[Zhukov]

Maybe you could explain why the hard left has jumped to the aid of extremist Islamic theocrats.

Am I the 'hard Left'? Or am I the far, ultra, or extreme Left?

Yassin was no "moderate."

Compared to the blokes under him, I think this guy should have been considered a pacifist.

"Hamas Names Hard-line Figure as New Leader in Gaza"

Also, remember that Yassin was a "spiritual" leader, ie, he didn’t plan military attacks or set specific targets. This doesn’t mean he is a nice guy.

Keep in mind that since the founding of Israel, the Israelis have had to fight five or so wars, all in self-defence. They have never been the "aggressors."

This really has nothing to do with what anybody has said. Israel has never been an aggressor in a war, I agree with you 110%. You have to look at why those wars were started if you want to try to make it relevant.

Apples and oranges; the above measures were done in the interest of responding to threats and maintaining some measure of national security. Also remember that, with the exception of assassinating dangerous terrorist leaders like Yassin, the methods you describe are essentially non-violent.

Not that it matters. Blowing up buildings can be considered non-violent as long as it is to destroy the building and not to slay infidels. The interest of responding to threat and maintaining some measure of national security???

Hands up those that think Israel's a safer place tonight?

Seriously AB, Israel uses methods which cause terror in Palestinians, in my eyes, this is terrorism. They are not maintaining security, they are ensuring future attacks.

Israel and Zionism was initially founded on Socialist, and Communist principles within a Democratic context.

Are you talking about Moses Hess, who was an associate in his youth of Marx and Engels?

I don't consider Herzl or Jabotinsky to have socialist or communist principles, (these are the only guys I know) so you will have to walk me through what you mean.

What I mean when I say the Israeli working people are victims is that they are now dreading the terror attacks that are destined to follow an assassination. I think many Israelis will stay at home istead of going to cafes, or will keep their children out of school just to be safe.

What I mean when I say the Palestinians are victims is this:

As for the Palestinian working class, I can only hope less of them will be blackmailed into blowing themselves up as part of Yassin's Or Rantisi's or Arafat's genocidal dreams.

and also they are going to get any remaining houses destroyed, people arrested, "collateral damage" whatever. In other words, the cycle will continue with both Israeli and Palestinian people feeling the pressure.