“Letter to the Editor” The Baltimore Sun

July 18, 2006

 

 

U.S. inaction adds fuel to Mideast fire

 

Along with many people in Israel and Lebanon, we should condemn Hezbollah for igniting the recent conflict and condemn Syria and Iran for any support they have given the Lebanese militant group ("Latest conflict splits Arab world," July 17).

 

But we must also notice how U.S. inaction, in failing to support the call of the Lebanese government for a cease-fire, is contributing to the crisis.

 

This stance represents a shift from past American behavior.

 

In previous instances when war broke out between Israel and its neighbors or when Israel felt compelled to launch retaliatory invasions outside its borders, U.S. administrations (both Republican and Democratic) eventually sought to advance the American interest in regional stability by containing the conflict through a cease-fire and negotiations.

 

While many have suggested the United States may have given Israel a "yellow light" when it invaded Lebanon in 1982, the U.S. eventually sought to help negotiate a limit to Israel's destruction of Lebanon.

 

Today, in contrast, the Bush administration seems to be sending out mostly "green light" signals.

 

But is it really in the U.S. interest to risk the breakdown of order in Lebanon after Syrian troops have finally been forced to leave that country?

 

Moreover, it's unclear if this excessive use of force will really gain Israel the security it deserves.

 

It is clear, however, that these actions will mobilize populations and militant groups across the region who most fervently reject Israel while putting yet more strain on those who struggle to make the case for peaceful coexistence.

 

Waleed Hazbun