On the other hand, word is that the Israelis were planning the Lebanese invasion before the soldiers were kidnapped; and too, don't forget that they have still not been returned. You're right about the motivations of Hezbollah and their status as Iran/Syria proxy, but too, Iseael was the proxy of the US in this war-- it was not fought by either side over those two soldiers.
Some politicians have been saying that if we (the US) were serious about democracy in the Middle East, then we would have been in Lebannon supporting the government against Hezbollah and their Iranian patrons, rather than say invading Iraq.
It seems like there are no good guys anymore. Just bad guys and stupid guys.
Josh,
I honestly don't agree with your analysis that Israel was planning an attack. This is speculative, and it justifies Hizbollah's attack on the base of some alleged future Israeli plans. Moreover, Israel withdrew from Lebanon 6 years ago. If it had any motivation to return to Lebanon its an arsenal of more than 10K rockets and missiles held by Hizbollah that openly calls for the destruction of Israel.
Israel and Lebanon had no quarrel these days. Iran, on the other hand, seems to be obssesed with the destruction of Israel (and with obtaining nukes).
Hizbollah does not serve a Lebanese interest. It serves a pure Iranian interest in the region. For the benefit of both the Lebanese and the Isreali, I hope that the Lebanese will throw this parasite out.
As for the UN. If we're counting on them to save the region, we're in really bad shape. No French or German is going to risk his life in order to save the lives of mere middle-easterners.
Nasrallah's statement was just a way to suck up to the Lebanese who are extremely pissed off at Hezbollah in order to try to keep his terrorist outfit in southern Lebanon.
I must say that I agree with Zalame and Canuckistani
Hello Amal,
I think your thoughts that the war is not over but what we wait for is when will it start is very true – it has been true in the Middle East for as long as I can remember that each cease fire could not hold.
My fear is that the latest conflict was an Arab victory and that this strategically has weakened Israel. I believe their plan was one used by the United States in Iraq which was a strong air blitz that should have been followed up by a strong ground advance – Israel didn’t do that. This can only bring one to believe that the Israel leadership is not capable? Have the stomach for the fight?
Israel must now implement a very strong and clear “red zone”. Lines must be drawn that if challenged again by Hezbollah, will see a strong and forceful retaliation – thus begins the fight again – one toe over the line and the fight is on. Whose fault will it be – I guess the politicians will let us know the answer to that – right!!
I guess in a few more years we will have the same fears and frustrations which will extend to the entire world as the Iranians develop nuclear weapons and U.S. will have to step up to the plate – it will be a world war.
Yes…I am a pessimist in this part of the world where there just is no common ground between Arabs and Jews and even within the different Muslim sects that it’s just a ticking time bomb – a bomb that has consistently exploded. It’s just that the bombs are getting bigger and more lethal to not just “the region” but threatens the world. As children we read about the great Crusades – the Muslims read about the evil people who came into THEIR world and threatened them.
Hi Al,
Thanks for taking the time to comment on my blog. I would like to address a few of your comments. You said :
“My fear is that the latest conflict was an Arab victory and that this strategically has weakened Israel”. The only victorious ones in this little battle which claimed over a thousand lives in Lebanon and caused untold destruction and chaos on both sides of the border are Iran and Syria. Hizbullah has long been known to be owned by both Syria and Iran but for different reasons. Iran finances, trains and also supplies weaponry. Syria allows it all to flow through their borders. Iran needed a distraction from it’s nuclear program hence the kidnapping of two soldiers. Anyone with even a quarter of political knowledge knows that Ehud Olmert is not a strong leader. He is not Ariel Sharon. While I wholly despise Sharon and everything he did in Lebanon, I will give credit where credit is due. The man was a brilliant strategist and a brilliant leader. He would never ever have done what Olmert did over two soldiers because he knows that Hizbullah needs to retain some sort of relevance and attacking Lebanon gives Hizbullah back their relevance in the real world. Don’t get me wrong, I will always say that Hizbullah started this mess by following Iran’s orders but Olmert way over reacted and has now found himself in a political crisis of epic proportions.
When innocent people die, regardless of race or religion, no one is the victor and we are all losers. My family lost people in the first week of bombings. They live in a village that despises Hizbullah. There is no Hizbullah where they were. Do you think I count this whole mess as a victory because the bombing has stopped? No. The people who appear on the news claiming victory make for a great 30 second sound bite that boosts ratings but those of us who bitterly opposed what Hizbullah has done never get any airtime or print space. Do I feel victory when I know that the country I love and that I watched being rebuilt is now destroyed? No. Do I feel victory when I live in a constant state of fear for my family and friends in Lebanon and Israel? Bet you didn’t know I would have friends in Israel. I do. I was just as scared for them as I was for my friends in Beirut.
“I guess the politicians will let us know the answer to that right!!”. My dearest hope is that you are being sarcastic. LOL. Politicians are so out of touch with what the real world needs and wants are that it is pathetic. Even here in Canada, we are back to debating Gay Marriage when we should be looking at domestic violence, child poverty, cancer and aids. Who gives a rat’s petoot who marries who? I care about the children living below the poverty line at a time when Alberta is experiencing it’s greatest economic boom ever.
“Yes I am a pessimist in this part of the world where there just is no common ground” You aren’t the only pessimist. I truly believe that each side is regr
I am an optimist... but optimism is often naive, I have to admit. I really didn't see this last war coming, which was a terrible miscalculation on my behalf, but also a lack of information.
Now that I know that Hezbollah was amassing missiles on the Israeli border, I realize that this war was nearly inevitable. Whether Israel is good or evil, there is no way they were going to let missiles piling up at their border and controlled by a militia rather than a responsible state.
So to answer those who say that Israel was preparing this war, it doesn't really matter: you can't pile missiles at their border and not expect a response!
Therefore, the main stupid act was Nasrallah's blind allegiance to Iran who used him and abused him.
Just like Russia tried to do with Cuba in 1962.
I have nothing else to say about the whole Lebanon/Israel conflict.
I sent George Bush an email, suggesting he just pull the civilians out and let them level each other.
He never responded.
Goddamn Texans.
Hey, is it true everything is bigger in Texas??? Hmmm....
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