No, this is where it gets tricky, Lebanon didn't initiate. Lebanon is a bit more progressive than other area nations, and although they hate Israel to different degrees, it's not the core principle bloodlusty jihad type of hate. The problem is that Lebanon can't refuse Hisballah, a non-governmental, terroristic organization roughly run out of Syria and supported by Iran.
I think the real government and army can't deny Hisballah partly because Hisballah is liked (like the mob, they provide social services); partly because they are the common enemy of Israel; and mostly because leaders who fight Hisballah are
almost always assassinated.
So the Israeli actions are to try to disarm Hisballah, because Hisballah was clearly gearing up for more adventurous war, and a UN demand that Hisballah disarm was clearly ignored.
And if the Lebanese can manage to reduce Hisballah's power in their country, they will not fight Israel, and will continue to move ahead with their fledgling Democracy. Lebanon will become a really awesome nation and we will all go to Beruit on holiday. This is what I hope.
07-18-2006, 08:43 AM
Hybrid Mode
