The same Senators who supported the Syria Accountability Act and pushed for the Syrian military and intelligence withdrawal from Lebanon two years ago, the same Senators who applauded the Cedar Revolution last year, are the same ones who have decided yesterday to give unconditional support to Israel's attacks on Lebanon. I understand, politicians are politicians no matter where they are; they're concerned about being re-elected and about representing their constituencies.
But what about the Administration? This is what President Bush had to say yesterday: "In order to be able to deal with this crisis, the world must deal with Hezbollah, with Syria and to continue to work to isolate Iran." Please tell me if you see the word Lebanon anywhere. It's not about Lebanon; it's about Israel, Hezbollah, Iran and Syria. But guess what country is being destroyed and who is being killed (over 300 dead now) and displaced (over half a million)? Lebanon and the Lebanese people.
I realized then that Lebanon has been sold out!
Just a few months ago, Lebanon was a shining example of how democracy should look like in the Middle East. But now the very shining example that used to be showcased as a U.S. foreign policy success is being killed. The most pro-U.S., pro-West government in the Middle East is being weakened.
Nevertheless, this was way better than reading the following excerpt from Charles Krauthammer's opinion piece in the Post:
Just as in Kuwait in 1991, what must follow the air campaign is a land invasion to clear the ground and expel the occupier. Israel must retake south Lebanon and expel Hezbollah. It would then declare the obvious: that it has no claim to Lebanese territories and is prepared to withdraw and hand south Lebanon over to the Lebanese army...I mean, is this for real? Does Krauthammer truely think that the Israeli army will "hand" south Lebanon to the Lebanese army as a gift? Since when such scenario took place anywhere, that a state which occupied another country for close to 20 years, will return to invade that once-occupied country to fulfill its mission and then hand this country back its territories? Isn't this scenario so out of this world? And if this is the advice the Administration is listening to, then yes I can say: Lebanon has been sold out!
The Lebanese are reaching a point of despair! All the great powers are watching and giving Israel what it wants, time to decimate Hezbollah, while in reality more Lebanese civilians are being killed and the country's infrastructure has deteriorated considerably in just ONE week, then how about a couple of weeks.
Again and again, Lebanon's fate is to be the house of others' conflicts. My father in despair said over the phone: "I've been living outside my country for 30 years; my fate is to continue living away for the rest of my life!" It is almost like waiting for Godot...and Godot never ever comes. I feel with you, Baba, and I wish I can do something.
Now I would like to end this post with Prime Minister Seniora's Address to the Diplomatic Corps:
I have convened the diplomatic corps in Lebanon today to launch an urgent appeal to the international community for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and assistance to my war ravaged country. You are all aware that seven continuous days of an escalating Israeli onslaught on Lebanon have resulted in immeasurable loss: the toll in terms of human life has reached tragic proportions: over 1000 injured and 300 killed so far; over half a million people have been displaced; in some areas, the hospitals have been crippled and are unable to cope with the casualties; there are shortages of food and medical supplies; homes, factories and warehouses have been completely destroyed; UN facilities in Maroun El Ras and Naqoura have just been shelled, so have been army barracks and posts of Joint Security Forces; a civil defense unit has been wiped out and foreigners are being evacuated.. As I speak, the trauma, the desperation, the grief and the daily massacres and destruction go on and on. The country has been torn to shreds.
Is the value of human life in Lebanon less than that of the citizens of other countries?
Can the international community stand by while such callous retribution by the State of Israel is inflicted on us?
Will you allow innocent civilians, churches, mosques, orphanages, medical supplies escorted by the Red Cross, people seeking shelter or fleeing their homes and villages to be the casualties of this ugly war?
Is this what the international community calls self defense? Is this the price we pay for aspiring to build our democratic institutions? Is this the message to send to the country of diversity, freedom and tolerance?
Only last year, the Lebanese filled the streets with hope and with red, green and white banners shouting out: Lebanon deserves life!
What kind of life is being offered to us now?
I will tell you what kind: a life of destruction, despair, displacement, dispossession, and death.
What kind of future can stem from the rubble? A future of fear, frustration, financial ruin, and fanaticism.
Let me assure you that we shall spare no avenue to make Israel compensate the Lebanese people for the barbaric destruction it has inflicted and continues to inflict upon us, knowing full well that human life is irreplaceable.
You want to support the government of Lebanon? Let me tell you, ladies and gentlemen, no government can survive on the ruins of a nation.
On behalf of the people of Lebanon, from Beirut, Baalbeck, and Byblos, to Tyre Sidon and Qana, to each and every one of the 21 villages at the southern border, declared a no-go zone by Israel, to Tripoli and Zahle, I call upon you all to respond immediately without reservation or hesitation to this appeal for an immediate cease-fire and lifting the siege, and provide urgent international humanitarian assistance to our war-stricken country. I would also like to thank the international organizations and the friendly countries that have already extended their valued help and thank as well those who are preparing to do so.
Excellencies
We the Lebanese want life.
We have chosen life.
We refuse to die.
Our choice is clear.
We have survived wars and destruction over the ages.
We shall do so again.
I hope you will not let us down.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
48 comments:
i guess i'm emotionally predisposed towards this kind of stuff right now, but i find seniora's speech, as usual, to be beautiful and heartbreaking.
we can survive and we will survive.
i wonder how long the conflict will last if we continue to blame eachother..
i also wonder how quickly we could move on if we stopped blaming..
my guess is that the latter would be a much briefer period..
still wishing you health, safety and peace - i look fwd to the day that this will be over..
lirun
tel-aviv
www.emspeace.blogspot.com
I feel concerned for the suffering people of Lebanon.
You described Lebanese as a tolerant people. How does it show "tolerance" that Hezbolla, which has vowed to destroy Israel, was able to win seats in a democratic election?
Do you think Israel should do nothing about Hezbolla's incursion; and about Hezbolla's threat?
Do Lebanese people like Hezbolla's policy with regards to Israel?
What do you think Lebanon should do about Hezbolla?
1earth sid:
Israel should compensate Lebanon with the same offer that Lebanon offered to compensate Israel after Lebanese aggression killed 8 Israeli soldiers and dropped 300 mortars on Israeli communities. Nothing but silence.
DEAL! You compensate us for our losses, we compensate you for yours. Then we start a new page. I think it is a fair deal.
Doha said:
"Does Krauthammer truely think that the Israeli army will "hand" south Lebanon to the Lebanese army as a gift?"
Well it stands to reason that they will. They just gave Gaza to the palestinians as a gift.
I hope you are wrong when you say Hezbolla will not be dissolved. Your country is doomed if Hezbollah's ideology is allowed to continue.
shmulik, man, glad to see you here :D
"I mean, is this for real? Does Krauthammer truely think that the Israeli army will "hand" south Lebanon to the Lebanese army as a gift? Since when such scenario took place anywhere, that a state which occupied another country for close to 20 years, will return to invade that once-occupied country to fulfill its mission and then hand this country back its territories?"
Germany, Japan, Philipines, Gaza, etc. You get the drill. Has happened, will happen again. That your civilization is not familiar with it doesn't mean WE are not familiar with this kind of actions.
And well, following the topic, in REAL countries it's the army who watches the borders, not militias. If you aspire to be a modern country anytime soon, you should begin working on that. If that means "marginalizing" one minority of the population, do it. It's their problem. We've done the same in Spain with the terrorist organization ETA, and it works.
Doha - a Conundrum indeed. Interestingly, Israel as it was being born had a very similar problem, with the right-wing militants who wanted to stay a militia and not join the IDF.
In an operation still controversial to this day, commanded by the young Yitzhak Rabin, our own HA disarmament problem went sinking into the sea.
See The Altalenta Affair for an important historical lesson.
this is something we often face as israelis.. people tell us how wrong we are.. but no one ever provides an effective alternative solution to our problem..
unfortunately this promotes our fortress mentality and reduces our interest in international opinion.. which ironically is the very force that often is best placed to resolve our concerns..
while i believe in the necessity of a response to the HA attacks - i also believe that our treatment of this conflict is somewhat archaic.. we are behaving a little like a warrior nation of last century..
israel has ethical issues over exploiting suffering for press and is pathetic at public relations.. i was watching the HA spokesperson on BBC this morning.. he was like some trendy tv personality - bouncing around like a youth appeal guru.. i was in awe at their expertise.. HA can sell pain like its going out of fashion.. israel on the other hand is totally incompetent at explaining and externalising its pain - as profound as it may be..
the problem is that the war is most effectively won through the media and yet we focus so heavily on conventional/traditional carnage and pain..
it is so limited in benefits with the main affect - in this case - being the death of our dear neighbour..
i believe unequivocally in my right to self defence but i do wish it was exercised in a smarter way..
i think it comes back maybe to the omnipresent issue of trust..
lirun
tel-aviv
www.emspeace.blogspot.com
Poul:
George Orwell once said (”As I Please,” Tribune, 8 December 1944):
“We are told that it is only people’s objective actions that matter, and their subjective feelings are of no importance. Thus pacifists, by obstructing the war effort, are ‘objectively’ aiding the Nazis; and therefore the fact that they may be personally hostile to Fascism is irrelevant. I have been guilty of saying this myself more than once. The same argument is applied to Trotskyism. Trotskyists are often credited, at any rate by Communists, with being active and conscious agents of Hitler; but when you point out the many and obvious reasons why this is unlikely to be true, the ‘objectively’ line of talk is brought forward again. To criticize the Soviet Union helps Hitler: therefore ‘Trotskyism is Fascism’. And when this has been established, the accusation of conscious treachery is usually repeated. This is not only dishonest; it also carries a severe penalty with it. If you disregard people’s motives, it becomes much harder to foresee their actions.”
On the contrary, it seems to me that it was Lebanon that sold itself out when it decided to embrace terrorists as part of its government.
Since when such scenario took place anywhere, that a state which occupied another country for close to 20 years, will return to invade that once-occupied country to fulfill its mission and then hand this country back its territories?
Since Israel handed back the Sinai to Egypt of course. Since Israel handed back Gaza to its non-Jewish inhabitants...
I think Arabs find it hard to accept this because they can't conceive themselves acting that way. Isn't everyone supposed to be as bad as everyone else, when given the chance?
Let's do a thought experiment. Take two men and two women. One of the men and one of the women are convicted thieves murderers. The other two are known to be law-abiding and moral citizens who have never offended anybody or stolen anything.
I separate the two, putting the murderous couple in one house and the innocent couple in the other. Now I stand outside on the street and point to the respective homes and say: these people here are worse than those people over there.
So it's logically possible that some peoples are worse than others. In fact, it would be surprising if different peoples were exactly as good as one another. How, then, does one judge the difference?
There's a couple of ways that have been used for ages to measure this: Statistics, and History. And I don't mean, the one who wins is the best - If it was this way, Germany would be waaaay better than Poland, France, and a hell of a lot of countries - Same with Russia, Japan, etc... It's more subtle than that. But the signs are there if you know how to read them.
Yes, Israel will leave southern Lebanon as a gift, EXACTLY like it did in 2000. It is a myth that Hizbullah drove out the Israelis. The basic problem here is that you and your countrymen are SUBJUGATORS. This is the NATURAL state of humans. Subjugate or be subjugated. To overcome this nature, we need to teach people to not subjugate. Westerners have not been taught this directly (unfortunately) which is why rape (a form of subjugation) still occurs. But via indirect teaching they have picked up "don't subjugate". Anglophones, also via the indirect teaching of "fight for freedom" have picked up "FIGHT subjugation".
This one word, "subjugate", contains the secret for solving all the world's problems. It means control/enslave. To force someone to SUBMIT to your rule. NATO is a NATURAL alliance of anti-subjugators and non-subjugators allied against any potential subjugator. I am in the TRIBE of anti-subjugators. This is a worldwide tribe that transcends race/religion/sex/nationality. You get into it by saying "yes" to the following sentence:
I pledge allegiance to use my brain to fight subjugation of my species - do you?
For more information see www.moatazilla.org
doha,
it was never about lebanon. it never will be. we have to realize that, and learn how to fend for ourselves.
why do they call us lebanonians?
to all Israelis and their quarrel 'only' with Hizballah:
Hizballah is more than just 600-1200 fulltime fighters, Hizballah is also a political party with considerable popular support in Lebanon.
You cannot 'finish' Hizballah, your military will fail even in eliminating its rocket arsenals. Listen carefully to the change in tone of Israeli military and government spokesmen: they have changed their wording in the last few days from eliminating Hizballah to seriously handicapping their operations. They have started to come to terms with the reality of Lebanon, as they should have been from the start.
I recommend you read 'Israel's Lebanon War' bei Ehud Yaari and Ze'ev Shiff (hope the names are spelled right), both reporters from Haaretz (Ze'ev Shiff still is if I am not mistaken). I am not refering to the way the war broke out, but to the political and military miscalculations and errors made concerning Lebanon. The polical and military forecasts were incredibly wrong at that time, and I do not know what should have changed in that respect since 1982 in Israel. Pay special attention to the gloomy foreboding of the two authors in the last chapter of the book, consider that with the events leading up to this crisis in the back of you mind, and you'll see that Lebanon's political landscape cannot be changed by force, same as with the Palestinians or any people anywhere.
You should have invested some of the 50 Million Shekels this war costs you daily in the national Lebanese dialogue over the last year or so, and made some more friends on the other side against extremist elements. Instead, the chances for a civil war in Lebanon rise daily.
Oh, by the way, I hope someone here is interested in a more scientific analysis of the involvement of Iran with Hizballah, in my eyes there's a lot of conspiracy theories being propagated on both sides on this.
http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/060715_hezbollah.pdf
by the way, risking to sound cynical to some ears, me and some Lebanese friends have a dream:
one day, in the hopefully not so distant future, to take a car and make a roadtrip from Tel-aviv, Haifa to Batroun via Beirut, visit a couple of bars on the way...hope I won't be too old for a drink when that's possible...
hmm...of course Haaretz is liberal...that's the point, isn't it? ;)
And about Hama: you're right, the islamist radicals were crushed there, but:
1. they still exists
2. genocide is not an option, is it? Of course Israel could just nuke Sour, or shoot everyone wearing yellow, but that's not really the idea, isn't it?
If something about Hizballah should change, that must come from Lebanese society(s).
With Adulthood comes Responsibility, and that is something I cannot detect from this Lebanese blogger. It is all about what Israel is doing wrong, and what Americans are doing wrong, sometimes even what Hezbollah is doing wrong - but never what they done wrong. Yes, people of Lebanon were removed from the issue, by their own government. Your Prime-Minister was repeatedly refusing to take control over South Lebanon, YOUR territory! You army was AFRAID to disarm a terrorist organisation. You had Hezbollah territories off-limit to your Army and Police, yet nothing was off-limits for them. You agreed to be poor relatives in your own country, and now compain for the lack of respect. You cannot prevent Hezbollah from parking missile launchers in your neighbourhood, and pretend that this is normal, so you have to blame Israelis bor blasting that launcher. Sorry, but - pathetic.
"...the chances for a civil war in Lebanon rise daily."
I was under the impression that this was the goal of Israel. Israel would destroy Hezbollah's ability to fight, and then the rest of Lebanon would rise up and give Hezbollah and it's supporters the boot from Lebanon. And then the Lebanese could be free to live in peace, and Israel would have lasting peace on it's northern border.
From what I've read on your Lebanese blogs, the non-Hezbollah Lebanese are either unwilling to do this, or believe it to be impossible. I'm very sad for Lebanon and Israel.
the soldiers were a pretext for both sides to start this war they have been preparing for in the last 6 years.
Israel is in a predicament:
it cannot stop the bombardment before Hezballah is practically eliminated, but bombardment alone won't do the job. Ground troups are risky, a Hezballah defeat not likely, home support would quickly wane in the face of mounting casualties. In any case, as long as Hezballah isn't eliminated, it can't stop. Hezballah can't really be eliminated, so prepare for some prolonged fighting. If Israel stops before it reaches its goals, questions will arise as to the 'why' of the current campaign. Hezballah would have won. Negotiations with Hezballah would mean that they have won, too, since this was their primary objective, and the whole bombing-campaign would have been worthless.
So, no negotiations between Israel and Hezballah possible, no cease fire in the near future. Israel is in the off-side and can't move back without politically loosing face.
my heart really bleeds for you, after so many years of war and suffering Lebanon was turned around to be a shining center piece of Mid East democracy. Now 15 years of astounding progress has been whittled away in one week.
P.S. Mike from Israel needs to work on his english, no?
well i participated to the 14 of march strikes last year
but i m starting to feel that the syrians were right about one point
first iraq... then lebanon... then syria ... then iran
there is a neo con theory about all what s happening here , read on the heritage fundation site 2 years ago
ll try to find back that article
What about Izrale? When the state of izrale was declared and the then occupants of PALESTINE were either kicked out, forced to leave, or became a subject people that was an act of war, so the latest skirmish is a continuation of that...as far as I'm concerned, izrale deserves no sympathy. Like America they use bullshit to justify whatever they do.
Which brings me to the question: if it's OK for another state to get rid of a "terrorist" organisation in another land, then why isn't it OK for the people in Palestine and indeed the Middle East to get rid of the terorrist state that was set up in their midst?
It's a bit like, America can have whatever IT wants, but is not OK for the rest of the world to have what it wants. Korea precipitates a crisis cos it develops nuclear arms, yet America builds them enmass, to reinforce its own sense of superiority. Ditto for izrale!
if the people of lebanon want peace with israel, why have they not risen up to destroy hizballah themselves? it is dangerous to keep playing this vengeance game. to say that hizballah started this conflagration with israel is wrong. this war has been raging between the arabs and the jews for hundreds of years. but the fact stands, hizballah abducted israeli soldiers, which they knew would provoke retaliatory attacks! can you blame israel for all of this? or can you lay some of this blame on the extremist militants of hizballah and hamas?
one questions burns in my mind: if there are arabs that want peace, why do they not scream as loudly as those arabs who want to kill all who do not agree with their views? why do they not join the resistance against ideological barbarism?
i know in my heart and mind that there are arabs, like all people, who would just like to live in peace and raise our families, live our lives as god intended! but how can we continue to play the blame game? as our innocents are slaughtered on all sides, our people continue to blame one state or another for the violence! now is a time for peace loving people to rise up against the violence. stamp out those ideas which cause death, and breed relationships of life. it is a double edged sword where the peaceful folk must destroy those who wish to wage war.
but i know that i am a dreamer. this will never happen, not in your country or mine. we will continue to wage petty wars, each people thinking he has god's blessing, while god looks on in shame at what we are doing in his name. i am sick and tired of the ignorance that allows such ideology to spread.
god damn the priests, god damn the imams, god damn the politicians and the weapons that keep us all in permanent conflict. god damn the holy books that man interprets in his own view.
god damn those who are willing to kill the innocent for their own gain.
when we are liberated from these bodies perhaps we will know truth. i await that day.
Al-Ghadabulsaati3 said...
"Not all of us live on generous subsidies from the US.."
actually, many of you (people in countries other than US, in addition to illegal migrants residing here) do live on our subsidies. i dont know where you are from, but perhaps you do not yet know that the united states of america is the number one provider of foreign aid to every country on this planet? not that throwing money at the problems has ever solved anything. the people we help only allow their leaders to continue their tirades against us, fostering ignorance and malcontent worldwide. and while you may not get our money, i imagine you are perfectly happy with the qassam rockets and katyusha missiles from other more lucrative states? your hate is misdirected, sir.
In the 1971 Bangladesh war, India retreated from East Pakistan after invasion. This led to the creation of Bangladesh in what was East pakistan.
The simple fact remains:
If Hezbollah laid down its weapons the bombing of Lebanon would cease. As witnessed by Isreal's restraint up until 9 days ago. If Isreal laid down it's weapons Hezbollah would continue to fire rockets.
Would this not be the case?
As an Israeli I will reveal you the greatest strategic secret of Israel. In all my life I have not seen a person in Israel who would harbour any enimosity towards Lebanon and wish to cause it any harm. To the contrary, we are rather fond of you and sympathetic with your vision. This war is a complete idiocy. Yet it's not our fault - we were forced to react since we were continiously attacked. The occupation is no more. Samir Quntar is not a freedom fighter, he killed in the cold blood the whole Israeli family, including children. Is he the kind of person you would sacrifice everything for. If your answer is yes than you had it coming, if no you shold deal with your "resistance" fellows. I feel great sorrow, but you have to know that if you keep a wild animal in you house and it bites you neighbour it's you who will have to pay the bill.
Anyway, I hope that our bullets will go straight to Hizbollah missing you sane Lebanese people.
Before I begin, please accept my sincerest wish for your safety and a hope that the conflict can be resolved as quickly as possible.
Now then....
You're blaming the US for "selling you out" when the entire world knows that Hezbollah is intermingled in your society and government.
Don't get me wrong -- it is deeply tragic that innocent civilians, especially those who do not support Hezbollah, are caught up in this. We were thrilled here in the state watching your Cedar Revolution last year and were looking forward to Lebanon climbing out of the fundy islamofascist pit.
But make no mistake -- if a society harbors terrorists, especially to the point of elevating them to positions of authority in your official national government, then that society is a de facto part of the terroristic movement.
Silence gives consent, and that is what your people have done.
You have sold yourselves out and are now paying the price. As long as you tolerate meddling in your affairs by Syria, Iran, or any other outside influence, that sellout will continue.
The bad guys are hiding in the midst of civilians. By definition there will be civilian casualties. It is unfortunate, but as long as it is tolerated by the civilians (whether out of fear or by a sense of unity), they will be attached to the real targets.
But DO NOT blame the United States or anyone else for "selling you out". What is happening right now is a direct function of the war on terror. "There will be no distinction made between terrorists and those nations that harbor and support them."
Hezbollah has poked the stick one too many times at Israel, and now they've woken up angry. The sooner Lebanon wakes up and removes this vile splinter of hate from its society, the sooner peace can be achieved.
I refuse to believe that in all of Lebanon, there is not *ONE* person who does not know where the captive soldiers are, or where the Hezbollah leaders are hiding. Reporting these locations would be a huge step toward ending the conflict.
Until that happens, the sellout continues and your people suffer. But it was not us who sold you out.
Oops, forgot one thing....
Israel pulled out of southern Lebanon in 2000. This pullout was based on the premise that Lebanon would not allow Hezbollah to set up camp there, which they did within 2 months.
That was six years ago.
Why have Lebanon and the Lebanese people tolerated this flagrant breach of the peace contract for so long?
Why are you complaining now that the fruits of your inaction have come home to you?
You had *SIX YEARS* to confront this group and remove them from the area, which is occupied solely for the purpose of easy rocket access to northern Israel.
You did nothing. Why on earth would you expect anyone else to do something besides "nothing" now?
Use the underground, get info about the soldiers and Hezbollah leaders to the IDF, and prove to the rest of us that you truly do not support that group and want them gone.
Till then, you'd better hunker down.
I would like to point out one thing which has been left out pretty much so far:
A lot of Lebanese and Lebanese supporters (funny, I would normally count myself under that headline...) have been quick to condemn the West, especially the US. But please try and stay with the facts.
1. The way the US and the EU-countries, also Russia, have been sitting on the sidelines and letting Israel destroy so much of Lebanon is shameful. But not because Israel is the big, bad agressor here: because everyone in Lebanon and everyone interested in the Middle East was witness to past conflicts, and our Western governments have been idely watching the buildup of Hizballah's arms over the years, same as Israel's preparations (the nice and cute little wall they erected...amongst other things...). For instance, the German government has sold and is selling Israel the most modern submarine type in the world, (German Delphin-Class), heavily subisdized. Israel only gets 1/3 of the bill. But that's not the actual issue, the subs were fitted with custom-issue 60cm launch tubes to accmodate Israeli missiles capable of being fitted with a nuclear warhead. Anyway, this is going into details a bit...all I am saying is that Western governments carry responsibility for the way Israel reacts to defend itself, and also have supported Israel in ways the public never gets to know, and above all, have never made an honest move to disarm Hizballah and thus ensure Israels safety at its northern border.
2. Now, during this war, the US, still shaking from its attempts at forming coalitions of the willing and its 'misstep' in Iraq, is very careful to move too fast and annoy the international community. The EU is busy bickering about and tries to get its act together and see the world through rose-tinted glasses. Ergo no quick international solution. A UN-peaceMAKING force is in discussion, but that would require a robust mandate of the UN security council, not likely unless several countries pledge soldiers willing to do the Israelis job, ergo fight Hizballah if it threatens Israel again in future, and, if need be, even fire on IDF-soldiers...another posssibility - and necessity under a robust mandate! - making politicians, especially in countries like Germany, very, very jittery. German soldiers killing IDF-troops...I wouldn't like to see that newsflash and worldwide reactions to that...
Bottomline: quick international solution unlikely
3. Look at the Arab position. FOr the first time the Arab states have not unanimously supported Hizballah, even (sort of) condemmed its attack on Israel as being "too adventurous"...no idea how they phrased it exactly in Arabic, but Arabic has a lot of shades of meaning there...
bottomline here: don't be so quick to condemn the West, look at the Arabs as well...at least the Sunni. Almost all foreign governments blame Hizballah, Lebanese (non-christians!) blame Hizballah, everyone blames them...except a few bloggers who choose to phrase every criticism of Hizballah overtly careful, too careful if you ask me...
(Now comes the idealistic part:)
In danger of repeating myself and others: where's the March 14 spirit? You kicked the Syrians out without starting civil war, I know Hizballah is different, but still: where's the March 14 spirit, at least here on the net? The support of almost everyone would be on your side.
"Just a few months ago, Lebanon was a shining example of how democracy should look like in the Middle East. But now the very shining example that used to be showcased as a U.S. foreign policy success is being killed. The most pro-U.S., pro-West government in the Middle East is being weakened."
I hate to break it to you, but having Hezballah in government hardly makes for a shining example of how democracy should look like. Let alone being pro-US and pro-West. It's like saying giving Osama Ben Laden the PMOffice makes a country pro-west. Who are you kidding?
box was that a smile?
;)
All decent people sysmpathise with the poor Lebanese people in this their darkest hour.
Keep heart. People of goodwill are behind you and despise the evil actions of Israel.
As I read and re-read Seniora's words, I am filled with a terrible sadness. Lebanon could be so much more. He - and much of Lebanon, no doubt - are still stuck in the same moral vacuum as has existed for the past six years: that everybody could pretend Lebanon was a democracy when in reality Hizbollah and Syria wielded the ultimate veto power, and the thought being that Lebanon was off the moral hook for that reason.
Notice that no violations of international law or treaty are cited? That's because it's Lebanon that is violating them.
Instead of a call for enforcing international law and disarming Hezbollah, or even a request for international assistance of some sort, the PM calls for cold hard cash. For what purpose? Lebanon has a ready source of money available by loaning out its gold reserve. Yet can Lebanon really employ such funds at this time, with the government supposedly close to a shambles? Or is it so the higher-ups can take the money and run?
The PM closes with the assertion that Lebanon will survive - which implies that he knows it isn't the Israeli goal, despite its overwhelming military superiority, to wipe Lebanon out. Personal cowardice seems to be a huge factor among Lebanon's leaders, and the people suffer for it unnecessarily.
Amazing that as Israel strategically attacks missle sites and Hezbollah strategic targets, you continue to ignore that the shining example of democracy you profess is the same one that has allowed Hezbollah occupy and use your country as a base for terror. Where have Hezbollah been sending their attacks? Why is it that Israel does not just destroy everything as they should while Hezbollah continues to rocket family neighborhoods instead of coming out and fighting a real fight? No they are the typical muslims that live in the time of 500 BC.
Unfortunatetly, your government and elected officials are ENTIRELY responsible for the destruction that is going on, too bad the US did'nt do it a long time ago after the embarassing attack on our marines then.
Congratulations, if the muslim cause you support had it their way, you would not even get a chance to blog your own opinion, as I doubt allah would allow it...
Let the Lebanese prove they are not responsible and get Hezbollah out of the country....ha ha like that is possible with all the money your politicians are accepting from Syria and Iran, hardly likely they will own up to it when they can leave the country and have a nice life at the expense of their country...
God will sort it all out in the end...
I am a Mexican-American agnostic in solidarty with the Lebanese right now. I went out yesterday and protested against the Israeli bombing of Lebanon (so this has nothing to do with nationalism or religion I am just doing the right thing). There are a lot of people in the US that are outraged over Israel's bombing Lebanon. At our protest in Los Angeles there were hundreds of people and across the street there were only a dozen pro-Israeli hawks. There were 4-5 times as many people who wanted a ceasefire and for Israel to stop the bombings. We are also outraged that our leaders like usual under the Bush Administation are ignoring us. We will continue to fight this because there is no justification for the death of hundreds of innocent civillians because 2 soldiers were kidnapped. My heart is with the half a million displaced Lebanese and all those affected by this unnecessary conflict. But knowing a little of your history you guys have been through a lot and are very tough. My heart goes out to all of you
if lebanon was smart, they would have asked israel for help with rooting out hezbollah months ago. even now, i think lebanon should strike up a mutual protection treaty with the US and israel so lebanon doesnt have to worry about syria and iraq making trouble. the fact that they dont do that makes me wonder if lebanon really cares about defeating terrorism.
If this is not about Syria and Iran, then why doesn't Lebanon just ask Hizbollah to put down their arms? Because they wouldn't, and everyone knows it. We in America feel badly for Lebanon. We supported the Cedar Revolution and the inquest over the death of you former prime minister. We dream of the day when Beirut is again the "Paris of the Middle East". Yet we also see a country that cannot control its own territory and has to stand by while its borders are lined with terrorists. Until the regional powers in the Middle East decide that they are sick and tired of blaming all their internal problems on Israel, Americans will continue to support the only true democracy in the region - Israel. It is time for the Lebanese and other Middle Eastern peoples to look in the mirror and decide whether you want fifty more years of war, or try in earnest to solve your own governmental problems. Even now, under the pain of war, there are very few Lebanese standing up to Syria and Iran who, at this very moment, are pouring offensive weapons into your country to sustain a fight with Israel.
lynda:
European outlook IS distorted. As someone with an European passport, I can certify this. From inside you can't notice, that's for sure, but looking at some european TV channels is just like looking at some kind of satirical film compared to other places, with the difference that it's no fun at all.
If you want to see for yourself how ill-minded europeans are, look here: http://www.brusselsjournal.com , and laugh. Or cry, whatever you feel like.
BTW, ramansour, from your statements I can deduce you are or a coward, or ignorant, or just insane. Choose one of above.
Please accept my apology on behalf of all peace loving people of the United States, who not only are sickened by what is happening in Lebanon right now, but also are extremely angry at the Bush administration for their total lack of leadership -- we didn't vote for this, in fact our votes & elections were stolen. We did everything we could to stop the war in Iraq, and to elect John Kerry in 2004. I think there is no doubt in the minds of all people in my country that President Kerry would not have allowed things to deteriorate to this level, never mind President Al Gore.
I was born and raised in New York City. My mother is from Iran -- she is Persian Armenian. My father is American, 1/2 Irish Catholic & 1/2 Jewish (nice combination, right?). So, believe me, I understand all sides. I have grown up with a Middle Eastern people my whole life. I can confirm for you that 99.9% of Americans kniow ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about the cultures, history and peoples of the region.
I don't know what the polls here say, but I have a feeling that even among people who support Israel 100%, there are many who do not agree with how they are carrying out the attacks. I think (hope) most Americans can see through the Bush/Cheney admin's motives here -- that what they are really trying to do is stir up sentiment against Iran and Syria. And I really REALLY think & hope that most Americans see that is a path we SHOULD NOT start to follow.
One of my oldest girlfriends has been trapped in Lebanon this week -- in fact she was interviewed live from Beirut (on FOX News of all places -- one of her friends works there). She sounded very serious and worried. I think she finally left yesterday. I'm extremely worried for what is going to happen to Lebanon once all the Americans leave.
I feel like all I can do is promise you that I'll do everything in my power to put pressure on my Senators and Congresspersons to call for an immediate end to this crisis. I don't know how successful that will be, but please know there are millions of people here who are pleading for this madness to end.
(Regarding the Post article) yes, it's very sad that the Lebanese are dying in a war that doens't concern them much. But, as I'm forced to point out time after time, the Lebanese brought this on themselves by allowing the Hizbullah to build up an internal, non-governmental militia, openly hostile to your powerful neighbour and openly building a vast rocket array aimed at the same neighbour. You all knew they'll attack Israel sooner or later. you all knew Israel, like any other state, would retaliate. Why didn't you do anything? Why did you let Hizbullah flourish for six whole years? I'm really sorry, but you didn't exercise your wonderful new democratic sovereignity, and you must now face the consequences.
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