The siege of Lebanon

The debate centers on the research use of fertilized eggs that most likely will be thrown out as medical waste, which could be viewed as killing POTENTIAL HUMAN BEINGS.

In Lebanon, on the other hand, we are talking about ACTUAL HUMAN BEINGS, not potential ones, and the U.S. Congress has given Israel a green light to destroy even more of them. The actions of the U.S. Congress and U.S. president are outrageous.

The Zionist regime’s siege of Lebanon is a brutal display of power and gratuitous violence, financed and approved by the United States. The Israeli attacks have killed hundreds of Lebanese and injured thousands, mostly civilians, with Emperor Bush giving the Zionist regime all the time it wants to see how many more can be murdered. This obscene “response” to Hezbollah’s capture of two Israeli soldiers is not only totally disproportionate but is also collective punishment of the Lebanese nation, a clear violation of international law.

Zionist Prime Minister Ehud Olmert continues to talk of fighting Hezbollah while Israeli forces bomb Lebanon, killing civilians and destroying infrastructure.

Israeli Chief of the General Staff Lt. General Dan Halutz has threatened to destroy ten buildings in Lebanon for every missile fired by Hezbollah into Israel.

Keep in mind that Hezbollah started as a Lebanese resistance force formed after the 1982 Israeli invasion, in which 19,000 Lebanese were killed and 30,000 injured.

One must look more deeply into the causes of the current crisis.

The Zionist regime still occupies the Golan Heights and the Shebaa Farms.

The Zionist regime still holds Lebanese as political prisoners.

The Zionist regime still occupies Palestinian lands and continues attacks on Gaza.

Some 200 Lebanese per year are killed by unexploded Israeli mines in Lebanon.

Does the U.S. have the power to stop Israeli attacks? Of course it does. The U.S. demonstrated to the world that it can act quickly and ruthlessly during the invasion of Iraq. All the United States has to do is tell Israel to stop and that would be it, an instant ceasefire.

The U.S. funds Israel to the tune of $3 billion in military assistance every year. And the Lebanese are painfully aware that the missiles and bombs being dropped on them are made in the USA.

And what of the prospects for a ceasefire?  Despite a worldwide call to end the hostilities, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said before her recent trip to the region that she was NOT going to the Middle East for the purpose of brokering a ceasefire since she believes that would be attempting a “quick-fix”. She said there is no point to a temporary ceasefire.

So, saving human lives by brokering a ceasefire is now “quick-hit diplomacy”. In fact, Rice claimed that if she had rushed over to the Middle East, “… it wouldn't have been clear what I was shuttling to do."  

Obviously, saving Lebanese lives and infrastructure is nothing to get in a hurry about as far as Madame Secretary is concerned.

But then what can be expected from the leaders of a country that recently rushed a special order of laser-guided bombs to Israel?

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has called for a ceasefire, but the U.S. stands alone saying NO.

President Bush expresses “concern” for the civilians being killed but doesn’t call for a ceasefire.

White House press secretary Tony Snow proudly proclaims the U.S. to be first with humanitarian aid to Lebanon.

What does the U.S. hope to accomplish with its unrestrained support for Israel and its actions? Is this part of U.S. psychological operations to win the hearts and minds of people in the Middle East? 

An acquaintance of mine has two Lebanese friends. One was somewhat pro-Hezbollah and one was strongly anti-Hezbollah before the Israeli invasion. Now, both are vehemently pro-Hezbollah. So much for winning hearts and minds.

It seems this is all part of the U.S. Greater Middle East Initiative. Israel is only helping to provide a convenient pretext.

In the meantime, everyone with a heart and a conscience must take action now to stop this slaughter of our Lebanese brothers and sisters.

MS/HG

END

MNA