Wednesday September 27, 2006

I've Been Thinking:

Southern Lebanon is still a mess and that's the way it will remain for a long, long while.

Here's why:
Neither the UN forces, known as UN Interim Forces In Lebanon (UNIFIL), nor the Lebanese army will confront Hezbollah. No way, no how.
Israel will not totally withdraw from Lebanon until there is a clear understanding of the rules of engagement. No way, no how.

Here's the confusion:
The UN sees itself as a police force which means that they can only shoot when shot upon. The UN sees its role as protecting Lebanon from Israel.
Israel reads UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to mean that UNIFIL and Lebanese forces will disarm and control Hezbollah. Israel also reads the resolution as allowing them to respond within Lebanon when threatened.

Here's what it says in the text of the cease fire:
The purpose of the International Force and the Lebanese army in Southern Lebanon is to protect Lebanon from Hezbollah and make certain Hezbollah does not threaten Israel.

Seems pretty clear to me.