Paul Wood: Analysis – Operation Miscast Lead?

Israel's doctrine was 'go crazy' in the name of deterrence - but rockets still come

As Israeli commentator Ofer Shelah put it: “In the face of enemies who have opted for a strategy of attrition and attacking from a distance, Israel will present itself as a ‘crazy country’, the kind that will respond (albeit after a great deal of time) in a massive and unfettered assault, with no proportion to the amount of casualties it has endured.”

Certainly, there was massive bombing of Gaza; some 1,300 Palestinians lives were lost, many civilians.

From Israel’s point of view, did it work? The answer must be, only partially.

For full article, visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7940624.stm