If you really really want insightful news and analysis about the Israeli adventure in Lebannon, Billmon is the place to go. The guy has been on fire with incredibly insightful, and beautifully written, analysis of how Israel has fallen into the "Bush" trap of thinking that power/force trumps all in asymmetrical warfare against highly committed and motivated guerrilla fighters. Israel is clearly losing this latest round as evidenced by their continued scaling back of the "objective". Hezbollah, by definition, has already won in the way that ants always win via basic survival instincts (I know, I'm in that battle right now).

All of these events have brought to mind some "looking at the forest" thinking for me. Why is it that we're in a period of time where radical fundamentalism (yes, even here in the good ole' U.S. of A.) is on the march? I've gotta believe it's a backlash to technological and cultural change that is occurring so fast that people cannot accept it. In the face of this fast pace change, ordinary individuals are seeking refuge in the familiar and comfortable confines of simple thinking, black/white rules, and direction from "above", whoever that may be, usually the latest whacko with a messianic complex.

Of course the paradox is that these same people are the ones using blackberries, cell phones, GPS devices, and all forms of technology while watching the latest episodes of American Idol, even if they are in the middle of BFE*. Afterall, doesn't our fearless leader reflect this exact paradox, dropping laser guided bombs from drones operated in Nevada while wanting to take the U.S. back to the stone age culturally? Is Bush a cause or a reflection?

I suppose the human race will adapt before destroying itself. But I suspect that the final segment of my life will be far more akin to the cold war than the Clinton years.

*Bum Fuck Egypt