Israel and the Iraqi threat - Eitan Vazani / Israel
---------------------------------------------------
.
First, let me introduce myself.
I was born in Israel almost 23 years ago, and lived here ever since.
While graduating high school I was attracted to the world of micro-
computers. I bought a small computer (Tandy Color Computer compatible),
and started with BASIC. Today, after 9 years of learning by myself, I am
a professional programmer and work for a software company.
Several months ago I decided to find out something about BBSing
outside Israel. I picked several names & numbers randomly, and started
calling. It seems that I was lucky - the Shadow BBS was the first BBS
I tried in the U.S.A., and the one which I liked the most.
I really enjoy this BBS, so I decided to this special contribution,
with the approval of the SysOp, of course.
.
Before discussing the situation now, I will make a short introduction.
For 2000 years Jews were spread all over the world. In 1948, at the
end of a long struggle, and after the loss of 6 million Jews (a third
of the Jewish people), the state of Israel was established and declared.
Since then, Israel is in a constant state of war with the Arab nations.
.
The Iraqi problem has no direct connection to Israel or to Israel's
relationships with the Arabs. Iraq resides about 300 miles away from
Israel, with Syria and Jordan in between.
.
The problem with Iraq started in the 70's, with the rise of their leader,
Saddam Houssain. Saddam was born to a poor peasants family, and was
neglected by his parents. He grew up and lived in the streets. Thus he
became hard and cruel, as he had to fight each day in order to exist.
An old Israeli man, that was born in Iraq and escaped many years ago,
knew Saddam as a little boy. He helped him every now and then, and Saddam
remembered that. Years later, when Saddam was on his way to take over
Iraq, he helped that man get out of the Iraqi prison. (He was arrested
only for being a Jew, not a criminal).
Saddam always wanted power. As a young man he was leading gangsters and
was known for his cruelty. He was also known for his pistol, which he
carried all the time and used without hesitation. Years later, he used
his pistol to shoot personally high officers of his own army, in front of
their friends or families (unbelievable but true!). He became involved
with political groups. First, because he was attracted to violent
groups, and after some time in prison, his political views started to
develop. At some point he decided that he is going for the top.
He started to make his way into the system, and once inside, he used his
charisma and violence to clear the way up. He finally succeeded.
.
Saddam invested Iraq's resources in the Army. When he thought he has
a powerful army, he tried to conquer some territories from Iran, which
was in the first days of the Hayatholla Houmainy revolution.
He failed, and he was dragged into a long war in which he couldn't win.
His pride did not let him stop, and so Iraq lost hundreds of thousands
of its men, and completely ruined its economy. Only about two years ago
the Iran-Iraq war came to an end. Saddam found himself with a poor
country, huge debts, and desperate people. He knew very well that if
he had let the people think quietly for some time, they were to rebel and
probably kill him because he had ruined their country.
Saddam's investment in military power included a lot of scientific
progress, and the development of non-conventional weapons and missiles.
He paid European and American companies for knowledge, scientist, trained
personnel and materials. Although Israel warned many times, no
government paid any attention to Iraq's progress. Usually, the Europeans
were happy with the money they got, and the U.S.A. did not interfere
in order to maintain "friendly" relationships.
(German companies stand out with their good will to serve Iraq. Maybe
once again Jews will die of German gas).
Iraq also tried to develop an atomic ability, but Israel did a great
favor to the world, and bombed his nuclear labs (With endless criticism
about it from the American government and European countries. Ha!).
So, when Iraq came out of the war with Iran, the situation was this:
Poor country, defeated but experienced army, and smart leader.
Saddam continued to feed the people with false pride (and hard, cruel
government), but he knew that this cannot last for ever.
.
The solution was simple. Once again he started his propaganda about the
greatness of the Iraqi people (=himself). He announced himself to be
the follower of ancient kings, and prepared his people to "make justice
with the world, and claim what belongs to the Iraqi". He did not hide
his intentions, and declared that parts of Kuwait used to belong to
Iraq, and that he himself was going to restore them. Quietly, he
continued his progress in military research, and prepared his army for
another war. The facts were there, but the world refused to see.
.
When Saddam felt powerful enough, he invaded Kuwait.
The invasion could solve all his problems. He could have a good portion
of the world's oil production, in order to establish Iraq's economy, and
he could make the Iraqi people forget the disaster he brought before.
What happened since Saddam invaded Kuwait is well known, so I can skip
most of the details. However, there is one thing to say about it.
A quick American response, attacking Iraq the day after the invasion,
could put an end to Saddam's terror. Now we are facing a much more complex
problem, and no one can be sure as to its end.
.
Now, back to the Israeli point. When Saddam realized that he is facing
an international coalition against him, including other Arab countries,
he started looking for a way out. But he could not afford an escape, he
wanted to win something. Then he thought of getting Israel into it.
He tried to compare the Israel/Palestinian problem with the Iraq/Kuwait
situation, in an attempt to turn attention to Israel. When this did not
work, he threatened to drag Israel to a war with Iraq, with very bold
threats to use chemical weapons against Israel. This is a "very good
thinking" on his side. Arab countries will not oppose him in such a case,
thus breaking the international coalition against him, and Kuwait will be
forgotten until it is too late. But Israel is far from being afraid.
.
Now, Israel is prepared to anything that might happen. The people are
calm, cool, even making jokes about it all. But, don't be mistaken,
Israeli people and army are well prepared. Most of the time Israel is
busy with lots of problems, mostly within Israel (not with the Arabs).
Now, everything is put aside, and we are preparing for Iraqi attack.
Gas masks were given to most of the people (those who live in the south
of Israel, or those who live near Arab villages, did not get gas masks yet,
because they are less likely to be hit).
Instructions were given as to how to be protected during a gas attack.
Each family prepared one of its rooms, for case of gas attack. The chosen
room was hermetically sealed with nylon sheets and adhesive tape over the
windows, with some extra ready for sealing the door if the time comes.
The gas masks were stored in this room with some bottled water and food,
a radio receiver, a telephone, etc.
We are all feeling pretty safe, with a slight tension. We trust our army,
and especially our air-force.
The army is prepared of course. Pilots are sitting 24 hours in their
fighter planes, and anti-aircraft artillery is waiting with hands ready
on the trigger.
It may seem strange to non-Israeli, but everything is normal. No one
is making any special plans. You must remember that Iraq has always
been our enemy, and we are not surprised by any of their moves, or by any
of their weapons. More than 40 years of constant war, immunized us.
We even hope that there will be a war, because Saddam Houssain must be
killed, and Iraq's weapons must be destroyed. For us, the worst can
happen if Saddam gives up now and get out of Kuwait. This means that
he will continue to gain more power and develop atomic weapons.
During this time, Israel will be busy with its own problems, including
an increasing pressure from U.S.A. government about the Palestinian matter.
In 2-3 years Saddam will have the most deadly arsenal in the middle-east,
and then real troubles will start. He will be able to take over several
oil-producing countries, and control most of the world's oil production.
And of course he will try to hit Israel, but with deadly power.
(Israel is so small, that 3 atomic bombs will be enough to wipe out
2-3 million people out 4.5!).
But if there is war now, the American army will simply terminate the
era of Saddam Houssain. If he tries to attack Israel, we will not wait
and respond with power, and that will not leave him a chance.
.
By the time you read this, you may know if a war is going on or not.
Anyway, I hope this was interesting for you to read. If there is war
and Israel is involved, I promise to write how it feels here.
I would like to have responses to what I wrote. Please feel free even
to correct my English - it is very helpful to me.
Notice, that in order to explain today's situation, I had to give some
description of the past. This description skips many important facts,
and I could hardly allow myself to make it that short.
What I would really like to do, is to explain in several articles the
history of the Jewish people and how it leads to Israel. After that,
many things will seem different about Israel, and it will be possible
to understand the sometimes strange behavior of Israel.
Please tell me if you wish me to continue writing.
.
Yours,
.
Eitan Vazani,
Tel-Aviv, Israel.
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Another file downloaded from: NIRVANAnet(tm)
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Burn This Flag Zardoz 408-363-9766
realitycheck Poindexter Fortran 415-567-7043
Lies Unlimited Mick Freen 415-583-4102
Tomorrow's 0rder of Magnitude Finger_Man 415-961-9315
My Dog Bit Jesus Suzanne D'Fault 510-658-8078
New Dork Sublime Demented Pimiento 415-566-0126
Specializing in conversations, obscure information, high explosives,
arcane knowledge, political extremism, diverse sexuality,
insane speculation, and wild rumours. ALL-TEXT BBS SYSTEMS.
Full access for first-time callers. We don't want to know who you are,
where you live, or what your phone number is. We are not Big Brother.
"Raw Data for Raw Nerves"
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Israel at the start of the Iraqi war - Eitan Vazani.
----------------------------------------------------
.
Hello again to all Shadow BBS callers.
.
I am writing this a mere 90 minutes since U.S. forces started attacking
Saddam Houssain's forces. The past 3 days in Israel were loaded with
high tension, which is now at its peak. When the attacks began 90 mins.
ago, it was 2:00 am. Many people in Israel were not sleeping and sat
listening to the radio, waiting for the news. And the news arrived.
Israeli government instructed everybody to stay at home, and prepare
the gas protection means (gas mask, Atropin shot, cleaning powder, etc.).
Quickly, all those who were staying up called their friends to make sure
they wake up and get ready. Within an hour most of Israel began preparing
to a possible a gas attack (Conventional explosive attacks are less
worry, since many people here are familiar with it).
I for example, were sleeping at my girlfriend's house. Like the rest of
the people here, I suspected that "tonight is the night", but nevertheless
fell asleep. My girlfriend's grandmother was to nervous to stay up, and
she sat listening to the radio. When she heard that it's started, she
awakened the rest of us. After calming down my girlfriend, I explained
to her how to use the gas mask, and rushed home to wake up my parents
and my sister (who just came for a free evening from the army...).
I woke up everybody, and briefed them with everything I already knew.
We prepared the house by closing all the windows, and prepare our gas
masks. Within minutes we started calling friends and neighbors to make
sure they are awake and aware of the situation.
Although CNN reports that U.S. Air Force attacked missiles and planes
dangerous to Israel, we are all very tense. The Iraqis have about 30
small, movable missile launchers, and there are good chances that some
of them were not destroyed. Also, they might send some bombers to a
one way mission against Israel.
We are tense and I admit that we are a bit afraid, but we keep cool in
order to behave properly if anything happens.
I must say that nearly all the people in Israel are actually glad to have
this war, since avoiding it simply means that Saddam Houssain will gain
more power (including nuclear weapons), which he will use against Israel
without mercy. For now, Israel was not attacked, and therefore did not
attack Iraq. But this may change every minute.
This is all for now, there are several things that I should do.
I will write more when I have something you. I guess you are the first
to get first hand information from Israel.
From what I know until now, U.S. forces are doing just great. I must
thank you, the people of America, for stopping this mad terrorist.
Israel knows too well the pain of losing sons and husbands in a war,
so we are all hoping and praying for American soldiers to get back home
soon and safe.
.
Goodbye,
.
Eitan Vazani.
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
Another file downloaded from: NIRVANAnet(tm)
& the Temple of the Screaming Electron Jeff Hunter 510-935-5845
The Salted Slug Strange 408-454-9368
Burn This Flag Zardoz 408-363-9766
realitycheck Poindexter Fortran 415-567-7043
Lies Unlimited Mick Freen 415-583-4102
Tomorrow's 0rder of Magnitude Finger_Man 415-961-9315
My Dog Bit Jesus Suzanne D'Fault 510-658-8078
New Dork Sublime Demented Pimiento 415-566-0126
Specializing in conversations, obscure information, high explosives,
arcane knowledge, political extremism, diverse sexuality,
insane speculation, and wild rumours. ALL-TEXT BBS SYSTEMS.
Full access for first-time callers. We don't want to know who you are,
where you live, or what your phone number is. We are not Big Brother.
"Raw Data for Raw Nerves"
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Israel under Iraqi missile attack - Eitan Vazani.
-------------------------------------------------
.
Once again I am writing to you from Israel. This time, about something
that I hope you will never experience. I am typing this several hours
after Iraqi missiles landed in 2 major cities in Israel. The words for
this article were running in my mind during the attack, though.
.
It was about 2:00 am, when I was sitting in front of my computer playing
some games. Having the war started the night before I could not sleep,
even though I slept very little during the last 24 hours. The great
performance of U.S. Air Force was good news to us, and a great relief.
The last night and day brought good news to Israel. Most of the Iraqi
installation has been destroyed or damaged. However, we all had this
feeling that we are not safer than before. So did feel Israeli army
leaders, and they warned again and again that not all Iraqi missiles
were destroyed. They suspected that small, mobile missile launchers were
hidden underground and are fully operational. Also, large part of the
Iraqi air force was also hidden underground. So, as were happy with the
success of U.S. Air Force, we were also worried and prepared.
Thus at 2:00 am in the second night of the war, I was sitting worried
and playing computer games. The radio was on, playing some music and
songs, and I expected to hear some news. For a long time there were no
news breaks, and music was just playing on, so I was really absorbed in
the game I was playing. Suddenly, a loud whistle sounded in the radio
followed by a high toned whistle, a pause, and a steady, tense voice
saying (translated): "Rattlesnake, Rattlesnake, Rattlesnake". It sounded
like some army password or code word, but the army never interferes with
radio frequencies. I was puzzled, and switched to another frequency of
the same station. The music continued. I switched back to the previous
frequency - music again. I had a feeling that something unusual is about
to happen, so I lowered the volume and listened. Only then I noticed the
alarm outside. I waited a few seconds to be sure that this was a general
emergency alarm. It was. I rushed to my parents room and woke them up.
A few seconds later we heard weak explosion sounds, but felt no blow.
While my parents were jumping out of their bed, I woke up my sister, and
called my girlfriends house to make sure they are awake. I woke up her
father and he heard the alarm at once and got up. There was nothing
special on the radio, the music continued. We all gathered in my sister's
room, (which we prepared for a gas attack a few days ago), took the gas
masks out of the boxes, and waited. We didn't know what to do.
I tried calling the police, then some emergency numbers - all busy.
We listened to the radio. There was music, and some guy talking, and the
whistle again. After a short pause the guy on the radio said that he will
find out what that whistle was. Some more music, and then an announcement:
"Due to a missile attack on Israel, all people are request to enter their
sealed rooms, and wear gas masks immediately!". The message was repeated
several times. We were a bit shocked, but did not panic. We put on the
masks, and expected the worse. Of course, our two dogs came into the
sealed room with us. We called some relatives and friends to make sure
they were all aware of the situation. They were.
The radio continued with alternating announcements and songs, but provided
no further information. We looked at each other, and watched our masked
faces in the mirror, for entertainment and good spirit. We were tense,
and made no attempt to cover it, but the all knew that strong mentality
is important, even crucial, so we laughed, argued, cursed Saddam and
discussed Israel's possible responses. The time passed, and an army
spokesman talked on the radio. He said that several missiles had landed in
various places, but refused to say where the missiles had landed, or what
kinds of missiles (conventional explosives or chemical). About an hour
and 15 minutes since the alarm, the army spokesmen said the gas masks are
to be removed and replaced in their boxes, but no one is to leave the
sealed room. Another 15 minutes pass, and there was another announcement:
"All people in Tel Aviv and nearby towns, and all people in Haifa and its
surroundings, are to wear gas mask again. All other people are to stay
in the sealed rooms."
This got us a bit confused, but we put the masks back on. Another half
an hour, and we were told to remove the masks. This sounded like a final
decision and it relieved us a bit. However, we had to stay in the sealed
room and wait for further instructions. We waited, proposing different
ways of punishing Saddam and Iraq for their terrorism. Another news break
revealed that in all Israel there were only 7 injured, and even those got
only some scratches and are to be sent back home within a short time.
From this information we deduced that the missiles were of the explosive
type, and did not carry chemical warheads. Some time later it became
clear that this is the situation, but we were still instructed to stay in
the sealed room until further notice.
While waiting, I fell into imagining myself in an F-15, bombing Saddam
and his missile launchers. Being very tired now, I fell into a good
sleep, and woke up 4 hours later. It was 10:15 am, and after being
updated with the latest news, I sat down to write these words.
.
Now, you can see what Israel is facing each and everyday, for more
than 40 years. Saddam Houssain is not the first fanatic Arab that is
trying to massacre the poeple of Israel. He is also not the last.
Maybe now you can understand why Israel cannot agree to give up more of
its land. We need some safety margin. If such a missile attack gets
heavier, we need some place to go, to hide. Israel had given 3/4 of
its lands to Egypt for peace that we still can't trust. Now, the U.S.A,
and virtually all the world, wants Israel to give up a 1/4 of what is
left. Why? Maybe I'll discuss the motives in a later article.
.
Eitan Vazani,
Israel.
Attacked, but the last laugh will be ours.
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
Another file downloaded from: NIRVANAnet(tm)
& the Temple of the Screaming Electron Jeff Hunter 510-935-5845
The Salted Slug Strange 408-454-9368
Burn This Flag Zardoz 408-363-9766
realitycheck Poindexter Fortran 415-567-7043
Lies Unlimited Mick Freen 415-583-4102
Tomorrow's 0rder of Magnitude Finger_Man 415-961-9315
My Dog Bit Jesus Suzanne D'Fault 510-658-8078
New Dork Sublime Demented Pimiento 415-566-0126
Specializing in conversations, obscure information, high explosives,
arcane knowledge, political extremism, diverse sexuality,
insane speculation, and wild rumours. ALL-TEXT BBS SYSTEMS.
Full access for first-time callers. We don't want to know who you are,
where you live, or what your phone number is. We are not Big Brother.
"Raw Data for Raw Nerves"
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
Israel expecting another Iraqi missile attack - Eitan Vazani.
-------------------------------------------------------------
.
It is night again, almost midnight. I spent the last several hours in
my girlfriends house. We already had an alarm. Again, with beating
hearts, we ran into the sealed room and wore the gas masks. Again,
fear and uncertainty. It took 15 minutes until the army announced
that we can relax, there is no missile attack. This happened because
of an information about an attack, which proved to be incorrect.
At the same time, we learned later, there was also an alarm in Saudi-
Arabia and Bahrain.
.
I am sitting to write again. It is 1:15 am and I just finished
watching TV (Wise Guy). In the middle we had another alarm. This
time my brother (who came back from the army for a vacation), was the
first to notice. We jumped on our feet and rushed to wake up our
parents. Until they woke up, the alarm stopped. We listened to the
radio - nothing, just music. Within several minutes we heard the
cancellation alarm. A minute later the radio informed us that we can
relax. Another minute passed and we were informed that this happened
due to a Soviet satellite launch or destruction.
.
We are becoming very sensitive and very nervous. We are virtually
waiting for an attack. We jump to every sound louder than usual.
This is a very heavy load on our nerves, but we won't break down.
There are no signs of panic in Israel. No one is trying to escape
to the (safe) south. The TV and radio people are doing wonderful
job. They sound calm and relaxed all the time, even when the alarms
sound, and even when a missile attack is going on outside.
We, and probably the rest of the Western countries, are waiting to see
in which way Israel will reply Saddam's missiles. We have a feeling
that a surprise is being planned for Saddam. Maybe it won't be soon,
but he will be punished.
.
I guess I'll play some more games. Maybe I'll try some fighter pilot
simulation, and imagine that I am bombing Iraqi missile sights...
.
Nervous, tired, but strong, patient and proud,
Eitan Vazani,
Israel.
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
Another file downloaded from: NIRVANAnet(tm)
& the Temple of the Screaming Electron Jeff Hunter 510-935-5845
The Salted Slug Strange 408-454-9368
Burn This Flag Zardoz 408-363-9766
realitycheck Poindexter Fortran 415-567-7043
Lies Unlimited Mick Freen 415-583-4102
Tomorrow's 0rder of Magnitude Finger_Man 415-961-9315
My Dog Bit Jesus Suzanne D'Fault 510-658-8078
New Dork Sublime Demented Pimiento 415-566-0126
Specializing in conversations, obscure information, high explosives,
arcane knowledge, political extremism, diverse sexuality,
insane speculation, and wild rumours. ALL-TEXT BBS SYSTEMS.
Full access for first-time callers. We don't want to know who you are,
where you live, or what your phone number is. We are not Big Brother.
"Raw Data for Raw Nerves"
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
Israel under second missile attack - Eitan Vazani.
--------------------------------------------------
.
Another missile attack has ended just a few minutes ago. It was my
father's turn to be the first to notice the alarm. The attack started
around 7:15 in the morning. We expected it. We knew that the Iraqis
are going to try to surprise us (the previous attack was at 2:00 am).
Once again, Israel reacted quickly and efficiently. With a minute or
two most people got inside their sealed rooms and wore the masks.
Two minutes since the alarm started, I heard 3-4 loud explosions. This
means that the missiles landed in Tel Aviv or nearby.
A short time passed and the army spokesman announced that the north and
the south regions of Israel are safe (no gas), and there is no need to
stay in a sealed room. In the central region (Tel Aviv area - where
missiles hit), people were instructed to stay in sealed rooms and keep
wearing gas masks. It took 15 more minutes to declare that the attack
is over, meaning the missiles were explosives again, not gas.
There are no news about casualties yet, so I will add it later.
.
It is hard to believe that it happens to me. Until now I only read
about bombing and gas attacks. (You may be surprised to know that
Israel cities used to be very safe, even in war). Sometimes I have
the feeling that I am in a movie, or that it is just a dream.
But don't worry, there is no way we will give up.
Writing all these articles also helps me. It is some way to relieve
tensions, to keep me doing something useful. A therapy maybe ...
.
It is afternoon, and the details of the morning missile attack are now
fully known. 16 people were injured very lightly, all of them except
one have been released from hospital. Several of them were not
physically injured, but suffered a mental shock.
.
It will be dark again in 2-3 hours, and we will once again wait for a
missile attack. During the day we feel pretty safe, but since the last
attack was in the early morning, it may change. However, if Iraq tries
to launch missile in daylight, they will be much easier to track down
and be destroyed.
.
Please note that I am not trying to bring you the news faster than CNN.
CNN can report live, but the reporters are not personally and
emotionally involved. For them, Israel is just another news sight,
and they can't get the real feeling of Israeli public.
They are doing wonderful job, though, all throughout the world, and we
watch many CNN reports which we consider to be of an excellent value.
I think the way CNN works is a perfect model of how a news network
should do its job.
.
Night has passed and it is morning again. This night was quiet, and
there was only one short, false alarm, at 22:00. I stayed the night
in my girlfriend's house. She is very nervous these days, and tired
of the tension. She considers flying to Germany to stay with her aunt.
During the night the army revealed that the U.S.A sent Patriot missiles
to try to protect Israel. These were designed as anti-aircraft
missiles, but due to outstanding performance they were converted to
intercept missiles too. However, it was stated the the Patriot cannot
stop all missiles. (By the way - parts of the Patriot guidance systems
are made in Israel).
Life in Israel are not yet back to their normal course. Residents of
the south were instructed to go to work as usual, but stay tuned.
The rest of Israel people should go shopping and return home as soon as
possible. I suspect that the quiet night is just another Iraqi attempt
to trick us. I am sure that they will launch more missiles tonight, or
maybe they will wait some more.
At least, we got some sleep.
.
That's it for now. Bye,
Eitan Vazani,
Israel.
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
Another file downloaded from: NIRVANAnet(tm)
& the Temple of the Screaming Electron Jeff Hunter 510-935-5845
The Salted Slug Strange 408-454-9368
Burn This Flag Zardoz 408-363-9766
realitycheck Poindexter Fortran 415-567-7043
Lies Unlimited Mick Freen 415-583-4102
Tomorrow's 0rder of Magnitude Finger_Man 415-961-9315
My Dog Bit Jesus Suzanne D'Fault 510-658-8078
New Dork Sublime Demented Pimiento 415-566-0126
Specializing in conversations, obscure information, high explosives,
arcane knowledge, political extremism, diverse sexuality,
insane speculation, and wild rumours. ALL-TEXT BBS SYSTEMS.
Full access for first-time callers. We don't want to know who you are,
where you live, or what your phone number is. We are not Big Brother.
"Raw Data for Raw Nerves"
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
Israel attempts to get back to normal life - Eitan Vazani.
----------------------------------------------------------
.
Another quiet night was followed by a quiet day.
It is now late at night again, and who knows how this one will be.
To sum up last several nights:
- The war started, everybody got up because of the excitement and also
to make final preparation for missile attack.
- Expected missile attack arrives at 2:00.
- Another missile attack, this time at 7:15 am. We get used to it.
- A quiet night with lots of tension.
- Another quiet night.
- This night "happens" right now.
.
We heard about the outstanding performance of the American Patriot
missile in the Saudi Arabia. We hope it to be just as successful
in case of an attack on Israel. (U.S.A sent Patriot missiles with
American crews to protect Israel, until Israel crews take over).
.
Today, people started to go to work as usual. Of course, only those
who live in places that are less likely to be attacked. Many people
couldn't sit at home all day, and they were eager to get out. Some of
them did go out to work, to shop or just spend some time outside.
I heard that one missile exploded in the vicinity of my work place.
It could be that my office was hit, I just don't know yet.
Surprisingly, the government and the army announced that tomorrow
everything will be back to normal, except schools and universities.
So I'll go to work in the morning, and find out if my office still
exists. Anyway, I will also go to see the explosion sight and describe
it to you soon.
I don't know whether to go to sleep and worry for not being ready in
case of an attack, or to stay up and be sleepy during the day (remember
that I have to go to work!).
.
Now, the matter of American POW seems to be serious. I guess all of
you are familiar with the details, but I will repeat some of it:
The Iraqies seem to hold American, British, Saudi and Kuwaiti pilots.
The number of them is still unknown. Some of them were shown on TV
in Iraq. They were obviously forced to talk against the war and
"praised" the peaceful Iraq. There are rumors that they were displayed
in the streets of Baghdad in order to cheer up the Iraqi people.
Iraq announced that the pilots will be held in several installations
to prevent bombing these installations.
Well, the facts speak for themselves. I have nothing more to add,
except that this barbaric behavior is not particular to Iraq or to
Saddam Houssain. It is characteristic to most Arab people. The reason
to this is simple: A fanatic, ruthless religion, which is deeply set
in the minds of the Arabs for 1300 years.
And Israel faces 400 millions of these Arabs. Think about it.
.
Well, it seems that there is nothing more to report, except that
Israel is trying to live its normal life. It is too soon to try to
draw any conclusions about the behavior of Israeli people, since
another attack may start another period of stress, which will change
the picture.
.
Goodbye for now.
I will be glad to answer any questions regarding the situation in
Israel now. (Please save more general topics to a time when it all
calms down here).
Eitan Vazani.
Israel.
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
Another file downloaded from: NIRVANAnet(tm)
& the Temple of the Screaming Electron Jeff Hunter 510-935-5845
The Salted Slug Strange 408-454-9368
Burn This Flag Zardoz 408-363-9766
realitycheck Poindexter Fortran 415-567-7043
Lies Unlimited Mick Freen 415-583-4102
Tomorrow's 0rder of Magnitude Finger_Man 415-961-9315
My Dog Bit Jesus Suzanne D'Fault 510-658-8078
New Dork Sublime Demented Pimiento 415-566-0126
Specializing in conversations, obscure information, high explosives,
arcane knowledge, political extremism, diverse sexuality,
insane speculation, and wild rumours. ALL-TEXT BBS SYSTEMS.
Full access for first-time callers. We don't want to know who you are,
where you live, or what your phone number is. We are not Big Brother.
"Raw Data for Raw Nerves"
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
Israel gets the third missile attack - Eitan Vazani.
----------------------------------------------------
.
It is now 22:50.
The third missile attack ended about 2 hours ago. The alarms, the gas
masks, the explosions, the radio. Within 30 minutes we were free to
get out of the masks and the sealed rooms. We heard that one missile
did hit somewhere, and that 2 Patriot missile were launched to try to
intercept incoming Scud missiles.
.
While writing the above sentences, my grandmother have called to
describe what she saw on TV - a CNN report from the bombing location.
I stopped writing and tried to get some information. Israeli TV and
radio broke in with news - very bad news. The missile directly hit
a building. The building collapsed and was totally destroyed. All
people living in this building were killed or injured. I know that
around 60 people were hit, but I do not know how many were killed,
or the state of the injured.
.
While listening to the radio for more news, I'll write about the what
was going on during the day.
.
Today most people got back to work. Most but not all. The car parking
yards near my office were only half full. I guess that some people
stayed at home because they did not know that they should go to work,
some people were still afraid to leave home, and some wanted to stay
with their kids (schools are still closed).
At work, everybody was full with stories, rumors and information.
But we got used to the idea of working again, and we were carried away
with the problems we have to tackle.
In my last article I wrote that I heard that a missile exploded near
my office. Well, this was one of the rumors.
.
News keep arriving. No exact numbers yet, but it looks very sad.
Until now, I thought that Israel's government is right in its decision
not to take action against Iraq. 10-15 missiles hit in the first and
second attacks, but there were only a few injured lightly. The damage
was more serious, but money can fix it. Now, it is time to act.
A missile directly hit a building full of innocent people. Old people,
kids, babies, a little black dog (one injured kid arrived to hospital
with his dog still in his hands. I think (and hope) the dog is ok).
The more I think about it, the more I support a wild attack on Iraq.
I do not want to die because I am too forgiving and nice to my enemy.
There must be an end to such thing.
It is impossible to track down each and every missile launcher. They
are well hidden and protected in underground bunkers. The Iraqis have
several hundreds (maybe thousands) of Scud missiles, some of them might
carry a chemical warhead. Iraq still has most of its military power.
Iraq still produces ammunition and gas, many aircrafts are still waiting
for a chance to take off, military communications still work, and Saddam
Houssain and his assistants are still alive.
This means that there is more death waiting for us.
The answer in my opinion, be prepared, is an atomic bomb. This will put
a nice end to the world's number one terrorist. I know it is a radical
step, but this will solve the problem (which, by now, is unbearable),
and it will teach all Arabs a lesson they will never forget: Israel
will protect itself by ALL means - do NOT mess with us. It worked for
the U.S.A. 45 years ago, and it will work again.
By the way, I think that residents of Baghdad should be warned 24 hours
before the bombing. This will prevent any loss of life, except maybe
for Saddam Houssain that is hiding in his bunker. He is too affraid
to get out, so he will have to stay there, buried alive.
But I am afraid our politicians do not have the guts to do it.
I guess I many will not agree, and I will probably get angry letters.
.
But if you want to reply, think about this:
Your city is attacked by missiles every night, people are killed,
injured, their homes destroyed. The enemy prepared this for 10 years,
and now is going to take it out. You also expect a chemical attack.
How would you respond?
.
Eitan Vazani,
From very sad and angry Israel.
We will act.
.
A minute before I posted this article, I heard on the radio that 60
people were injured, and 3 were killed. The 3 people that were killed
are old, and they probably died of shock, not because of the impact.
3 of the injured are very seriously injured, one of the is a baby with
head injury.
I may add now, that 4 old women died at the night of the first attack.
They suffocated because they did not use the gas mask correctly.
.
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
Another file downloaded from: NIRVANAnet(tm)
& the Temple of the Screaming Electron Jeff Hunter 510-935-5845
The Salted Slug Strange 408-454-9368
Burn This Flag Zardoz 408-363-9766
realitycheck Poindexter Fortran 415-567-7043
Lies Unlimited Mick Freen 415-583-4102
Tomorrow's 0rder of Magnitude Finger_Man 415-961-9315
My Dog Bit Jesus Suzanne D'Fault 510-658-8078
New Dork Sublime Demented Pimiento 415-566-0126
Specializing in conversations, obscure information, high explosives,
arcane knowledge, political extremism, diverse sexuality,
insane speculation, and wild rumours. ALL-TEXT BBS SYSTEMS.
Full access for first-time callers. We don't want to know who you are,
where you live, or what your phone number is. We are not Big Brother.
"Raw Data for Raw Nerves"
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
Israel gets attack #4 - Eitan Vazani.
-------------------------------------
.
Last night we had another missile attack. Again, it was a single
missile (like on the day before). But this time - surprise - the
Patriot missiles successfully intercepted the Scud. The Scud missile
was meant for Haifa (Israel 3rd large city, in the North). Not one
person was hurt, only some windows broke because of the explosion.
We feel better now, knowing that the Patriots can protect us, but it
can also drive the Iraqis mad, and they will try to launch many
missiles at once, enough for us to run out of Patriots. And it is
not clear what happens when a Patriot intercepts a Scud with a chemical
warhead - this can prove a real trouble.
But we were glad anyway.
.
Yesterday, I went to look at the place were the missile had landed the
night before (attack #3). This was the first time I see something like
this in my own eyes, and now it seems like I had a bad dream.
This is a simplified drawing of the area:
.
+---------+ +---------+
Partially | #| | |
collapsed-> | ######| |#########| <-Completely destroyed &
+---------+ ***|#########| <-collapsed, disappeared.
+---------+
+---------+ +---------+
Damaged but | ###| | | <-This part is being built-
in 1 piece->| | |---------| didn't get a scratch!
| | | |
+---------+ +---------+
.
Each block is a building, the "***" is where the missile hit the ground.
The "##" represent severely damaged building.
All buildings are 2 stories high, but the lower-left one, which is 3.
.
The place is 5 minutes walk from my office. Air distance is about
500 yards. When I walked there, it was very easy to locate. At 400
yards away, I saw the first broken windows, only a few of them.
As I approached, there were more broken windows, piled under each
building. As I approached more, the piles became bigger, and contained
not only glass, plastics and wood, but also pieces of all kinds of
stuff you find in every house.
Police tried to prevent crowding around the place, but many people came
to see what a Scud can do. The police blocked the nearby streets about
120 yards away, but I sneaked in a bit more, to about 60 yards away.
Closer than that, only reporters, army and VIP could get.
There is no point in describing what I saw, since you can see it on TV.
But the point is in the strange feelings. Suddenly, a place I know
so well, which used to be like an average living quarter of every other
city, looks like a big pile of broken glass, plastic, wood and iron.
Those who live around are wandering around confused, shocked. This is
not a sight we are used to, (I repeat: Israel is a safe place!).
It made me imagine hot it should look if a missile hit MY house.
Something that I used to see on TV, in an action file or in a news
report from constant-war places like Lebanon, becomes a real thing.
I stood there for an hour, and I could not get my eyes off. It is not
only the sight of the crashed building that strikes (I could barely see
it), but the damage around. The signs of destructions that are so
clearly visible all around, the piles of debris, the TV crews, the
police, the army, the confused neighbors, the government agents
estimating the damage.
A strange feeling.
Thinking about it later, the Scuds are not very effective. Only a
direct hit can destroy a building, and only if this is an old one.
New buildings, built by modern standards, won't break down. It is
easily proven: The building next to the crashed one is being built,
and it was not at all damaged.
Later, I heard from my father, that a friend from his work has an aunt
that LIVED IN THE CRASHED BUILDING, and she was NOT WOUNDED AT ALL,
except for the regular scratches and cuts.
This is amazing.
2 of the 3 people who died that night, died because of heart attack.
On of them lived more than a mile away. The third died because of the
impact and the pressure of the walls that covered her.
All three were more than 60 years old.
.
Another point: the destructive missile was successfully intercepted
by a Patriot missile, launched by Israeli crew. Unfortunately, only
the rear part of the missile was destructed, while the explosive
warhead continued on its path of death.
.
But, as I mentioned before, a Patriot destroyed the last missile, and
the mood is better.
I have to wait a few more days before I can try to figure out Iraq's
"policy" of launching missiles, so I will stop here.
.
Bye,
Eitan Vazani,
Israel.
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
Another file downloaded from: NIRVANAnet(tm)
& the Temple of the Screaming Electron Jeff Hunter 510-935-5845
The Salted Slug Strange 408-454-9368
Burn This Flag Zardoz 408-363-9766
realitycheck Poindexter Fortran 415-567-7043
Lies Unlimited Mick Freen 415-583-4102
Tomorrow's 0rder of Magnitude Finger_Man 415-961-9315
My Dog Bit Jesus Suzanne D'Fault 510-658-8078
New Dork Sublime Demented Pimiento 415-566-0126
Specializing in conversations, obscure information, high explosives,
arcane knowledge, political extremism, diverse sexuality,
insane speculation, and wild rumours. ALL-TEXT BBS SYSTEMS.
Full access for first-time callers. We don't want to know who you are,
where you live, or what your phone number is. We are not Big Brother.
"Raw Data for Raw Nerves"
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
Israel, now its #5 - Eitan Vazani.
----------------------------------
.
Well, we are past missile attack number 5. The night before was really
a quite night (well, only one false alarm. It doesn't count).
.
The attack tonight was another multi-missile attack. After this one I
know the meaning of "fear" much better. At noon I drove to my uncle's
house, visiting my grandmother on my way. I went there to teach his
12 years old daughter some DOS basics (he wants to learn some too).
I arrived there around 15:00, and started lecturing. At 18:30 my uncle
got worried, and told me I better get back home soon, so I will not be
caught outside while there is an attack. I told him I'll just stay
some more to explain another DOS command or two. A few minutes later
the sirens went off. Quickly we got to the sealed room, and started
wearing our gas masks. My uncle and his wife have three daughters, the
oldest is 12 years old, the second is about 10, and the youngest is 4
or 5. They all behaved perfectly, not panicking at all. The little
one was actually laughing and seemed to enjoy the excitement.
While wearing my mask, I heard 3-4 successive whistles. They were very
loud, low and coarse. At that moment I was sure that the Scud missiles
are going to get. I was frightened to hell. I didn't want to die that
soon. I don't really remember what was going through my mind at that
moment, I only remember being frightened as I have never been before.
I looked at my uncle. He was smiling and said something like "hey,
that's the Patriots going at the Scuds".
I relaxed just a bit, because I knew there aren't any Patriot launchers
around. I asked him: "How come we can hear the Patriots here?"
He still smiled: "Oh, didn't I tell you the army brought here several
launchers yesterday?"
I felt better at once, but we continued to discuss it some more until I
relaxed.
While this was going on, we heard 3-4 explosions, one of them louder
than the rest. The army spokesman talked on the radio. He confirmed
that several Scuds were identified, and that Patriots were launched to
intercept them. He also said that "there were several hits".
We didn't know whether he meant Scuds hit us, or Patriots hit Scuds.
He did not give any further information. Within half an hour the
southern and east-northern regions of Israel were cleared to take off
the gas masks, but still stay in their sealed rooms. Since only the
east part of the northern region was allowed to remove the masks, I
assumed (correctly), that Haifa (in the west-north) was attacked too.
Some more time passed, and all Israel was cleared to remove the gas
masks and free to go out of the sealed room. No more information was
given, except that there were injured people. We relaxed a bit, and
I stayed to eat a delicious dinner there. Information arrived a bit
at a time. 7 Scud missiles were launched at us, 2-3 toward Haifa,
and the rest toward Tel Aviv. Most of them (5 or 6) were intercepted
and destroyed by Patriot missiles. 1 or 2 got away and reached the
ground to explode. A building collapsed, cars went on fire, and many
were injured. Again, no one of those in the crashed building was too
badly hurt. In other places, pieces (probably large ones) of the
intercepted Scuds hit the ground and buildings, causing minor damages
and wounding some people.
Later I found out that 1 person got killed, 1 very badly injured,
3 seriously injured, and 30 lightly wounded.
.
I don't know how long Israel will restrain itself. The public still
supports this policy, but I guess it will change if this goes on for
another week or two.
Israel gains very important political points. The whole world suddenly
loves Israel. We get financial support from the U.S.A., from Jews all
over the world, even from Germany (their minister of foreign affairs
was here and got hard complaints about the German part in Iraq's arsenal.
He apologized again and again, and promised that Germany will keep its
eyes open and its mind thinking).
But all this will disappear within one month from the end of the war.
Israel will be pressed and threatened again by everyone (incl. U.S.A),
to give the Arabs more lands, so that it will be easier to wipe us off.
We have been through this story several times, and the end was never
a really happy one. When the Arabs will get rid of Saddam they will
start again yelling about "the crimes of the imperialist Israel".
And the world will support them, because it pays off pretty well.
Arabs can offer cheap oil to its supporters, Israel can hardly return
a smile and a warm "thank you" to its supporters.
This is why I think Israel should do something. But this something
should be so hard, so aggressive and so frightening, that Arabs will
remember it forever, with their spines shivering at the thought of it.
It is our only chance to have peace with them. When they understand
that Israel is crazier than any Arab, they will stop messing with us,
and they will look for ways to have peace with Israel. When that time
comes, Israel will be happy to have peace with everyone.
But remember: THE KEY IS FEAR. History proves that nothing can speed
up peace. When enemies fear each other too much - they want peace.
Look how the U.S.A and the U.S.S.R were happy to make peace. Why?
The fear of each other's power was too great. Finally, the Russians
couldn't stand the technological race, and headed peace. The U.S.A
did not stand in the way, and shook the Russian hand warmly.
This is the case in the middle east. They must understand that Israel
is impossible to defeat. Not only that: Israel will take the most
destructive approach to its enemies. Then they will REALLY want peace.
.
This leads to me to consider nuclear weapons.
Currently, nuclear weapons are considered as a last resort.
When Israel is about to be destroyed, the atomic bombs will be used.
But this will be too late. If Israel is destroyed, who cares what
will happen then? What good will come from bombing the Arabs with
atomic bombs? Ok, so we'll get 100 million. So? Israel will still
be destroyed.
I claim, that using nuclear weapons now, will set the Arabs on the
right course very quickly. It will also save lots of lives from
future wars (and there will be for sure). The next war (or even this
one) may involve chemical and biological warfare. It may involve
atomic bombs on the Arab side, which will mean the end of Israel.
So lets US do it as soon as possible, and it will bring the peace.
.
Well, it is not in my hands.
.
Bye,
Eitan Vazani,
Israel.
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
Another file downloaded from: NIRVANAnet(tm)
& the Temple of the Screaming Electron Jeff Hunter 510-935-5845
The Salted Slug Strange 408-454-9368
Burn This Flag Zardoz 408-363-9766
realitycheck Poindexter Fortran 415-567-7043
Lies Unlimited Mick Freen 415-583-4102
Tomorrow's 0rder of Magnitude Finger_Man 415-961-9315
My Dog Bit Jesus Suzanne D'Fault 510-658-8078
New Dork Sublime Demented Pimiento 415-566-0126
Specializing in conversations, obscure information, high explosives,
arcane knowledge, political extremism, diverse sexuality,
insane speculation, and wild rumours. ALL-TEXT BBS SYSTEMS.
Full access for first-time callers. We don't want to know who you are,
where you live, or what your phone number is. We are not Big Brother.
"Raw Data for Raw Nerves"
X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
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