So I have thoughts, but I know enough to know I'm not as well schooled as others (though that doesn't discount my opinion).
Why did Hamas do this NOW?
(Pinging @Render specifically, though you have no obligation to drop knowledge bombs, you're just awfully convenient and have insight).
For sake of argument, I'm going to assume Iran played a heavy part in advising and arming Hamas because... DUH.
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@Render I've heard a few theories:
1. Shake things up, take more power from the Palestinian Authority.
2. Surprise military might would weaken the global view of Israel's military capability. Allow other countries critical of Israel to feel a little moew brazen.
3. Think that by taking hostages they could force release of some of their captured members.
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@Render I'm sort of a #4 person... #3 seems a little like they didn't really read the room. #1 would sound good but my understanding is that the PA is sort of in name only. #5... betting against a relatively militarized Israel is about as good as getting into a land war in Asia. #2... maybe? I dunno.
@Render @AI78 Allow me to put my tinfoil hat on for a moment:
- after the deal Biden brokered with Iran to exchange hostages for access to their frozen assets, Iran then lending strength to a Hamas strike on Israel weakens Biden's political position.
- potential long term conflict in the middle east can lead to higher energy prices, also weakening Biden and Democrats' 2024 prospects.
- worldwide support for Israel comes out of assets currently begin sent to Ukraine
3 wins for Putin.
It's a little tin-foil-hatty, but the implication you make, if true, would weaken Biden's position. That would make Trump's campaign stronger leading to a regime revert that would be less likely to work with Iran on a road to peace.
On the flipside the colossal shitshow that would occur after that would be a great opportunity to capitalize on the relative incompetence of the leadership. Likewise less hostile towards Russia who has already partnered with Iran.
Confusing.
Frankly, that's a terrible idea.
The world will turn hostile to any country that uses a nuclear weapon.
A nuclear weapon is indiscriminate murder. Whether or not it was the right decision in WWII.
You could have collateral damage or radioactive wind going into Israel or a number of other countries. It would be both morally abhorrent and geopolitically disadvantageous to do.
I don't see it unless Israel truly faces the prospect of imminent destruction. They're not.
Again... not a modern weapons / tactics expert.
My understanding is that the neutron bomb releases lesser heat and impact, however a significant amount of radiation. Still not ideal.
It feels like your initial comment advocates for Palestinian genocide. Hamas is undeniably evil. But does that mean that we need to kill Palestinians indiscriminately? It doesn't matter what the fuck side you're on, that's just wrong.
@AI78 @Render I agree it’s sad and majority are kids and women, think like here biggest problems are young men say 16 to 32 with no meaningful jobs available too them and to much free time no future no alcohol or women to date! Firm believer in that if you work a job for 8 to 10 hr a day with good pay you’re much more unlikely to get in trouble! Just don’t get it we will spend billions on bombs when for the same money would need them!
@Render
4. Iran wants to throw a monkey wrench into Saudi/Israeli peace talks.
5. They were sort of stalled out on any movement. We had a right-wing nationalist surge in Israel in the last few years and they knew the fight was going to happen sooner or later.