January 6, 2009
Posted: 04:34 PM ET
An audio message says that Israeli airstrikes in Gaza are a gift from President-elect Barack Obama.
An audio message says that Israeli airstrikes in Gaza are a gift from President-elect Barack Obama.

(CNN) – An audio message reportedly from al Qaeda's deputy chief vows revenge for Israel's air and ground assault on Gaza and calls the Jewish state's actions against Hamas militants "a gift" from President-elect Barack Obama.

The speaker, identified as Ayman al-Zawahiri, addresses Muslims in Gaza, stating that the violence "is one part of a series of a crusade war against Islam and these airstrikes are a gift from Obama before he takes office."

The message, posted on various Islamist Web sites Tuesday, urges militants to rally against Israel.

"My Muslim brothers and mujahedeens in Gaza and all over Palestine, with the help of God we are with you in the battle, we will direct our strikes against the crusader Jewish coalition wherever we can."

The 10-minute message moves on to address Muslims worldwide, claiming that Obama was portrayed as "the savior who will come and change American policy" during the U.S. election but is now "killing your brothers and sisters in Gaza without mercy or even pity."

Obama's transition team did not immediately respond to the message. Earlier Tuesday, the president-elect said he is "deeply concerned" about the loss of life in Gaza and Israel and promised to make the issue a top priority in his administration.

Filed under: Barack Obama


dr.mimi de la cruz   January 6th, 2009 8:52 pm ET

PALESTINIANS LEADERS NEED TO STOP FEEDING THAT CRAP

TO THEIR POOR PEOPLE.& THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE NEED

TO STOP SWALLOWING THAT KIND OF CRAP & ELECT NEW ONES.

ISRAEL WILL RETALIATE WHEN ATTACKED.

THAT FOLKS IS CALLED COMMON SENSE. GET SOME !!!

NEW YORKER   January 6th, 2009 8:46 pm ET

THE PALESTINIANS DON'T SEEM TO READ MUCH.

PRESIDENT-elect OBAMA IS NOT PRESIDENT UNTIL 1/20/09.

WHATS MORE, OBAMA IS NOT THEIR PRESIDENT & THEY SHOULD

START THE HABIT OF HOLDING THEIR LEADERS & THEMSELVES

RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS, NOT US. PALESTINIAN

LEADERS ARE FLOODING THE STREETS WITH PALESTINIAN

BLOOD, NOT US. THEIR OWN LEADER HAVE BETRAYED THEM.

RD   January 6th, 2009 8:45 pm ET

Many people are putting the blame on US and other countries for pursuing election of Hamas in Palestinian Government. And democracy's effectivity is questioned in here since its the main driving force that causes the ongoing crisis in Gaza Strip. It would bear much pressure for Obama to deal with this problem.

Ed   January 6th, 2009 8:41 pm ET

A terrorist succeeds at terrorism when the news networks broadcast their propaganda. Such as the picture with this story. A made for TV propaganda exhibit by a terrorist.

My guess is that Hamas would simply just fade away if the news networks quit reporting their propaganda.

Jeff From Jersey   January 6th, 2009 8:39 pm ET

These creeps are actually hiding behind their own children.How ironic is THAT?Isn't that kind of like what we do?We send our children off to fight a despicable war while we sit nice and cozy in front of 54″ televisions and decide who is and isn't a terrorist?

Anyone that uses children in the wars that old people start should be condemned…including us.

a southern bell   January 6th, 2009 8:36 pm ET

IT MAY SURPRISE THE PALESTINIANS BUT

PRESIDENT-elect BARACK OBAMA DOES HAVE A FEW OF

OUR THINGS TO DO. WE ELECTED OBAMA TO SOLVE OUR

PROBLEMS & THE PALESTINIANS SHOULD ELECT LEADERS

THAT WORK ON SOLVING THEIR PROBLEMS, INSTEAD OF ONES

THAT MAKE THEM WORSE. WHAT DID THEY EXPECT ISRAEL TO

DO WHEN AT THE RECEIVING END OF MISSILE ATTACKS ?

BY THE WAY ISRAEL DOESN'T NEED THE US TO DEMOLISH THE

PALESTINIANS. WE ARE A SUPPORTER & A FRIEND BUT DON'T

GET IT TWISTED. ISRAEL HAS THE ABILITY ON THEIR OWN.

chuck   January 6th, 2009 8:35 pm ET

REGARDLESS WHO SAYS WHAT,HAMAS MUST BE DESTROYED COMPLETELY OR ELSE IT'S GOING TO BE THE SAME OLD TUNE BEING PLAYED. ONCE AND FOR ALL DESTROY THEM REGARDLESS OF THE COSTS AND TALKS. THESE ARE TERRORISTS. GO ISRAEL GO. DO A COMPLETE JOB.

jennifer   January 6th, 2009 8:31 pm ET

TCM you have got to learn to control your chicken little mind. Get used to it, Bush and your ilk made the world a more dangerous place. Obama may seem weak to you but to most people that means intellligent and educated. Duh. John Wayne was a fictional figure, but that's probably too deep for you.

JM   January 6th, 2009 8:30 pm ET

It's niave to think that Hamas will rest until Israel is destroyed. It is their mission. Israel is justified in their actions and needs to eliminate Hamas once and for all! There will never be peace until then.

NJVote08   January 6th, 2009 8:26 pm ET

TCM January 6th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

Ok, OBAMA…what'cha gonna do? Sit down have a chat with them? They are so reasonable after all…..haha….everyone better arm yourself. Once Bush is gone, we will have a president that won't protect us. At least he was smart enough to retain Gates and his team, so we might have a chance.
______________________________________________________
You desperately need someone to love you so that you will know how to love others.

Nino   January 6th, 2009 8:23 pm ET

Here's how it work's. US borrows billions from China. Gives the money to Palestine and Israel. Buy weopons from the US. And all it takes is one shot. There you have it. The report from AL Qaeda is right on.

ga.   January 6th, 2009 8:11 pm ET

GOD HELP US ALL.

Texas Teacher   January 6th, 2009 8:01 pm ET

And should we expect anything different from these terrorist?

They have been lobbing bombs into Israel day after day after day…. they wanted just what they have gotten…. now they can say it is NOT our fault…. but Israel! Excuse me while I spit!

I pity the people of Gaza… their terrorists are killing them in the name of their stupid hate and fanatic religious beliefs. The whole world including Israel would help them if not for these stupid terrorists!

Ted:Canada   January 6th, 2009 7:50 pm ET

world reaction

CUPE calls for ban on Israeli professors
National Post, Canada – 14 hours ago
… regional director of the Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) in Ontario, called the resolution "unbalanced, unfair and unhelpful." "Once again Sid Ryan is …
Ontario union wants ban on Israeli academics Globe and Mail
Union may ban Israeli academics who support offensive CTV.ca
Union at Ontario Universities Proposes Boycott of Israeli Professors

Tom in Delaware   January 6th, 2009 7:45 pm ET

Anybody notice that the Iraqis are not dancing in the streets demanding the destruction of Israel anymore?

After the destruction of Fallujah the Iraqi citizens became personally invested in their own welfare, so by the time the Madhi Army of Muqtada Al-Sadr was eliminated this Spring they were quite cooperative in helping to point out their location when they tried to blend in with the rest of the populace.

What the Gazans really need is their very own Fallujah, and that's exactly what the Israelis are going to give them…then we'll see how the Palestinians feel about letting Hamas set up defences in Schools and Mosques.

Time for Hamas to die.

TCM   January 6th, 2009 7:41 pm ET

SMURGS January 6th, 2009 6:20 pm ET

Twist it however you like; the radicals don't like dealing with Bush for two reasons, he won't take their crap, and he'll retaliate….Obama wants to sit and "discuss," things…the only thing they understand is fear….and hot lead exiting the barrel of my AR10…..at least, that's how I talked to them…and they didn't talk back…at least I couldn't hear them from 500-600 meters…..otherwise…radical islam is like termites…no matter how much you "treat" for it…it resurfaces…so, the cure is a constant treatment….
and guess what? We've been applying a constant treatment and there's been no attacks on our soil….so, kiss Obama's heiny all you like, he's going to get us attacked again…"They" know he's weak.

Ted:Canada   January 6th, 2009 7:40 pm ET

In Canada – national union leader want all Jewish professors out of Canadian Universities…for being silent against what he calls the Jews "inhumanity"

This is getting ugly!!!

Lyndon from CA   January 6th, 2009 7:40 pm ET

Nuke 'em!

arc, Lugano CH   January 6th, 2009 7:39 pm ET

TCM January 6th, 2009 5:28 pm ET
haha….everyone better arm yourself. Once Bush is gone, we will have a president that won't protect us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Are you implying that you intend to arm yourself for the purpose of harming and/or killing Muslims or Arabs living in the United States? Is that what you are saying? It sure sounds like that is what you are saying. Is this your interpretation of ‘Country First’?

Willy Brown   January 6th, 2009 7:37 pm ET

Death to America, death to Israel blah, blah, blah. To the Middle East; if you want to end the war then turn hamas and all terrorist away, no exceptions period.

arc, Lugano CH   January 6th, 2009 7:33 pm ET

smurgs January 6th, 2009 6:20 pm ET
TCM: Don't forget it was Bush's desire for global Democracy that got Hamas democratically elected to begin with. How is that "protecting" anyone?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Indeed.

Proud American   January 6th, 2009 7:32 pm ET

What's really funny is Al Qaeda's is still sending Video's and reports. How much has your leader spent on terror in Iraq? Almost 8 years later and their still thumbing their nose at you Bush. I guess Obama will have to get that job done too. What would you Idiot republicans do without democrats to always there to bail you out?

Puff   January 6th, 2009 7:27 pm ET

In such perilous times, the USA has a whoozie girl for a president. Take up your arms because we will have to protect ourselves once he takes over. He is a girly wimp who will make us a 3rd world country as soon as he can.
He'll probably be having tea with Hamas on the 21st.

GuyInVA   January 6th, 2009 7:22 pm ET

Buckeye is right. The slaughter of innocents must stop. As soon as every last member of Hamas is hunted down and exterminated, it will stop.

Irritated in Fl   January 6th, 2009 7:20 pm ET

Why do we care about Israel exactly? It seems to me that they are flaunting their ally status with the US and daring the eastern nations to fight them because if they do then the mighty powerful US of A will come in and kick their butts. I think we need to stop protecting Israel. Let them fend for them selves.

Former Republican   January 6th, 2009 7:19 pm ET

THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE SHOULD MAKE THEIR LEADERS

RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PREDICAMENT. THEY DECIDED TO

LOUCHE MISSILES AT ISRAEL. NOW ISRAEL IS RETALIATING.

ISRAEL IS SHOWING A LOT MORE RESERVE THAN I WOULD

UNDER THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES. PALESTINIANS NEED TO

ELECT LEADERS THAT USE SOME KIND OF COMMON SENSE.

FreeNLovIt   January 6th, 2009 7:16 pm ET

Please look in the mirror. Who threw the first stone? They're both deserving of being flogged publicly, especially the ones who threw the first stone.

I dont understand the Mddle Eastrn mentality. Why do they always throw grenades and shower us all with bombs when things dont go their way? Thank God Christianity is not like that.

Irritated in Fl   January 6th, 2009 7:16 pm ET

The muslim terrorists are just mad at Obama for denying his heritage and religion. I don't think I'd want to be living in NY or DC anytime soon though.

FreeNLovIt   January 6th, 2009 7:15 pm ET

Please look in the mirror. Who threw the first stone? They're both deserving of being flogged publicly, especially the ones who threw the first stone.

pat C.   January 6th, 2009 7:12 pm ET

give us all a break!!!! obama is not yet the president and can not override one thing that bush has said and done. what is bush doing to help this situation???? give obama a break and wait until he is in office before you start bashing him!!!

dr.mimi de la cruz   January 6th, 2009 7:12 pm ET

I HATE WAR, BUT IF ANYONE WAS LAUNCHING MISSILES AT

AMERICANS, I AT 58 WOULD JOIN THE SERVICE, IF ALLOWED.

THE PALESTINIAN ELECTED LEADERS ARE TOTALLY TO BLAME

FOR THE PREDICAMENT THEY ARE IN.

WHAT DID THEY THINK ISRAEL WOULD DO, WHISTLE DIXIE ??

Robin   January 6th, 2009 7:10 pm ET

TCM,

Scary isn't it.

david goldman   January 6th, 2009 7:07 pm ET

THE BOMBING IS NOT A GIFT FROM PEBO BUT FROM THE

ELECTED LEADERS OF THE PALESTINIANS. WHAT EVER

BUILDING LAUNCHES ORDINANCES AGAINST ISRAEL SHOULD

BE CONSIDERED A MILITARY SIGHT & BOMBED TO THE GROUND.

THE PALESTINIANS ARE DESIGNATING THOSE BUILDINGS AS

MILITARY SIGHTS, WHILE OCCUPIED BY CIVILIANS, NOT OBAMA.

Noah   January 6th, 2009 7:05 pm ET

The more Hamas supporters Israel kills, the better the world will be. It will be better for Israeli civilians currently targeted by Hamas missiles. It will be better for Arabs in Gaza, currently used as human shields by Hamas. Everyone wins if Israel wins. And the only way to win is to achieve a clear military victory. Not a total victory, which is not possible, but a victory so large that Hamas is humiliated and rendered useless to their sponsors in Iran and Syria.

Just before Christmas, Hamas voted to reinstate traditional Sharia practices, including crucifixion. I wonder how American Lefties–who protest both Israel and Easter decorations on government property–feel about REAL government-sponsored crucifixions?

This is a struggle between good and evil. Israel represents the values of the West. They're the good guys. Hamas is the Islamist thuggery that would drag their corner of the world back to the 9th Century. They're the bad guys. If you can't tell the difference, you're either a moron or a member of the Partisan Press.

Viet Vet   January 6th, 2009 7:04 pm ET

Tell the Hamas to cease and decist or they will be deceased

Simmy   January 6th, 2009 7:02 pm ET

***************************************************************************
President-Elect Obama has been attacked left and right since he began his presidential campaign. Now that he has been elected President, he is still being blamed for almost everything that happens in this country, and now the world?
**************************************************************************** To you dissidents in this country, start planning your moves now, cause come 12009, there's a new sheriff in town. A real one. And change has already come. You can never please all of the people all of the time. Thank God for a man of steel (backbone) who is confident and not intimidated. He is so not intimidated that he didn't even think to call Feinstein. He apologized, but god I love this man!
****************************************************************************
HAMAS:

Do not underestimate President-E Obama. Don't start none -won't be done! God Bless Wonderful America. Fall in love again people!

Curious dude   January 6th, 2009 7:01 pm ET

Ron Paul predicted this also. When will the government stop putting us in a position to be harmed? They are supposed to protect us.

Melissa B ~ California   January 6th, 2009 7:00 pm ET

We don't need Al Qaeda's view that the US is responsible for the Gaza crisis, there are numerous Hamas sympathizers on Larry King's blogs who have been saying the same thing for days now. America is breeding more malcontents then I've ever seen in the history of this country. These fanatics refuse to denounce the rocket attacks in Israel, even giving reasons why that feel the palestinians have every right to attack innocent Israeli civilians. We don't need to find the enemy overseas, there's a lot of them right here in America.

boered1   January 6th, 2009 6:59 pm ET

@tired of corporate politics

Actually those of us who voted for Obama are well aware that he has stated those things, you see we did actual RESEARCH into our candidate. We also understand that "Force is the last step in diplomancy" but it IS a step. SO we do not have a problem with a man who advocates peace, strives for peace, is willing to talk to his enemies face to face to resoplve differences is also willing, when all other paths have failed, to resort to war to protect us. That is the difference Obama, a man who wants peace, understands this also. He is a realist, not some drivel spouting"patriot" whose answer to every problem is send in the guns nor a snivelling coward who believes the answer is to just talk.. he knows you have to "walk softly but carry a big stick" and that you attract more flies with honey than vinager but you stop the fies with a swatter when needed. this is change.. change even you can believe in if you try to open yourself up

idiots (not necessarily directed at you tired.. it is my "signature closeing statement and is directed at ALL the people who advocate from the extremes)

Mike, Syracuse NY   January 6th, 2009 6:59 pm ET

Both sides have historic claim to the region going back thousands of years. Neither seems willing or able to share peacefully. Violence will continue until only one side is left. Which side do we want, the terrorists or the democracy?

deb in Colo   January 6th, 2009 6:53 pm ET

You expected them to support Israel?

*NOT* a story….

OC   January 6th, 2009 6:53 pm ET

Israel needs to address the fundamental grievances of the Palestinians if they want a more permanent solution. The rocket attacks were frequent even before Hamas took over.

Becky, Midwest   January 6th, 2009 6:52 pm ET

The Palestinians were misplaced and forced to leave their lands decades ago. They will forever be bitter. Who wouldn't be? As long as the United States continues to supply weapons to Israel, fighting and killing will be daily news. What did the U.S. think they would do with these weapons? Lock them away and never use them? This fighting is built up emotion from the 1948 and 1967. It will never be resolved. Neither party has real interest in peace. When peace talks take place it's all window dressing.

Adam Habib, TX   January 6th, 2009 6:52 pm ET

Isarel is the terrorist nation. American media is biased. Media ripped off Sarah Palin, but will not say a single word questioning Israelis. Pathetic shameless media. Not sure if it will be even posted.

Uncle Fester   January 6th, 2009 6:51 pm ET

Poooor wittle TCM- once Bushie is gone there will be no one to protect him. Oh no, the sky is falling.

boered1   January 6th, 2009 6:51 pm ET

wow I didn't know Al-Queda was republican! They are also blaming Obama for actions taken before he was president! They sound just like Limbaugh, I guess all you ditto heads will deny this but facts are facts

idiots

Erika, KS   January 6th, 2009 6:47 pm ET

Is there anything bad that ever happens on this planet that Al Qaeda DOESN'T blame the United States? This group needs to start solving problems, and not adding to them.

Ex-Republican   January 6th, 2009 6:47 pm ET

Keep killing until no more rockets are being fired. If it's death they want and feel is the glory of their existance, then give them what they want! Kill em all!

Vicki5   January 6th, 2009 6:42 pm ET

Clearly they are trying to provoke Obama into saying more at this time. I'll bet Obama wishes he could start today. I sure do. Hopefully, Mr. Bush will come to regret these actions as well as the many other actions of his that have HARMED OUR COUNTRY AND THE WORLD.

GET REAL.   January 6th, 2009 6:41 pm ET

I agree, "Terry." There isn't a concrete answer to this whole Middle East situation. A few days ago, the Capitol building near where I work had Israeli activists on one side of it and Palestinians on the other side, and frankly, they all looked the same to me… maybe not skin tone and dress, but fervency and message were spot on.

Oh, and "Objective Thinking": give it up. Frankly, you're more irrelevant than "Proud American" at this point… at least he rants about politics, you just rant about him.

Defending their Country   January 6th, 2009 6:40 pm ET

Let us not forget that these Hamas freaks are sitting behind their women and children firing rockets at women and children for MONTHS, and readily defend their decision to do so.

If the people of Gaza stand behind Hamas, or should I say allow Hamas to HIDE behind them like the cowards they are, then I say make soup out of the entire population in Gaza. Eradicate them from the earth, and eliminate their ability to breed. If you are a father of a child, or the husband of a wife…then it is YOU who are killing your women and children by not running these Hamas freaks out of your town. Don't blame it on the soldiers who come in when they fire rockets against innocent people. You are dillusional!

As another poster put it, turn Gaza into a parking lot, kill them all and let god sort em out!

Sincerely,
Proud to be Christian

TCM's son   January 6th, 2009 6:36 pm ET

TCM: The Coward's Mouth

Alex   January 6th, 2009 6:36 pm ET

Even a broken clock is right twice a day…

The slow-burn ethnic cleansing going on in the Gaza strip is a disgrace to Israel, we Americans who fund and arm them and the press who is beating Israel's war-drum loud and clear (yes I'm talking about YOU CNN!).

Look around the web for pictures of the Hamas' crappy rockets and the damage they do, then look at pictures of the aftermath of Israel's "surgical" strikes, it's a real eye-opener… The frustrated teenagers that comprise Hamas's fighting forces kill less people in a year of haphazard attacks with home-made rockets than we in the US kill with our annual 4th of July fireworks. This is not a large and imminent threat to the integrity of Israel, and definitely not worthy of a full-scale air bombardment and ground invasion. If the IDF is such a superior military force, why can't they just send in a handful of special forces to arrest the people actually firing the rockets? Is there any benefit to killing hundreds of civilians along with dozens of poorly armed Hamas militants? If you're trying to permanently eliminate a ghettoed population of 1.5 million hungry people, I suppose there is some benefit…

The word of the day (say it with me kids) is GENOCIDE.

TCM's son   January 6th, 2009 6:35 pm ET

WAAHHHH!!!! OBAMA WON!!! WAAHHHH!!!! I'M GONNA GO SIT IN THE CORNER!!!!! THE GOP IS DEAD!!!! WAHHH!!!!!

No Incumbents 2010   January 6th, 2009 6:30 pm ET

If I were a liberal I would say that Al Qaeda is right and if we were only nicer to people around the world people would be nicer to us. It is America's fault for all the ills in the world and thank goodness we have a majority in the Congress and a liberal President and everything will be peaches and cream from here on out.

But I'm not a liberal and I don't live in a fantasy world and I say: Let's start a new Crusade!

tired of corporate politics   January 6th, 2009 6:28 pm ET

Obama campaigned in israel pledging his support and protection. And he wants to send more troops to Afghanistan. And he holds the option open to attack Iran.

All in his own words – you can go and find the speeches easily.

Unless the Ministry of Information (1984) has erased them.

And to think he had his followers programmed to call him a peace candidate. Sheep.

Buckeye   January 6th, 2009 6:25 pm ET

This slaughter of innocents must stop, and a Nation under God would stop it immediately. Israel is dragging the USA down into a sinful abyss with each murder it commits in Gaza.

Blame The Guy Who's Not Yet in Office   January 6th, 2009 6:24 pm ET

Did Rushbo take over as spokesman for al-Qaeda?

Lori   January 6th, 2009 6:22 pm ET

The Taliban leadership is running scared and trying to rally the Muslim world against Obama. The difference is that this President has an abundant amount of goodwill from nations across the world and the Muslim world does not hate him as they do Bush. Thank God. This rant only proves how threatened Al Qaeda is with this new President and rightly so.

ran   January 6th, 2009 6:21 pm ET

As long as the people of Gaza and Palestine support Hamas there will never be peace. Civilians are being hurt because Harmus is using their civilians (children/woman/mosques) as shields. If the people of Gaza want change then they need to get ride of Hamas themselves or accept the intervention taking place now by Israel.

smurgs   January 6th, 2009 6:20 pm ET

TCM: Don't forget it was Bush's desire for global Democracy that got Hamas democratically elected to begin with. How is that "protecting" anyone?

Vince   January 6th, 2009 6:17 pm ET

Enough. I am so tired of hearing these criminals. I suppose the constant rain of rockets into civlian populace in Israel by Hamas, courtesy of Iran was "overlooked" by Al Craepa Intelligence maybe? The same idiots who swore to destroy our military with their "mighty warriors" after they so courageously flew planes into civilian building and killed thousands of innocents. These people are common criminals, nothing more. Stop glorifying them with religious mumbo jumbo and such. I hope Israel levels the place. There is no reasoning, no negotiation, no compromise that appeases these people. Give an inch they call for Jihad and demand a mile. Last I heard, the only way they would now stop attacking the U.S. was if we all converted to Islam. Right. Let's hope Obama stands by his word and does not bow to them in any way.

Chris in Va.   January 6th, 2009 6:05 pm ET

@TCM…..why are you not a "true American". Seems you are nothing more than a traitor, palling around with the Al-Qaeda terrorists.

catmom   January 6th, 2009 6:03 pm ET

Objective thinking, perhaps you could tell Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity the same thing just insert Democrats. For the past 16 years that is all they have been doing. Funny when the tables turn some people just can't handle it.

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!   January 6th, 2009 6:02 pm ET

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT HUISAIN OBAMA DOES AFTER HE TAKES CONTROL.

I KNOW VOTING PRESENT WILL NOT WORK!!!!!!!

I BET HE ASK HILLARY FOR HELP!!!!!!!!!!

bob in LA   January 6th, 2009 6:02 pm ET

When did we become the reason for every action in the world?
Maybe is the Isaelis fault for the problem! The Jewish community seems to managed to battled for 4000 years- far longer than the U.S. has been around.
I blame the Arabs and the Jews for the problems between the Arabs and the Jews. Novel isn't it?

Shelly from DC   January 6th, 2009 6:00 pm ET

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind – yes and a no.

1) Violence / Brute force is possibly never the end solution to a problem – it is just a comfort short term AND creates a long term evergrowing problem (imagine the kith and kin of the innocents killed – their minds have been sown with irreversible hatred!)… I do try to think Israel is considering this an opportune time (before the new Obama administration takes over and gets more pragmatic / even handed and all of this could become unjustifiable / improbable…)

2) Unless the fanatics are overridden by the educated professional smart / moderates in a religion, that religion (you know who) will keep paying an enormous price… Give the kids more education and DO NOT PRODUCE them if you CANNOT RAISE THEM properly – that should take away 50% of the menace. So, can others keep quiet while this menace exists – No.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   January 6th, 2009 6:00 pm ET

This is no surprise that they blame the U.S. because it goes back to the same reason bin Laden attacked us on 9/11.

T.O.   January 6th, 2009 5:59 pm ET

So….he sent that gift before he even got elected?? What the hell, notice how all of these terroist operate. Blow people up and go and hide. I think if they really want to fight, then come out and fight like a man! Grow a pair and come out of your cave!!!

Cody   January 6th, 2009 5:57 pm ET

Biden did say Obama was going to get a major challenge early in his administration. Looks like Al-Qaeda's already got their sights and sites set.

J in NJ   January 6th, 2009 5:55 pm ET

Israel should turn Gaza into a parking lot!

Amazed   January 6th, 2009 5:55 pm ET

Would somebody tell them that Obama is not the President yet. Geeeze…..

Travis   January 6th, 2009 5:53 pm ET

Al Qaeda is already trying to stir a negative image of Obama among the Islamic community.
They are scared that with Bush gone they will be unable to recruit and justify their cause.
They wish McCain/Palin had won.

canuck   January 6th, 2009 5:52 pm ET

so what. go isreal.

Meka   January 6th, 2009 5:51 pm ET

Let's make this perfectly clear. . .Hamas, would not have been in power – if the people of Gaza and the West Bank "HAD HUMAN RIGHTS"

The Palestine People have suffered far too long. The situation in that Region, and America's support of Israel, is the reason America experienced 9/11.

America needs to think back when "Black American's" were in Chains!

PEOPLE WILL UP-RISE !

BB   January 6th, 2009 5:49 pm ET

TCM – enough of your drivel.

I doubt that Obama will look to find al Qaeda in Iraq.

That's better than Shrub right out of the starting gate.

Please take your meds. Your mom wanted me to remind you.

deb0155   January 6th, 2009 5:48 pm ET

We're all screwed!

Obama Victim   January 6th, 2009 5:47 pm ET

next you are going to tell me there is gambling in Casa Blanca….oh my

chuck   January 6th, 2009 5:43 pm ET

Can anyone believe anything that comes out of this area of the world? They speak their emotions first and common sense gets thrown to the wayside. If we are all so skeptical about the venom they spew now, it makes me wonder how the world could believe anything that came from this part of the world 2000 years ago when they were even less educated. My hopes for everlasting life have never been placed on the jibberish that this part of the world has produced.

Objective thinking   January 6th, 2009 5:40 pm ET

Even though this article has nothing to do with Republicans, cue ignorant anti-Republican remark from "Proud American" in 3… 2… 1…

AndyL   January 6th, 2009 5:39 pm ET

Of course they do and so do most Republican hating left wing Democrats. Just ask Proud American, Obama-Mama and all the other hate filled people on this site.

V. Marchisotto   January 6th, 2009 5:35 pm ET

CNN ALL THE LIES FIT TO PRINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mark   January 6th, 2009 5:33 pm ET

Sure, blame the U.S. all you want. What a bunch of idiots. The Middle East has alway been and will always be a mess with comments like this.

Bob   January 6th, 2009 5:33 pm ET

I suppose in a way it is a gift from Obwan. I'm sure Israel thought it better to do this now instead of having to deal with a new State Department.

AnaB   January 6th, 2009 5:33 pm ET

I'd bet if McCain had won, they'd blame it on him. Wait, don't they blame everything on us anyway basically?

MikeH   January 6th, 2009 5:33 pm ET

It's a no-brainer they would say this. The problem is when there is anger at the level thats happening now, these statements take root.

Was it right to target the school because a gunman fired at an Israeli helicopter from near one of the school buildings?

How would you feel if you as a child survived the strike, while parts of your friends and classmates lay scattered around you.

Terry   January 6th, 2009 5:32 pm ET

Here is the terrible part of this whole situation. Hamas is firing crude homemade rockets into Israel, hitting and killing Israeli women and kids if they hit anything. They are crude devices with no guidence. A big skyrocket, more or less. After firing, Hamas hides behind their women, children, and mosques.

Israelis, not happy that civilians are being routinely and randomly killed, is in turn killing Innocent Palestinian women and children.

If Mexican drug cartel members were firing rockets across the Rio into my hometown of El Paso, I would want the US military to stop that rocket fire. Drug cartel members would not engage in a stand-up fight with the US military. They would shoot and hide, like Hamas is doing.

There is no good solution. Every possible action is evil. Doing nothing is evil. I miss the good old twentieth century.

jane grey   January 6th, 2009 5:30 pm ET

wow — that report is is something else! it's like rush limbaugh and sean hannity calling this recession as an obama recession. it's so crystal clear!

MikeH   January 6th, 2009 5:29 pm ET

It's a no-brainer they would say this. The problem is when there is anger at the level thats happening now, these statements take root.

Today's palestininan child cowering in a bombed-out class room, the body parts of his friends and classmates scattered about, soon to become tomorrow's islamic terrorist suicide bomber,

Was it right to bomb the school because a gunman shot at an Israeli helicopter from near one of the school buildings?

The cycle will continue to repeat itself as long as we feed religious extremism, no matter which religion.

mims   January 6th, 2009 5:29 pm ET

Of course!!!!!

TCM   January 6th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

Ok, OBAMA…what'cha gonna do? Sit down have a chat with them? They are so reasonable after all…..haha….everyone better arm yourself. Once Bush is gone, we will have a president that won't protect us. At least he was smart enough to retain Gates and his team, so we might have a chance.

Art   January 6th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

I guess that launching the rockets into Israel for a couple of months before all this started didn't have a dang thing to do with it. Look, al-Zawawhatever, you really need to come out of the cave, breath some of the fresh air (if there is any), and get a grip on what's going on. Face it, Israel is there and you may not like it, but deal with it. The world don't owe you or any of your goonies a favor. Oh yeah, and I noticed that you asked God for help, thought you were up-in-arms with Allah. And one last thing. You can keep Michael Jackson, or whatever his secret Muslim code name is now because we don't want him back.

PS. You are off my Christmas list!

MikeH   January 6th, 2009 5:27 pm ET

I knew this was coming.

Today's palestininan child cowering in a bombed-out class room, the body parts of his friends and classmates scattered about, soon to become tomorrow's islamic terrorist suicide bomber, himself walking into a place crowded with innocent children where he then detonates his waist belt.

Was it right to bomb the school because a gunman shot at an Israeli helicopter from near one of the school buildings?

The cycle will continue to repeat itself as long as we feed religious extremism, no matter which religion.

Paul H   January 6th, 2009 5:25 pm ET

I read all the Anti Israeli remarks and I wonder why Hamas, or Al Qaeda gets a pass on the daily killing, or the daily venom that they spew out of their mouths.
There is plenty of people talking about civilians being killed, or the school that got shot at, but what about the cowardly Hamas, or Al Qaeda, or other terrorist that hide among civilians or are hiding in that school using it as a shield, or a launching pad for their killing.
Do you think that the United States Military, or Israel would hide among it’s citizens? No they would evacuate any zone that was going to be a battle ground.
Israel is fighting an ugly enemy, with ugly tactics, so some nasty things are going to happen. If you want to kill the enemy, or flush them out you have to go where they are, if they are hiding among citizens, and they get killed because of that then it is Hamas’s fault, not Israels.

J.P..   January 6th, 2009 5:25 pm ET

Israel: the canary in the coal mine

Anonymous   January 6th, 2009 5:23 pm ET

HAHAH…Wow this guy is desperate! Keep trying to fool people hopefully some can read papers and watch some unfiltered unbaised TV and get the truth. Al Qaeda is nearing it's end.

IndiePA   January 6th, 2009 5:23 pm ET

Did you expect them to be supportive? Israel is exactly right in what it's doing. Where are all these politicians and the U.N. when innocent people in Israel are being bombed constantly by the Hamas? So, let me get this right…it's okay for Hamas (read terrorists) to send bombs into a country with no provocation (except that they exist); but, it's not okay for the affected country to retaliate??? Why aren't all the protesters in the U.S. and all over the world marching against the terrorists, who are causing all of the pain and suffering amongst the innocent masses by hiding artillery in schools, mosques and private homes like the cowards that they are?? Why aren't the Islamists rallying against these monsters within its own group? The U.S. entered Iraq, a sovereign nation, with no provocation and no WMD's. Israel's reasons for entering the Gaza Strip are apparent to all, so where is their support???

Mobius   January 6th, 2009 5:20 pm ET

Whaddya know? They got something dead-on-accurate for a change. Our Zionist foreign policy causes us MUCH drama worldwide.

No Hillary = No Obama   January 6th, 2009 5:18 pm ET

Al Queda is so predictable – opportunistic and manipulative and in the process could be setting-up Obama as Hamas has already placed him in the traitor's den. Sweet talking Obama is going to have to grow up real fast.

Matt   January 6th, 2009 5:16 pm ET

Really? How about "NSF Report Finds that Sky is Blue"? Or maybe "NAACP Report Finds Racism"? or "NOW Report Finds Sexism"? or even "American media discovers controversy where none thought to exist." It's a simple template:

REPORT/STUDY BY GROUP WITH AGENDA FINDS EVIDENCE SUPPORTING ITS AGENDA

Whoopty doo!!!

Steve   January 6th, 2009 5:15 pm ET

Anybody surprised??? I also have to say that CNN's coverage is anything but balanced. Why are we not seeing the damage in Israel? My heart is broken for the lost innocent but Hamas knew exactly what they were getting into! This is not the first time this has happened and Israel has every right to protect herself!

Modest Republican   January 6th, 2009 5:15 pm ET

As a Jew, I cannot wait until Barack Obama takes office , captures Ayman Al-Zawhiri and Osama Bin Laden and DESTROYS THEM!!! I do not care if he is a lefty, I like his priorities.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com VIP