Oh, Shir. Truce~ma to everyone on both sides, all the PTB and all the regular people just trying to get on with their lives and everyone in between, all stuck in a mess of grievances of their parents' and grandparents' making. Lots and lots of taking-a-deep-breath~ma all around.

(With, because I selfishly worry more about the people I know and the people they worry about, an extra round of ~ma and virtual bubble wrap to your sister.)

Wow, Typo Boy, I somehow missed your reply.

Let me begin by saying that Israel may act like a regional superpower, but that's not how it feels like. The country is weak and fragmented. Acting up like a bully may be just a symptom, but the feeling is that if any war on any front would open now, combined with the fragmentation within might bring Israel back to, let's say, 56' era. Terrorists pose more than a criminal threat to Israel: they pose a threat to the country's strength. Israel really grew weak within the last 4 years, esp. after the Second Lebanon War. So it may has the power NOW, but the feeling is that if the situation will deteriorate just a little bit more, it'll lose a lot more than it can afford.

As for the pressure of Egypt about the Gaza crossing: well, considering whether they like it or not they are a side on this, I can't see why they shouldn't be involved. Gaza has always been the hot potato which nobody wanted to deal with. I think they are a factor as well, and just managed to avoid it for a long time.

As for the killing: yes, I agree: in the end, not a lot of things can justify it. But we're kindda stuck on the moment without any real progress. Any faith in Hamas, Fatah or our very own government was lost, so the country's not in a situation where it can do a lot but keeping the devil it knows.

Not that that's excuse. And I know it's stupid, and causing so much pain and suffering. But that's how things are, from my angle.

The firing doesn't stop. They're saying on the news it's over 30 rockets by now, which means it's probably around 50 (they don't say the actual numbers so they won't fright the people. As if).

It's such a shitty feeling of helplessness.

{{{{{Daisy Jane}}}}}

Real, lasting Peace~ma to the world, and to Israel and Gaza.

Oh Shir. I'm so sorry you and everyone affected are going through this. Safety~ma to all.

Sean, man, I can't believe this. Wishing S a speedy recovery and renewed strength, and wishing you the biggest damn hug in the history of hugdom. 2009 owes you guys BIG TIME.

I am sad and cranky and ready to go home. I hope I get some holiday spirit back overnight. I love my family. I really do. I'm not quite sure what's wrong with me.

Well, I love my family too but too much togetherness is... TOO MUCH. It's an evolutionary thing that forces us to move out of their homes, I think! You've been out there for DAYS already, right? I would have lost it after day 2.

Well, I'm off to Maine for extended time with my family. Merry Xmas (or Happy Holidays) Buffistas!

(((Shir))) You and your sister are in my thoughts today.

Merry Christmas Eve to those who celebrate it. Today is my favorite day of the year.

IOwhinyN, I hab a cold and too much left to do.

Here I am waiting for my flight. TSA is "randomly" checking boarding passes and IDs -- of people who've already gone through security. Right now they seem to be "randomly" checking the middle-eastern-appearing travelers. But maybe that's just my observational bias, and any minute they'll come over here and check the blonde people.

I may be posting a lot, as I have not much else to do today!