Comment

From the Beirut Daily Star: Editorial - Lebanese brace for Israel's signature strategy: collective punishment.

Most Lebanese view Hizbullah's latest operation as a dangerous gamble. Although they do not have much sympathy for the Israelis, who destroyed their country during a brutal invasion and occupation, they do fear Israel's signature brand of retaliation - collective punishment - at a time when their country is already passing through a period of instability. They are dangerously exposed because their leaders have failed to forge a sense of cohesion and unity during the national dialogue.

Lebanese civilians, who have absolutely no control over the events that are unfolding, and who once again find themselves in the eye of the storm, are now bracing for the very worst. Their darkest fear is that as they helplessly repeat the act of watching history unfold on their land, this time the promise of Lebanon's resurrection will itself become history.

Pretty much says what I think at the moment.

Now for the Ha'aretz POV - the same idea, basically, but from the other side:

On the other hand, Israel has repeatedly adopted a more restrained and level-headed policy in the past, even in times of anger and frustration, while stating that it will respond - but at the time and place it sees fit, not necessarily right away, and with a large military force that destroys hostile forces as well as peaceful civilians. Such an outburst of Israel's tremendous power can easily get totally out of control, spurring a dangerous process of escalation on the divided and unruly Lebanese front, as in the wake of the IDF incursion there in 1982.

There may be some who think that it is appropriate to use the opportunity to "cleanse" all of southern Lebanon of Hezbollah bases so as to give Israel back its deterrent capability. Syria, too, is liable to be seen as an appropriate target in this context, especially since Israel - justifiably so, to a great extent - views Syria as having the ability to influence the Palestinian organizations and Hezbollah. But it's doubtful that such inordinate action will bring about the release of the captives; it is liable to bring about, God forbid, a new version of the 1982 entanglement.

I don't particularly agree with the assumptions in this statement, but I include it because the end conclusion is the same. Stand down.

Comments

[Donna]

I am heartsick at what is happening now. These days, it is hard to feel hopeful for peace.