...After kidnapping of two IDF soldiers by Hezbollah, based in southern Lebanon. It would be tragic if Lebanon, who is finally emerged from a brutal civil war, is embroiled in this conflict.

(rumor here) On Lebannon? On Syria? On Iran? Regardless, it's not a pretty picture.

U.S. says that Iran, Syria are to blame. I agree.

It's essentially a war. At issue is the Hezbollah guerillas/terrorists who set up shop in southern lebanon, complete with functional government. Hezbollah is supported by Syria and Iran. These are the guys who kidnapped the Israeli soldiers yesterday. The reaction by Isreal doesn't make a whole lot of sense; they are systematically destroying Lebanon instead of going after Hezbollah. Essentially they are destroying Lebanon, but what will replace it? Hezbollah could then control all of Lebanon, and indeed the region will be set back 20 years, as the Isrealis claim they will do to Lebanon. This stance by Isreal isn't going to be effective, and may drag in (should drag in) Syria and Iran. Otherwise, there is no point in this action.

Hah. So, the AL, which has staunchly opposed US action in Iraq, is now pleading for the US to get Isreal to stop their attacks, and basically preserve the status quo. I think everyone is tired of the status quo, at least on the US/Isreal side. We're tired of islamic extremsists, we're tired of Syria/Iran making trouble for the region, we're tired of teh backwardness of teh Arab world. It's too bad Lebanon has to suffer, and I blame both sides for the conflict (which is not a voice i've heard in any forum). But if it pushes out Hezbollah and Hamas, then it's maybe worth it (is war ever worth it?)

I decided it's not war, it's genocide or a crusade, take your pick. What else can explain the targeting of civilians in Palestine? There are two issues here.

One is that Isreal is tired of dealing with terrorist groups and threats to its sovernty. So, they attack Hezbollah and Hamas.

The other is that said terrorist groups are essentially civilains with guns. No or loose organization, little training, no uniforms. So to attack these groups, Isreal must strike civilians and hope to kill a few terrorists/freedom fighters/guerillas.

I don't see the situation getting better any time soon, I keep wondering when the two populations (Isreal and everyone else) will get tired of killing each other. WHen that happens, peace will break out. I'm just glad i'm not there, or know anyone who lives there. Both sides are to blame in this conflict, like most others (ie Iraq).

The UN wants $150 million in immediate humanitarian aid. The US has already ponied up $30 million (that's 20%). I'm going to make a prediction that the rest will come from Europe and other US-alligned states; in other words, not the Arabs, who are sitting on the largest reserves of oil now trading for $75 /barrel.

Update: More on the UN aid here.
(From Al Jazeera of all places). Key quote from UN humanitarian guy Egeland (worse than FEMA?)

"The whole thing has to stop. It's no natural disaster but a man-made crisis. This is a senseless war. It should never have started. It should never have been carried out like it is now."

That's how things go in the mid-east I guess. Senseless wars. I agree about the humanitarian crisis, and its going to get far worse. One thing I've come to realize recently (and I'm sure many others have to) is that without electricity and plumbing, people like me are up a creek. We buy all of our food from stores, and we store it in refrigerators. We need air conditioners to function. Without these simple things, life becomes very very difficult.


Now the EC (European Comission) is donating 10 million euros (about 15 million USD).

The Kuwait Red Crescent (RC)is sending medical supplies by the ton.

Also from the UAE RC $300,000 in aid. (from above story)

I'll be glad to eat crow if the Arab countries actually come through and help out Lebanon. We'll see. Also its hard to equate price tags on aid. Food and water is the cheapest but saves the most lives. Medicine is more expensive. Structures and vehicles more expensive still.


Update: Feed me crow. The Saudis have really stepped up to the plate, pledging 1.5 billion USD in (presumedly long term) aid. Don't know what that aid will consist of.

Also the UK has pledged a small amount.

One could cynically say that only western-aligned nations have contributed aid so far; not Iran, not Syria, both of these countries are rolling in dough. Of course with most of the Mid-East now western aligned (with those two major exceptions or in civil war (ala Iraq, occupied Palestine, Somalia) most aid to Lebanon would occur from western-aligned Mid-east states.

Also the recent reports mention a possible humanitarian corridor between Syria and Lebanon, so that's an indication. One thing that we don't hear in the US is what our enemies have done good lately.

It's nothing we didn't know, but here's proof. Pictures showing Hezbollah militants in civilian clothes with military equipment (AAA gun?) in the middle of a suburban neighborhood. So when isreal attacks the neighborhood, they can claim rightious indignation.