant, it should only take another four and half years of expending a like astronomical weekly ordnance to achieve the war objective of destroying Hamas.
At the same time the IDF managed to kill, by Hamas’ account, 15,000 non-combatants. (Note that that’s a 15:1 collateral kill ratio.) So only another couple million to go. Problem is, that couple million is reproducing faster than the Israelis can kill them. And with every Palestinian the IDF kills, add a couple dozen relatives intent on revenge. So what do you suppose are Israel’s chances of achieving its declared objectives in this war?
Hamas’ objectives, on the other hand, have already been achieved. From Day One – which is to say October 7th – it’s really just been a propaganda war, in which blood-soaked swaddling clothes have been the photographers’ props. And Hamas is winning that war. Also, coincidentally, if rallies are any indication, by about 15 to 1.
So I’m thinking that maybe, just maybe, the Israelis might want to consider an alternative strategy. Call it, if you will, a modest proposal.
Categories: Everything You Wanted to Know About What's Going On in the World But Were Afraid to Ask, Social and Political Philosophy
Paulosophical Vimplications 
Any suggestions as to what that alternative strategy might be on a propaganda war? How about a cease fire if Hamas returns all the hostages still alive, without any exchange of prisoners from Hamas. Then let Hamas explain why it opposes a cease fire. Or why it claims a right to hold on to elderly and child hostages.
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My modest proposal was a little less immodest than above. As Reagan said to Gorbachev, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall!”
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