As the president’s approval ratings scrape the pavement, the war between Hezbollah and Israel raises new questions about hostile engagement and withdrawal that will hold America’s occupation of the Middle East in the balance.
Last month bombs fell throughout Lebanon not to demolish democracy, but to disintegrate terrorists within. This is comparable to the claims of the Bush administration regarding Iraq’s invasion. The difference and demolishing component for America’s cause are the decades of public assault Israel has endured, as opposed to “false intelligence” about 9-11 and Weapons of Mass Destruction which allegedly prompted Iraq’s invasion.
The United Nations has stalemated Israel’s assault with both sides claiming victory. This isn’t surprising, considering terrorists claim victory for all things ranging from car bombs to even New York City traffic if it causes the president aggravation. Regardless, the future of America sprouts from the UN-inspired cease-fire agreement. Should Israel continue to fight or wait to be attacked again?
If Israel bombards Lebanon to “free the Lebanese people” they will substantially weaken the terrorist presence in the Middle East by eliminating multiple terrorist training camps and its leaders.
This would undoubtedly limit the number of effective terrorists globally and create new allies in the “war on terror.” New allies would help balance Iraq by limiting terrorist mobility and support, which would lead to returning troops and an appeased American public.
Many agree with world leaders condemning Israel for using war in response to the capturing of two soldiers. But the attack is about more. Before going to war, Israel relocated its own citizens from the Gaza Strip as a peace offering to end the unprovoked city bombings. But bombs continued to explode, and Hezbollah captured and held two soldiers, refusing to return them for more than a week before retaliating.
Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah told Al Jazeera, “We did not think … that the capture would lead to a war at this time and of this magnitude.” They failed to consider the consequences of their actions and proceeded to “play the victim.” This is why Israel would be doing itself a terrible disservice by not disposing of Hezbollah. Stopping now would only enable them to justify future attacks and claim innocence by citing Israel’s attack.
America is involved because the cleansing of Hezbollah may inadvertently legitimize the occupation of Iraq. If America’s military presence in Iraq diminished while surviving terrorists were fleeing, Iraq would become a perpetual terrorist training Disney Land.
Withdrawing both American and Israeli forces seems like a great idea. But it’s taken so long to recognize the initial invasion’s falsity that these demands arrive at an inappropriate time. The emotional and economic costs, in addition to the loss of life, have caused people to abandon the fight regarding WMDs or 9-11, but the truth is that war no longer exists and has been reborn a religious war of aliens that happens to be in Iraq. Considering it’s our creation, it’s our responsibility to resolve the issue. If we exit before Iraq is self-sustaining, we’ll lose an ally in the Middle East and guarantee a vain death toll and economic strain.
