Decision ‘08

Slow-Mo Shuttle Diplomacy Begins

The decision to send Condi to Lebanon was masterful:

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made an unannounced stop in Beirut Monday in an effort to shore up Lebanon’s fragile government, beleaguered by nearly two weeks of relentless bombing raids that have wrecked much of the country’s infrastructure and sent thousands of Lebanese citizens fleeing for their lives.

Because the Israeli raids have damaged Beirut’s airport, Rice’s official plane landed in Cyprus and she helicoptered with aides and reporters from there to Beirut, reversing the journey made by thousands of Americans who have fled Lebanon during the past 10 days.

After meeting with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Rice planned on speaking with politicians from several of Lebanon’s sects, including a Shiite cabinet minister.

The visit is designed in part to show support for Lebanon’s government, the first anti-Syrian regime in years, and also to determine what Lebanon needs to support itself and possibly get control over its southern region, now used by Hezbollah to fire rockets into Israel.

“If they could control the country, we would not be in this situation. The status quo has never been stable,” said a senior official accompanying Rice.

Siniora greeted Rice with a kiss on both cheeks. Rice told him, “Thank you for your courage and steadfastness.”

He told Rice he was happy to have her in Lebanon, adding his desire to “put an end to the war that is being inflicted on Lebanon.”

After her meetings in Beirut, Rice will return to Cyprus and fly, as announced, to Israel.

There are two clear war aims: (1) clear out a buffer zone, and (2) if at all possible disarm or marginalize ~~Hamas~~ Hezbollah. Neither will be achievable in the long-term if a weakened Lebanon again falls under the sway of Syria. The Bush Administration has played this crisis very well, thus far; they have given Israel precious time, they have avoided making clear commitments that run counter to our interests, despite enormous international pressure, and with this visit to Lebanon and Israel, they have touched base with just the parties they needed to.

Well done…

2 Responses to “Slow-Mo Shuttle Diplomacy Begins”

1 mtl Says:
July 24th, 2006 at 11:22 am
“if at all possible disarm or marginalize Hamas”

While we have a way to go in disarming Hamas(you probably meant Hezbollah) they already have marginilized themselves.

If you ask a Lebanese person-any Lebanese person-they will pick Hezbollah over Israel in matters of war-

but when the fighting ends the cause of this will be examined. The aftermath will be people in Lebanon worrying that the next Hezbollah attack will produce similar air raids from the Israelis. Hezbollah is polling strong against Israelis, but when judged in a vacuum, Hezbollah will be seen as the instigator and not a benefical force for Lebanese peace, and of all the ME countries that know the devastation of war, it is Lebanon.
2 Mark Says:
July 24th, 2006 at 11:40 am
Whoops - I did mean Hezbollah - I will correct the post, thanks…