During the recent war, Israel inflicted severe blows on its enemies. Yet many of those organizations recovered far more quickly than expected. This does not mean they returned to full operational capability, nor does it mean that the infrastructure and organizational systems in Lebanon or Gaza were fully restored. But the broader story is more important. The real problem is that Western societies often demonstrate a willingness to fight, but a limited willingness to pursue decisive victory or bear the full costs that victory may demand.
For the United States, that reluctance often centers on the prospect of losing soldiers. For Israel, it may manifest differently: a deep reluctance to employ overwhelming force against enemies, even while facing organizations committed to its destruction. Meanwhile, many of the groups confronting Israel and the West embrace a radically different worldview, one that glorifies sacrifice and martyrdom. This creates an asymmetric conflict in which one side seeks to minimize casualties while the other may regard death in battle as the goal to achieve, not avoid. Ignoring that ideological gap risks misunderstanding the nature of the conflict, and its baring on Western Decline. (Ed note: It can be added that just about every time in the recent past that Israel has gone in to administer the "coup de grâce" to an enemy, a US President has stepped in to stop them. But this thing ain't over yet. Any bets/thoughts on how long before Hezbollah hits Israel again?) (Read More)
