We get so caught up in who started this or
they did that or this, we have simply lost sight of the mechanics for resolving
conflicts such as this one. Furthermore the parties involved obfuscate the facts
and hide behind, what they must think is sufficient justification for this
senselessness, but in reality are thinly veiled positions that simply do not
stand under closer scrutiny. To put an end to this tragic event, in fact the
entire "situation in the Middle East", we need to stop. We need a
cessation of hostilities that will provide a space for diplomacy and a political
solution; and, so that you and I can better understand what has been happening.
So since it's been well over 25 days since
this latest crisis began, it is reasonable to demand, where is the obvious
Resolution from the UN Security Council? Where is the call for at least a
cessation of hostilities? Where is the strong language from the UN Security
Council condemning these events? Where is the Resolution from the UN Security
Council that states that the current conditions are unacceptable, therefore,
ceasefire? Where is the action from the UN Security Council? Many, many, many
folks have noticed the UN Security Council's silence in this regard; I'm just
another citizen that has also taken note.
I simply do not accept that the delay in
action is primarily from the difficulty in negotiations in reaching a
settlement, or a more comprehensive ceasefire. This inaction has lead to a
perpetual escalation, the deaths of many innocent civilians, destruction of
civilian infrastructure, environmental issues from an oil spill and the
continued disenfranchisement, disillusionment of the people and the endangerment
of peace and security.
It is clear, there is no room for mistake
on this issue, the Lebanese Government called for UNIFIL to assist with
brokering a ceasefire (a cessation of hostilities). The Lebanese Government
followed up the very next day in New York, at the UN, stating specifically that
their government did not endorse the [Hezbollah] actions and was willing to
negotiate through the UN and third parties.
A scary number of you are of the position
that Hezbollah deserves everything they get from the Israelis. Or think that Hezbollah
is a terrorist organization. These are probably the same people,
accepting as a given, the deaths of innocent civilians during war. Jesus! A
large number of you will not be swayed by the fact that purposefully targeting
civilians and civilian infrastructure is wrong, that labeling Hezbollah a
terrorist group is laughable. So let me be the first to tell you that
purposefully targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure IS wrong, even
during times of conflict. Characterizing Hezbollah as a terrorist group meets
the political end of the US elite and Israeli aggression. Furthermore, Hezbollah
HAS been legitimately elected, democratically, to the Lebanese government; they
also provide social services like schools and hospitals in the southern portion
of Lebanon.
