Desk Warriors, Bunker Bullies

For the first time in decades, Israel's leader has relatively little experience in war. This inexperience might be one reason Mr Olmert has responded so aggressively to the kidnapping of 3 soldiers in Gaza and near Lebanon. In short, he is afraid of being a wimp. This is a legitimate concern, since confidence is crucial for a leader. But an effective leader has to distinguish resolution from reflex.

Sharon, a former General, withstood the “friendly fire” attacks as he planned and executed Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. Olmert does not have the standing to lead a partial withdrawal from the West Bank in the face of Palestinian hostility. In a futile attempt at appeasing his domestic critics, he ordered a wide attack in Gaza and Lebanon. Sadly, the response is an overreaction, disproportionate, and a miscalculation. The punishment of Palestinian and Lebanese civilians will only produce more misguided martyrs.

We Americans have also suffered from such misguided compensation. Bush Jr. was convinced by his (similarly) inexperienced buddies that the war in Iraq would be quick, easy, cheap, and practically bloodless. (These wonkish advisors named themselves the 'Vulcans'; choosing an ominous name is a particularly childish compensation.) Compare this with (former General) Eisenhower, who as President balanced competing interests of Allies in the middle east. He used American power to help Israel and stop European meddling but also demonstrated sympathy and support for the Arabs and Palestinians.

I am not suggesting that we elect only former Generals as leaders, though Clark or Powell (before he was co-opted) are both incalculably superior to the miserable failure currently posing as leader. We'd do much better if we just avoid male former cheer leaders, like G.W. Bush, Tom Delay, and Trent Lott. At the risk of oversimplification, just avoid Republicans until their Reagan-inspired infatuation with style over substance abates.