Wow, I don't even know what tactic this could be

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around tactics used by militant groups, specifically focusing on historical incidents involving Hamas and Hezbollah. Participants explore the implications of these tactics, the credibility of anecdotes, and the relationships between various political entities in the Middle East. The scope includes historical accounts, anecdotal evidence, and the effectiveness of certain strategies in counter-terrorism.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Historical
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants discuss a historical incident involving Hamas abducting Russian diplomats and the subsequent actions taken by the Russians, suggesting it reflects on the effectiveness of different tactics in dealing with terrorism.
  • Others express skepticism about the veracity of the story, labeling it as an "urban legend" and noting the prevalence of similar tales that serve to critique the effectiveness of agencies like the CIA.
  • A participant argues against the urban legend claim, asserting that the story was recounted by individuals involved in the events, as seen in a documentary about Spetsnaz activities.
  • There is a mention of Hezbollah's relationship with Syria, highlighting the complexities of their alliance despite differing ideologies, and the shared interest in countering extremist Sunni groups.
  • Another participant reflects on the broader implications of such tactics, suggesting that they have historically influenced the behavior of terrorists, particularly in relation to hijackings.
  • References to documentaries are made, with participants recommending specific titles that discuss these topics in detail.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the authenticity of the anecdote about Hamas and the Russian diplomats, with some asserting it is credible while others dismiss it as an urban legend. The discussion about Hezbollah's relationship with Syria also reveals differing perspectives on the nature of their alliance.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on anecdotal evidence and personal accounts, which may not be universally accepted or verified. The discussion includes references to specific documentaries that may not be accessible to all participants, potentially limiting the context for some claims.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in historical accounts of militant tactics, the dynamics of Middle Eastern politics, and the effectiveness of counter-terrorism strategies may find this discussion relevant.

member 5645
Bush and Hezbollah condemn beheading

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/05/13/1084289801959.html



A Kinder Hezbollah? A PR stunt? Looking for more recruits and empathy?

Either way, the Sydney Morning Herald is doing a hell of a job trying to play cupid with Bush and Hezbollah. :biggrin:
 
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Several years ago, Hamas abducted some Russian diplomats. What they'd forgotten was that the Russians had basically set up tehir entire cell network, and trained them all. The Russians instructed Hamas to return the diplomats, or they'd wander around killing Hamas cells. They gave Hamas 24 hours. Hamas did not comply. The next day, the heads of a Hamas cell (I mean the heads) were delivered to one of the Hamas leaders. The diplomats were released.

Funny old world.
 
Adam said:
Several years ago, Hamas abducted some Russian diplomats. What they'd forgotten was that the Russians had basically set up tehir entire cell network, and trained them all. The Russians instructed Hamas to return the diplomats, or they'd wander around killing Hamas cells. They gave Hamas 24 hours. Hamas did not comply. The next day, the heads of a Hamas cell (I mean the heads) were delivered to one of the Hamas leaders. The diplomats were released.

Funny old world.

Bar none, this is the best story you have ever told on this site! :approve:
 
Adam said:
---- the heads of a Hamas cell (I mean the heads) were delivered to one of the Hamas leaders. The diplomats were released.

Funny old world.

Gotta be "urban legend" --- been too many versions rattling around, heads of parents/brothers/girl(boy)friends. Usually this one is used to belittle the CIA's effectiveness --- "the KGB knows/knew how to settle things" being the punchline.
 
Bystander said:
Gotta be "urban legend" --- been too many versions rattling around, heads of parents/brothers/girl(boy)friends. Usually this one is used to belittle the CIA's effectiveness --- "the KGB knows/knew how to settle things" being the punchline.

No, it's not urban legend. This was told by the personnel involved, on a documentary about Spetsnaz activities here and there. I have never once heard of it elsewhere, and therefore never as a joke about the CIA.
 
perhaps the fact u never heard it anywhere else means it happened only in their minds. I like the story tho, i will spread it around
 
studentx said:
perhaps the fact u never heard it anywhere else means it happened only in their minds. I like the story tho, i will spread it around
Make sure you get a big shovel and a clothes pin for your nose before you start the spreading.
 
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Hezbollah has improved its relations with Syria since the young Assad took over. It is a strange relationship, a zealously religious shiite terrorist/guerilla army allied to a secular Sunni government. The one thing they have in common is a dislike for fanatical Sunnis. Hezbollah beats them down in Lebenon so the Syrians can keep their hands clean (relatively). The Syrian government are Baathists. While the Syrian and Iraqi Baathists hated each other, it was because the were rivals for leadership amongst secular Arabs. With the Iraqi Baathist party thoroughly weakened, there is no rivalry. The Syrians have been allegedly aiding the Iraqi Baathist insurgents. The last thing the Syrians want is for Al Qaeda to become strong in Iraq. I believe Bin Laden has called for the death of Assad, and an overthrow of the Baathists in Syria.

You need a scorecard to keep it all straight.

Njorl
 
phatmonky said:
Bar none, this is the best story you have ever told on this site! :approve:
Agreed.
Gotta be "urban legend"...
Urban legend or not, its the only type of tactic that works with terrorists. Its the reason that plane hijackings largely stopped after a huge upswing in the 80s - the Israelis in particular sent the message loud and clear that 'you may or may not kill some passengers, but either way, we're going to kill you.' Turns out, not all that many terrorists are suicidal.
 
  • #10
Check out the documentary "Inside Russia's SAS", Wilton Films and BBC, 1999, produced and directed by Tania Rakhmanova and Paul Mitchell. It's a great addition to any collection. Very interesting stuff. The section about the Kabul raid was great.
 
  • #11
Oh, by the way, it is Spetsnaz people themselves who describe their activities in the Middle East. Sorry, but it is not "urban legend". Try again.
 
  • #12
I saw that in a documentary about the Speznaz as well, Adam isn't making this up. Interesting stuff.
 

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