In the first Dirty Harry film,

[PCIntern]

There is a scene which takes place between Clint Eastwood’s titular character, and various members of the hierarchy of the police force in San Francisco. A young woman has been kidnapped by the psychopath, and they are discussing how the ransom is to be delivered and paid, and Clint Eastwood says words to the effect of “You know she’s already dead.”

I would submit to you that these are the types of discussions already going on in Israel at the highest levels. Many of the hostages are already dead and they know this. In fact, they know much more than they are saying, despite what all the American keyboard experts are insisting.


But do not give up hope: remember Entebbe. The Western countries “knew” that Idi Amin and the terrorists were going to win that battle. And the Six Day War: Israel was thought to be doomed by “experts” and commentators here. I know this well because the father of a classmate of mine in 1967 was a professor at Princeton and considered one of the world’s foremost experts in the Pan-Arab movement and predicted the certain demise of Israel. After the Egyptian Air Force was annihilated, even then he was unshakable. Eventually, he had to revise his writings dramatically by placing a lot of “nots” and “didn’t-s” in.

We shall see what ensues.

[Mr.Bill]

1. "American keyboard expert"

I like that. I'm going to use it as my screen name on another website.

[CincyDem]

2. Exceptional perspective, especially in light of Hamas leadership announcing no hostage will leave alive.

I loved that movie and completely forgotten that scene. But reading your account, I can see the chief’s office and a tall, dark haired Clint Eastwood (pre-chair talker) standing in front of the desk.

Thanks. There’s always hope and Israel has defied the odds before, including Munich. Today, the odds are feeling much longer than in the last.

But, as is said in the investment world…hope is not a strategy.

[The Unmitigated Gall]

3. If proof of life demonstration was possible

I would think Hamas would be showing it right about now.

[yagotme]

4. I don't know.

I think they're cruel enough to just keep everyone guessing their status.

[yagotme]

5. "I know what you're thinking, punk."

"Did he fire five, or six? To tell you the truth, in all the excitement, I kinda forgot, myself. Well, punk? Do you feel lucky???"