The Young Turks Blog

What Was Israel Supposed to Do?

Cenk Uygur — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:13:32 -0500

The government of Israel keeps saying their actions in Gaza are justifiable because they are doing it in retaliation for what Hamas has done. Hamas says the same exact thing - that they are firing the rockets in retaliation for what Israel did in imposing a blockade and bombing their tunnels and leaders. I find both points completely unpersuasive - yes, including Israel's.

Every day now, I hear someone saying, "What was Israel supposed to do? Hamas keeps firing rockets into their country." So, here is a quick list of the things they were supposed to do:

1. Not break the cease fire in the first place.

Yes, I understand their frustration with the tunnels, which are used not only to smuggle in food, medicine and goods, but also to smuggle in weapons. But those weapons were not being used until Israel started bombing the tunnels.

What were they supposed to do? Wait until the weapons were used? Yes! That's the point of a cease-fire. I know Israel would not like any of their enemies to have any weapons. From their perspective that makes sense. But Israel doesn't need tunnels for weapons, the US just gives it to them and their weapons are a thousand times bigger.

So, yes, you do not bomb just because the other side might acquire one percent of the weapons you have. Otherwise, you will always be bombing, because it is logical for the other side to try to acquire those weapons for what they perceive to be self-defense.

If you're threshold for starting violence is that the other side is thinking about it (close to the rationale we used in Iraq), then you will always be starting wars. Self-defense, my ass. Those are called first strikes. If you think it's necessary, fine, but don't pretend that you didn't start the hostilities.

2. You are stronger. Don't strike back.

Special Coverage of the Vice Presidential Debates Tonight

Cenk Uygur — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:56:00 -0400

The Young Turks Show will be providing special live coverage of the Vice Presidential debates tonight, beginning at 9:00pm ET. During the debates TYT host Cenk Uygur will do play-by-play analysis of the candidates answers. Afterward, special guests will join the show to give their perspectives. There will even be a conservative blogger on the show to point out the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate. Tune into www.theyoungturks.com and get your VP debate fix!

Obama Is Finally Attacking McCain

Ana Kasparian — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:52:46 -0400

After John McCain continuously threw punches at Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate for presidency failed to fight back in an effective way. But it looks like Obama is getting the hang of running a stronger campaign. Barack fights back and tackles McCain's lies! More details in the video clip.

New Rules For FBI To Spy On You Even More

Ana Kasparian — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:45:20 -0400

The Bush Administration has introduced new "rules" from the Justice Department where the government can spy on Americans even more. Bush and his cronies have no respect for the right to privacy. Watch the video for more information, or watch the entire show at www.theyoungturks.com.

TYT React to Bill Clinton's Speech at DNC

Ana Kasparian — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:12:55 -0400

The Young Turks were on-air and live when Bill Clinton gave his impressive speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. In case you missed the commentary after Clinton's speech, the video clip will fill you in.

VIDEO: The Young Turks - Justice Department Aides Broke The Law

Dorsey Shaw — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:03:26 -0400

The Young Turks are Back!!! 9pm EST to 11pm EST

Tim Einenkel — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:12:20 -0400

Guess what? The Young Turks are back and live on AirAmerica.Com from 9pm EST to 11pm EST. Click here to watch their show

The Young Turks are Live on AirAmerica.com

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:57:14 -0400