In response to the post below, TPM reader DS correctly notes, among other points, the chicken/egg conundrum:

I see your point . . . and will go you one further.

First, the US has pretty much said that our allies can do virtually anything when it comes to fighting terrorism. Wiretapping, check. Library and Bank records, check. Detention without charges our trials, check. Torture, check. Bombing and war without provocation, check.

As usual, the US is setting the tone for what is acceptable world-wide.

On the other hand, while it may be inflammatory for Israel to go over-the-top here, this situation was likely caused by Palestinians being inflamed by the war.

Bush has put Israel in a no-win situation. Terror attacks will increase because of the War in Iraq, yet an Israeli response to the terror attacks will feed the insurgents in Iraq as well as attacks on Israel.

Damned if they do and damned if they don't. And with a US president who thinks they are all damned anyway!