Action, reaction: Israel is anwering call to protect its citizens

As expected, this morning brought all sorts of reaction from all over the world concerning the Israelis’ decision to take proactive measures to end the terror of Hezbollah.

Instead of reacting to another attack, capture or other threat, they headed to what they see as a co-conspirator of the militant terrorists — and they bombed Lebanon’s cities.

And that response prompted what might be expected — severe criticism and calls for sanctions from those who do not have someone kidnapping and executing their soldiers and terrorizing their towns.

One has to wonder what would be the response if terrorists hit Berlin, Moscow or Paris? Would those leaders then be content to wait for diplomacy to work — even if it had already been years?

Those who are asking Israel to exercise restraint are right, too. There is no need to turn a statement into a full-scale war if that is not necessary. But that does not mean there is a reason to condemn a country that has chosen to defend its people vigorously rather than turning the other cheek.

The world is really at a crossroads. We have to decide how we are going to react to the threat of terrorism worldwide — and whom we are going to hold responsible for the continuing growth and support of some of these militant groups.

The Israelis’ reaction should remind us that this is not going to be easy and the decisions we make might not be popular, but they are necessary.

The time to hope that the threat will disappear or that we will be safe as long as we are quiet is over. It ended Sept. 11, 2001. Now it is time to act and to support others who are ready to fight back.

Published in Editorials on July 14, 2006 11:05 AM