oneworldtalk

PM Ehud Olmert is largely accountable for last year's military incursions into Lebanon at huge military, human and political costs for Israel.

Regardless of what Olmert may claim, the Hezbollah remains a powerful force, hardly dented by Israeli attacks. The haste at which he retaliated against Hezbollah's seizure Israeli soldier put the country at risk of heavy casualties without any gains.

Arrogance, overconfidence, complacence and the lack of strategic view possibly led to miscalculations and painful consequences that kept returning to haunt those responsible.

The complexity of problems in the Middle East are compounded by Israeli ally US, with a President like Bush who is largely responsible for the current quagmire and sectarian violence in Iraq. Like his counterpart, Olmert did not explore diplomatic and non-military alternatives before embarking on war.

Israel has not had a leader with the vision, calibre and moral authority of Yitzhak Rabin for a long while. In an era of instability, we need more leaders who could exercise prudence and sound judgement.

Update : please refer to to related thread -

Israel political leaders dog by corruption scandals : http://oneworldtalk.freeforums.org/scan ... .html#4630