The Middle East

The recent hostilities between Israel and Lebanon is a dangerous circumstance. Not just for the two nations involved, but for the entire world. This is not the time for nations to line up on one side or the other. It is the time for the nations of the world to do what they can to help defuse the crisis. In the past, the U.S. has lead the way in striving for peace in the middle east. This administration's response shows that the policy of peace is no longer a priority.

For the U.S. to condemn one side and encourage the other adds fuel to an already volatile fire. This is not the time for this administration's militaristic, arrogant swagger with saber in hand. This is the time for the U.S. to be a true ally to Israel by using every diplomatic avenue available to help bring about a ceasefire.

There are no clean hands in the middle east conflict. It's gotten to the point where no one can point the finger and honestly say who started what. The word 'terrorist' is thrown about, but how does a person define someone as a terrorist? A terrorist is someone that doesn't agree with you, it seems. But terrorist tactics are used by all concerned. Any time an attack results in so much loss of civilian life it can be called terrorism, no matter who does it.

This administration's 'war on terror' will only lead to a continued 'war of errors'. To continue the occupation of Iraq is an error, the cheerleading of Israel is an error. Both actions increase the willingness of nations to support terrorism. The possibility of the middle east crisis erupting into a global conflict is real. The death and destruction brought about by such a conflict will make the death and destruction of the previous world wars pale in comparison, for the threat of nuclear war is no longer just a threat. With extremist idealogues on both sides, there is no doubt that one of them would have no hesitation using nuclear weapons.

With so much riding on the outcome, diplomacy should be given every effort and possibility.