Collateral Action

It seems clear that the Israeli attacks against Lebanon go far beyond any type of generally known or acknowledged provocation by either Lebanon or Hezbollah.
This also seems true of the Israeli attacks against Hamas in Gaza.
These are modern, technologically sophisticated military action against unarmed and completely defenseless civilians.
They appear to be aided and helped by the United States government, considering that American military equipment is used by Israel and there has been a hurried resupply of Israeli troops of munitions from America.
These attacks also proceed in defiance of a request by the United Nations to cease and to work for a peaceful settlement.
The attacks also appear to employ cluster bomb units which are designed to deny access to a battlefield by enemy troops, yet they are being dropped in civilian quarters and residential areas.
Meanwhile, Hizbollah fighters and Israeli soldiers are dying here and there, but the real carnage is being wreaked in Israel and especially in Lebanon. The battlefield has become a place for “Collateral Action” while the real action takes place against children, women, infrastructure, electricity production, water and sewage plants.
Condolezza Rice is hiding. She speaks of seeking a "significant" settlement of problems - clearly letting the war drag on to punish Hizbollah - and to hell with Lebanon.
It seems apparent that the president’s administration is incapable of initiating action to help solve the problems. They seem to appreciate Hate and appear to watch this war with envy and anticipation of the next war.

© John Womack, 2006. All Rights Reserved.