[xyzelement]

So according to that logic, Israel is intentionally orchestrating a "brink of starvation" which generates for it negative publicity but is very careful to ensure nobody actually starves. Why would be the strategy in that according to you?

[fahhem]

Because they thought actual famine would be worse. They didn't realize how little the US would care.

[xyzelement]

I think there's something to the IQ comment I made earlier. If adversary A claims the adversary B is doing a terrible thing, that thing doesn't materialize, the smart money isn't to be like "oh well B is only not doing it because they are sinister."

Or say another way - if "they are evil" whether they do X or opposite of X, whoever is setting up that story for you is full of shit.

[fahhem]

So you're saying because famine didn't appear right away, they weren't doing anything wrong? So if I come with a shotgun to your house and you say "he's going to shoot me" I waited an hour before realizing the cops weren't coming and shooting you. In that intervening hour, is it a low IQ argument to say that I'm going to shoot you, but I haven't for fear of consequences?