Survivor Lebanon

This destruction panorama of Lebanon is stunning.

In response, Condi
rules out a cease-fire. I say, send these sadists to the front.

Larry Johnson weighs in.

Condi Rice still holds the crazy belief that Lebanon's Army, which is 50% Shia, will magically deploy and confront Hezbollah. She also deluded herself into believing that the radical groups, like Hezbollah and the insurgents in Iraq, are stirring up trouble because the US mission of speading democracy is actually working. Maybe Condi also believes that the Tooth Fairy passes out coins for lost teeth, but believing in fantasies does not make fantasies come true. So far Condi has ruled out talking with Hezbollah about any issue. They are a terrorist organization and we don't talk to terrorists. Following our lead, Israel is will rebuff any UN entreaty to negotiate a ceasefire. The table is set for the next evolution of bloodshed. (snip) Although Hezbollah uses terrorism as a tactic, it is not primarily a terrorist organization. It has evolved over the years into a genuine political movement and conventional military force. This is a reality we can ignore at our peril. If we choose to view Hezbollah strictly as a terrorist threat then we convince ourselves that we have only one option–fight. But understand this–if we fight Hezbollah we will unleash a new war front that we are not prepared to pursue. At a minimum we can expect to face the fury of Shia militias attacking our troops and personnel in Iraq. There are some other options. … The Rut Becomes a Grave, by Larry Johnson

Meanwhile, Israel is about to invade southern Lebanon to eviscerate Hezbollah's
stronghold on their border. I bet they're dreading this one. Memories of 1982
have to come flooding back. The last thing Israel wants is to occupy Lebanon.
But once you send ground forces in things have a way of escalating.

But let me get this straight. Israel's planning a ground invasion of southern
Lebanon, and they're telegraphing it to the whole world via satellite TV. Israeli
security is renowned, so why are they showing us the ground build up? Ho-boy,
here we go.

Via Juan Cole:

Thousands of Lebanese were trying to flee the south after Israeli warplanes dropped leaflets warning people to leave, stirring fears that an Israeli ground invasion was imminent. But hundreds of thousands more remain stranded in villages and towns across the south, unable to leave their homes because of the intensity of the sustained Israeli bombing campaign. United Nations and Lebanese officials warned of an impending humanitarian disaster unless food and medical supplies are allowed to reach the stricken area and called on Israel to establish a “humanitarian corridor” to allow aid to get through. Humanitarian toll hits southern Lebanon as violence continues

From Lebanon…

Dozens of buildings were demolished in Haret Hreik and Bir al-Abed in the southern suburbs, where 200,000 people formerly resided. Lebanon Daily Star

If you haven't seen it, be sure to check out Marc Lynch's Abu
Aardvark, which has an analysis of some of the issues I addressed regarding
Lebanon.

Meanwhile, I wonder what our Groper in Chief will be doing this weekend? Nice,
relaxing time at Camp David, I suppose. Pass the butta.

Was it Bush's idea to drop leaflets
on Lebanon? You never know, because they're the ones who originally held
Americans stuck in Lebanon hostage to a promissory note in the middle of a war
zone.

It's been a tough week all 'round. I don't know about you, but I need a massage.

graphic compliments of Bob Geiger.