Monday July 31, 2006

I've Been Thinking:

The United Nations Security Council issued a statement about Israel's bombing in Qana, Lebanon that killed 56 people.

"The Security Council expresses its extreme shock and distress at the shelling by the Israeli Defense Forces of a residential building in Qana, in southern Lebanon, which has caused the killing of dozens of civilians, mostly children, and injured many others."
"The Security Council expresses its concern at the threat of escalation of violence with further grave consequences for the humanitarian situation, calls for an end to violence, and underscores the urgency of securing a lasting, permanent and sustainable ceasefire."

This is the world of diplomacy.
Terms are important.
The Security Council used the words "concern" "shock" "distress."
But they do not condemn.

In diplomacy, nuance speaks volumes.
This specific choice of wording is a clear indication that the parties on the Security Council understand that despite pressure from certain corners, Israel is fighting an impossible battle against Hezbollah.

The Security Council statement was remarkably tame.
What could have been a scathing condemnation was a stern statement of shock.
Big difference.