In defense of Ehud Olmert - DAVID J. MARTIN
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1154525954461&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Olmert...must be applauded for his success. He orchestrated an unexpectedly strong reaction to Hizbullah with across-the-board support at home, and he was able to keep the United States on Israel's side for four crucial weeks.

In the current domestic and international climate these are significant accomplishments.

Intelligence about how strong Hizbullah had become was...lacking. This was not Olmert's fault. He took the most logical course of action. If Hizbullah was not terrifyingly strong, then the offensive could deal it a death blow. If Hizbullah was stronger than believed, then a weakening blow was crucial and the timing correct.

MY READING is that the stop-and-go nature of the offensive was not only a function of ineptitude in certain IDF quarters, but also a misreading of the willingness and ability of US President George W. Bush to stand behind Israel.

Let's not forget that Bush is embroiled in a situation in Iraq for which there may be no solution, and from which there may be no avenue of respectable return. Under these circumstances no one in Israel could have foreseen Bush's (welcome) position in the Lebanese war, nor his ability to control the State Department and stand up to the European Union.

Under these circumstances it would have been folly for Olmert to order a full-scale offensive - a move that could have quickly undermined US support.

It is all too easy to engage in our national sport of criticism. It is more difficult, but often necessary, to take a step back, to put oneself in the shoes of the decision-makers who must act in real time, without the benefit of 20/20 hindsight.

As the Talmud says, "Do not judge your friend until you are in his position."

[Jerusalem Post]