Crisis in the Gaza Strip

January 9, 2009

Dust-Up

Should Israel deal with Hamas?

Today's topic: Should Israel deal with Hamas? Is Hamas a legitimate, democratically elected organization that cannot be ignored or a criminal, terrorist organization that should be shunned at all costs? Previously, Bisharat and Phillips discussed the high civilian casualty count in the Gaza Strip and what Israel is trying to accomplish with its offensive against Hamas.

January 8, 2009

Dust-Up

What's Israel trying to accomplish in Gaza?

Today's topic: What is Israel's strategic objective in this operation? Is it merely trying to stop the rocketing, is it trying to eliminate Hamas or is it trying to do something else? And can it work? Previously, Bisharat and Phillips discussed the high Palestinian civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.

January 7, 2009

Dust-Up

Will Hamas emerge stronger?

Today's topic: Israel is killing an awful lot of people in its attempt to bring Hamas under control. Some say that such a show of force is necessary to help Israel regain its aura of strength and its power of deterrence. Others say that the tactics could backfire, radicalize Palestinians and alienate the world while making Hamas stronger. What's the truth? George E. Bisharat and James Phillips debate the violence in the Gaza Strip.