Among all human endeavors, war theorist Carl von Clausewitz long ago argued, none more resembles gambling than war.
The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’ political bureau, represents yet another throw of the dice by Israel, compulsively addicted to the use of deadly violence for political ends that, like a gambler’s fever dreams of riches, are inherently improbable.
While Israel has – unlike with some of its other recent high-profile assassinations – reverted to “no comment” type, there seems little doubt who was behind the missile strike that struck a residence in Tehran, killing Haniyeh and a bodyguard.
The questions then become why, why now, and what now?
Israel has made no secret that any Hamas member is fair game. ….more
