 Views & Opinions |
Views & Opinions |
|
|
As the Israel Defense Forces begins its ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, it enjoys technical, communications and surveillance superiority over Hamas, writes Virginia Tech professor Shay Hershkovitz. But those advantages won't guarantee success. |
The Gaza Strip is one of the most densely packed regions in the world, and Hamas has had years to methodically prepare for a ground invasion, including through the construction of underground tunnels, many of which have been booby-trapped with explosives. "These tunnels serve a dual purpose," Hershkovitz writes: "They counter the aerial advantage of the Israeli Air Force by providing a tactical combat advantage, and they offer a haven for its operatives." Hamas's goals include prolonging combat situations and drawing Israel into actions that could subject it to global scrutiny. They do that in part by using civilians as human shields. "Hamas has been known to carry out operations from within homes and public structures, to use civilian ambulances for transporting military personnel and arms, and to launch rockets and mortars towards populated areas in Israel." Hamas also has a secret weapon of sorts. It cares less about the loss of its soldiers than does the IDF. "Recognizing Israel's aversion to military losses, Hamas's strategy is to maximize IDF casualties, so as to curtail duration of hostilities, wound Israeli morale and challenge any perceived victory for the IDF," writes Hershkovitz. "The IDF recognizes the challenges of a ground incursion into Gaza," Hershkovitz concludes. But it must take decisive action because that's what the Israeli public demands. Read the op-ed at TheHill.com. |
Welcome to The Hill's Views & Opinions newsletter, it's Tuesday, Oct. 31. Happy Halloween. I'm Daniel Allott, bringing together a collection of key opinion pieces published from a wide range of voices. |
|
|
Op-eds exploring key issues affecting the U.S. and world: |
|
|
By Rishi Sunak, prime minister of the United Kingdom |
One of the greatest challenges facing American and British leadership is artificial intelligence. As President Biden said back in June: In the history of human endeavor, there's never been as fundamental a technological change. He was right. And as the world's leading democratic AI powers, the United Kingdom and United States must urgently work together on proposals for how we govern this transformative technology. |
| |
|
By Firas Modad, Middle East analyst |
Israel's military establishment has taken over political decisionmaking in this war. A military defeat in 2023 cannot be blamed on incompetent politicians not giving the army the space to win. This will be the army's victory — or the army's failure. |
| |
|
By Keith Naughton, political strategist |
Trump broke up the traditional Democratic coalition by appealing to union voters and some minority voters. He created a path for an enduring Republican political majority. Unfortunately for the GOP, Trump's complete lack of discipline, control issues, egomania and carelessness have more than counterbalanced what he brings to the table. The political opportunities he created have been squandered by him and his odious acolytes. |
| |
|
By Alexander Motyl, professor of political science at Rutgers University-Newark |
With Russia's presidential elections scheduled for March 2024, popular doubt about Putin's health and existence can only complicate the Kremlin's plans regarding just who should run and what the margin of victory should be. |
| |
|
Opinions related to pivotal issues and figures in the news: |
|
|
You're all caught up. See you next time! |
Views expressed by contributors are theirs and not the opinion of The Hill. Interested in submitting an op-ed? Click here. |
1625 K Street NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20006 |
Copyright © 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. |
|
|
|
If you believe this has been sent to you in error, please safely unsubscribe.
No comments:
Post a Comment