The current conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which is quickly... if not already escalated into full blown war... is not World War Three, as many neo-cons are boasting. However, with Iran apparently behind the scenes pulling the strings, Syria just drooling for an opportunity to retake Lebanon, China worried about potentially loosing Iran's oil supply, not to mention North Korea testing missiles, and violence growing in Iraq... this situation does have the potential to explode.
This is where world diplomacy & statesmanship are required however; we not only have a President so weakened by his own policies that he has made the US appear impotent in the eyes of the World but, we also have a President who does not know how to mediate a disastrous situation.
President Bush's blind support for Israel ignores the newly formed, democratically elected, Lebanese Government, as well as fails to win the hearts and minds of the Arab & Persian world. These two points are key in achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East. For unless you are simply looking to roll over your enemy, completely concur them, and enslave their citizens , you need to win the hearts and minds of the people.
UN Securtary General Kofi Annan, an excelant diplomat & statesman, was able to walk the fine line of diplomancy by condeming Hezbollah for not disarming and for firing rockets into Israel however; he also condemened Israel for using a disporptionate amount of force.
Israel has every right to defend itself and had every right to slam Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon however; they should never have destroyed the infrastructure of Lebanon. Israel has eradicated power plants, bridges, tunnels, roads, news networks, and killed over 300 civilians. It is that action that will further alienate them in the Middle East and inspire the next crop of terrorists.
Presidents Bush's lack of any criticism concerning Israel's destruction of Lebanon will only exacerbate this powder keg. Post your opinion
UPDATE: 7-24-06: <tongue in cheek> I guess they're listening to me in Washington after all! CBS: Bush Orders Aid For Lebanon
-Anthony Congiano
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