Middle East Peace, Forget About It

I can hear it now, a Mafia Don is asked if he thinks there is a chance for Middle East peace and he answers, "Forget about it". It's not quite that bad, but almost. How can Israel and the Palestinians ever get get along if the Palestinians themselves can't agree on anything? Now we have Hezbollah trying to take over the Lebanese government, again, and Hassan Hasrallah and President George W. Bush exchanging words.

Excuse me?!?

Hassan Nasrallah and his group Hizbollah are taking this manipulation of the press and media a little too far:

"George Bush and Israel are trying to overcome the resistance movements in Lebanon, Palestine, and Iraq by means of promoting civil war," Nasrallah said during a speech in Beirut.

[snip] The truth is a non factor and manipulation and propaganda is a terrorist tool. Tragically there will be people that read this and believe it. His statement will show up on a protest sign somewhere.--Biga's Rants

Iran and Saudi Arabia have been mediating an agreement to end Lebanon’s violent political crisis, and apparently Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora sees this as a good idea. Where does this leave the United States? The United States has been trying to reduce Iran's influence. Many Lebanese believe that if Iran and Saudi Arabia do get some kind of agreement, it won't last probably because Syria will insert itself into the mix. (see more)

The left wing nuts claim Bush went into Iraq for oil, which is just silly since we don't get any oil from Iraq. Former United Nations Ambassador John Bolton said the United States HAS no strategic interest in Iraq other than wanting a terrorist free country. He also says, "We did the Iraqis a disservice by depriving them of political responsiblities."

"The United States has no strategic interest in the fact that there be one Iraq or three Iraqs," the newspaper quoted Bolton as saying.

"We have a strategic interest in ensuring that what emerges is not a completely failed state that becomes a refuge for terrorists, or a terrorist state," he said. (source)

Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, leader of the Shiite bloc in the 275-member parliament, believes dividing Iraq into three districts is the only answer to peace.

"I reaffirm that the establishing of regions will help us in solving many problems that we are suffering from. Moreover, it represents the best solution for these problems," al-Hakim said. "We affirm the necessity of establishing the south and center and Baghdad regions after the people vote on it." (source)

The Saudis, according to 'A leading Shi'ite cleric said on Monday Saudi Shi'ites would not be dragged into a sectarian conflict in the region and that their loyalty was to the kingdom and not Iran.'

Today Saudi Arabia announced that Adel al-Jubeir, an advisor to King Abdullah, has been named as its new ambassador to the United States, replacing Prince Turki al-Faisal who resigned abruptly in December for what he said were family reasons. Not sure if this is good news or not.

I'm not the only one that believes the constrained Rules of Engagement placed upon our troops in Iraq have prolonged this war years longer than it should have; has placed our troops in unnecessary danger; and thus resulted in a lot of the political problems that presently exist in America.

"Sadly, we have apparently been fighting the War on Terror with one hand tied behind our backs....

"We have since found out that our soldiers were required to go through a 'seven step mental checklist' before they could pull their triggers against insurgents in Iraq," Swarthout [Don Swarthout, President of Christians Reviving America's Values (CRAVE)] laments. "Additionally, American troops were not allowed to go into certain areas (including mosques) in Iraq." (source)

Hopefully this is changing now and will be a lesson for the United States in the future. We need to show the world that we can and will protect our selves decisively, no matter where.

That brings me to Kuwait, who has been a supporter of the US since we saved their rear ends from Saddam in the first Gulf War. But they may be slipping towards our enemies. The WaPo reports in October Kuwait reneged on a pledge to send three military observers to an American-led naval exercise in the Gulf, according to U.S. officials and Kuwaiti analysts, saying "The Kuwaitis were being careful not to antagonize the Iranians."

Maybe there is hope for some kind of peace in the region, but I fear Israel won't see that for a long, long time ... if at all. Maybe we should go back to the Mafia Don and make the enemies an 'offer they can't refuse'. heh

Related:
War’s Necessary Sacrifices, Peace and Freedom
May They Rot In Hell, Wake Up America
An Old Truck on the Highway, A Right Angle in a Left Turn World
Mourning in Mosul, The HILL Chronicles

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Comments

[Debbie]

Thanks Angel and Spree. I just read the townhall article on the Pledge. Maybe it will send a message to the politicians, perhaps they will even listen.

[spree]

Once again an excellent article. Keep up the good work.

Check out the effect our Pledge is having and the concerns it is causing.

http://www.townhall.com/blog/g/bca961d4-eedf-48ef-a5a6-0ff19dcd3abc

spree

[Angel]

Forgetaboutit!..is good advice Debbie....interesting read!..but sorry I havent anything to add because until we have a strong, principled leader..does it even matter?..sigh