The area was under British control at the time, Brad. Jerusalem and surrounding cities already had large, thriving populations of Jews before WWII, as a result of the Zionist movement that had been going on since the 19th century. (The Zionist movement was started as an attempt for Jews to return to their homeland. Google it if you want more history on it). Britain was making promises to both the Zionists and the Arab nations at the same time, and eventually handed the matter over to the United Nations for settling. The U.N. decided that areas west of the Jordan River should be divided up between Jews and Arabs, and understandably, the Arabs disagreed. The following year, when the British mandate of the region expired, the Jews immediately declared that the State of Israel had been established. A war ensued, but by the following year, all of the Arab countries bording Israel signed a truce that recognized Israel as a state. As to what the actual borders of Israel are/should be, well, it's been an ongoing battle since then, with some extremist Muslim groups, such as Hizballah, having the sole aim of eradicating Israel.bradavon wrote:Where were these troops from? Were they allied troops?
As for why Hizballah would kidnap two Israeli soldiers when they knew the retaliation would be brutal and harsh, nobody can answer with certainty. You'll find a host of different theories as to who is behind what, from the Shi-ite Muslims of Iran to the post-9/11 hysterical fear of the Arab world. Look to whatever source you want to find whatever theory you want. As to why Israel is bombing civilians, well Hizballah is composed of civilians. Reportedly, weapons are being stored in areas near residences, but nobody knows for certain. It is known that the rockets fired from Lebanon that reached Haifa were likely fired from largely-civilian areas close to the border, simply because they wouldn't have that sort of range if they weren't placed near the border. Does this justify Israel's bombing of these civilian areas? I am in no position to answer that, but I think most people would think it morally wrong.
As for why the Jews wanted their own country, or wanted that particular area, it's because of their long history in the region. Jerusalem had once been occupied by the Jewish people. King Saul, King David, King Solomon? The Kingdom of Israel? The Hebrew state? Have you been exposed to any Old Testament Bible history? Granted, this is ancient history, as in B.C. history, but Jewish presence and rule continued in the region even into Roman times. Jerusalem became a focus of three major world religions, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Muslim Arab armies finally took control of Jerusalem in the 7th century. Prosperity and harmony followed, with Jews and Arabs living together under Muslim rule, peacefully co-existing for thousands of years until the beginning of the Ottomon Empire's rule (in the 16th or 17th century? I think?). The Zionist movement began during the late years of the empire, before it was defeated by the British (with Arab help), who gained control of Palestine in the early 20th century. So, now we've come back to where we started this post . . .
If you want more info, look it up at Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel ), take a history class, or do some of your own internet research at reliable sites.
You know, I really didn't want to get involved in this thread, or any political threads at a forum where I come for silly diversions and film-related chats and games. But now it's done, and frankly, I'm not having much fun here. I think I need a break from BnB for awhile.
Have fun with the DVD Mystery game and musings on Jackie's latest antics. I'm sure I'll be back eventually, but for now, it's summer and I'm going to spend more time outdoors and away from the computer.
Take care, folks!
The more the merrier and all that. 
