A hidden side to the current conflict in Lebanon is the increased violence occurring in Gaza directed at the Palestinians. This crucial aspect will never be solved without the creation of a Palestinian state and the subsequent recognition of Israel's right to exist. A full-fledged war is certainly not the way to accomplish such a resolution. It appeared for a time that peace was finally possible, but events have assured the tenuousness of any ceasefire. That doesn't mean that we should stop calling for a cessation of hostilities until it can be lasting as the administration suggests. A continuation of the assault on Lebanon and Gaza will only delay an end to the destruction it claims to be responding to. It's time for the U.S. to show the kind of diplomacy that the Bush administration has repeatedly shown it is incapable of. Instead, this administration seems hell-bent on another major war to help it achieve its still unfinished goals. It's clear that they would actually welcome another World War, thus solidifying George W.'s "War President" legacy.
All of this is part of the plan to eventually engage Iran and Syria in a fight for control of the Middle East. Already the mainstream media has been touting allegations that Iran might be behind some of the terrorism directed at Israel. Headlines have been planted everywhere in the press in an effort to convince the public that action is necessary to eliminate the threat. Of course, the threat can never be completely eliminated and any military force used against Iran in particular will only exacerbate tensions. Unfortunately for us, any escalation plays into the Bush administration's hands and will just give them all the justification they think they need to prove their case that war is necessary to the American people and the world. The majority won't buy it, but that won't matter to the crowd in charge; they feel they can do whatever they want with impunity. Those in favor of a peaceful, diplomatic approach can expect to be shunted aside and derided as unpatriotic weaklings.
A new vision is needed and our best chance is to elect a Democratic majority to Congress this November. It will be a difficult task, since the cards are stacked against us, but we must do everything in our power to make it a reality. And if another election is stolen, maybe this time we will be able to prove it. It's sad that we're already grasping at straws, even as the future of the country and the world is at stake. Let's unite in a common belief in the principles our nation was founded on and show that the American people are stronger than one political party's tactics. All the people of the world depend on a change of course, whether they realize it or not. We must rise above partisanship and seek a higher ideal that can prevail over tyranny and deliver lasting peace not just to our allies but to our so-called enemies as well. Only then can the promise of a true community of nations be fulfilled.
Sources:
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0731-29.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0731-28.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0731-25.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0731-26.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0730-26.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0729-02.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0730-23.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0729-24.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0729-27.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0727-28.htm
