Delusional View of the Middle East

After reading this article , all I can think is that the author has a delusional view of the Middle East.
Although ordinary Lebanese have paid a huge human, economic and infrastructural price, Hezbollah has made it clear to the Israelis they can no longer take military predominance for granted. The limits of military power have been exposed. Moreover, the madness of war has been demonstrated to all and, once the current fighting is over, both sides are more likely to be cautious about actions that might push their peoples and countries into war once more.
Get serious. The "limits of military power" haven't been exposed because Israel didn't fight Hezbollah the way Israel normally fights wars. Their 'war' against Hezbollah was limited and half-hearted at best. If there's a new government in place when this ceasefire ends, expect Hezbollah to feel the full force of the Israeli military. Let's see how this theory holds up then.
Conventional thinking in the Middle East has largely been built on Israel's overwhelming military strength, together with the disunity and lack of purpose of Arab leaders. But, in less than two months, the almost mythic power of the region's most powerful army has been dented, and Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah's leader, has come across as a steadfast and determined leader, in sharp contrast to the usual behavior of heads of Arab government.
This author's premise is built on the theory that Israel's armed forces aren't as potent a force as people think. That isn't a wise premise to build off of. While Hassan Nasrallah has undoubtedly gained in reputation, that reputation might be short-lived if Israel's next attack is a serious attack.
Soldiers are the first to recognize that military power is of limited value in achieving long-term peace. It is past time for political leaders on both sides, especially moderate ones, to understand this. They need to work together and negotiate to solve problems that simply cannot and should not be solved by brute force.
The myth that there is such a thing as "long-term peace" should be rejected. The only peace that lasts any amount of time come after a withering, ferocious attack. The notion that diplomats can solve the Middle East's problems is laughable. If someone can explain to me why Israel should trust Hezbollah's and Hamas' signature on a treaty instead of believing their stated aim of destroying Israel, I'd listen. What I won't do is hold my breath waiting for that explanation.


Posted Sunday, August 20, 2006 2:10 AM

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