It’s not what you think.

Excellent analysis by the Economist.

I guess these guys didn’t get the memo.

A government howling about how hostile the world is to it whose actions cause said hostility.

The problem with chicken is that when nobody swerves, people get hurt.

Whack-A-Mole edition. While ISAF turns to its attention Kandahar, it looks like the Taliban is focusing on softer targets in the east. Free Range International sees a bit more nuance to the strategy.

Who will swerve first? If Israel doesn’t swerve, they have to justify an embargo of Gaza. If Israel swerves, it looks weak. If the Palestinians on the boat don’t swerve, they get major bonus points for running the blockade. If the people on the boat swerve, its still OK  because they made their point: Israel is Goliath. If neither swerve, I think Israel loses because the Palestinians will still get points for standing up to Israel. Seems to me Israel is in a box on this round.