Another calculated US response to Israeli battlefield gains. The rout at Shifa really fucked up the administration's plans x.com/shibleytelhami…
Another calculated US response to Israeli battlefield gains. The rout at Shifa really fucked up the administration's plans x.com/shibleytelhami…
Of course Russo is making a normative statement rather than a predictive one. Ie, read it as: we *hope* they are facing reputational damage, and we might help bring this result about if they don't obey us—rather than, "It's likely this damage will occur/is occurring"
I'd guess the administration believes they're pulling off a sort of Kissengerian move, where if they preserve Arab honor a feeling of mutual victory can create the conditions for a negotiated peace. True enough in 1973, but it badly misreads the state of things in 2024
One under-examined reason: The IDF had much more trouble against Egypt in 1973 than it's having against Hamas/PIJ. Since late October, Israel has made casualties of 1/3-1/2 of a foreign-supported/trained/equipped army of 30,000+, having lost no battles and a total of 250 soldiers
In the modern era I can think of no comparable proportional loss to a force of Hamas/PIJ's size and sophistication, especially given the 15 years they prepared for this conflict. They have no accomplishments since October 10th, roughly.
In contrast,the crossing to the African side of the Suez, while successful,was the deadliest day in the entire history of the IDF iirc. And unlike w/Sadat, who was moving away frm the Soviets even before 73, u will find few Israelis who r concerned abt salvaging Hamas's good name