Clark: "Hezbollah is like a cancer on the body politic of Lebanon"

[Clarkie1]

BOULDER, Colo. Former NATO commander, retired Gen. Wesley Clark, said during a visit to the Denver area Wednesday that he believes the United States should help shape any United Nation's force that's sent to the Middle East to separate Israel and Lebanon.

Clark added that he supported Israel's military action after the kidnapping of two soldiers by Hezbollah militants.

"I've talked to people from Lebanon," Clark said. "Hezbollah is like a cancer on the body politic of Lebanon. But they're so strong and so powerful Lebanon itself can't get rid of them."

He added that is was important for the U.S. and other countries to help Lebanon rid itself of Hezbollah.

Clark was in Colorado to speak at a fundraiser for democrat Jay Fawcett who is running for Congress from the state's 5th Congressional District.

http://www.securingamerica.com/

[Teaser]

1. ridiculous

Hezbollah isn't a cancer on any politics.

It IS the politics of southern Lebanon and has been providing effective government services for the people there, which the so-called "central government" has utterly failed to do.

Clark is apparently an ignoramus on this issue.

[Clarkie1]

2. Wrong.

"Well, it's not going to be effective unless it has the right mandate and goes in and works hand in hand, glove with the Lebanese government to force Hizbullah out. To do that, it can't be just a military peacekeeping force. It's got to have the ability to bring the government schools and clinics in to provide education and healthcare for local villagers. That's what Hizbullah is doing now. Hizbullah is, is a full-service organization, and it, it controls Southern Lebanon. They've got to be displaced and taken out. Hizbullah is also a terrorist organization. So, there can't be any diplomacy with, with Hizbullah. This is about the Lebanese government. The people who are leading Hizbullah in the Lebanese government are criminals. They've violated an international border to do this. They should be held to international standards. They should be tried for provoking a military conflict in the region, and Hizbullah should be forced out of this region. It's not too early to start talking about this, but it's got to go in with the right mandate."

http://www.securingamerica.com/printready/transcript_060718.htm

[cboy4]

18. When Hezbollah kidnaps human beings from foreign countries, it most

certainly becomes a cancer. No question about it.

Hezbollah acted recklessly by puting so many innocent civilians in danger.

When you tease a rattlesnake and it bites and kills you, you don't blame the friggen snake, now do you?

So yes, General Clark is correct.

[ShortnFiery]

44. Hum ... Kidnapping human beings from foreign countries ...

Does "Italy and the USA's CIA" ring any bells for you?

Gee, I guess our CIA is a cancer?

Follow the logic, we do corrupt sh*t in the name of national security.

Well, now I cross off CLARK for my Presidential Vote list. No f*cking way I vote for Hil, Feingold or Clark.

WTF is wrong with these people?!? Are all our politicians corrupt?

[cboy4]

57. You're response is kinda like one of those essay questions in college

when you really don't know the answer,,,,you just write a bunch of babble to fill space in an attempt to try to fool the instructor.

Absolutely no place in my post do I justify anything the CIA does, do I?

So I have no idea why you brought that up.

But it is true that (to Hezbollah) Israel is a foreign country.

It's not nice kidnapping people from foreign countries. I don't care who does it, including the United S

[ShortnFiery]

82. If our government is committing WAR CRIMES, what the hell,

are we supposed to OPENLY support ISRAEL doing the same.

So the act of CAPTURING two soldiers justifies killing HUNDREDS of innocent civilian?

Even a college undergraduate can understand that the above makes ZERO sense.

[Warren DeMontague]

31. "Effective Services" like what? Attacking Israel?

Here's some information about the main guy they want released in exchange for the two kidnapped IDF soldiers:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=1669305&mesg_id=1669305

Oh, yeah- real civic minded folks, these Hezbollah guys.

[Renew Deal]

45. Are you kidding

There are hundreds dying in Lebanon over a stupid act that the world roundly condemns. If that's the service, then Hezbollah is "effective." I can't believe we have terrorist sympathizers here.

[manic expression]

61. People are dying

over Israel's reaction, don't pass your own buck.

The terrorist sympathizers are the ones trying to rationalize the unjustified attack and siege upon an entire nation and people.

[deaniac21]

69. Not to mention how they help Israel Civil Defense teams practice.

They indiscriminately fire rockets into Israeli settlements just so the aforementioned teams can get in as much training as possible. They also have urban renewal specialists which they send (at no charge to Israel) into Israel to blow up older pizza parlors and bus stations. The only problem with tese fellows is that they do there demolitions with the places full of women and children. I guess they just like working in a family atmosphere.

[leesa]

3. Zionism is like a cancer on the body politic of Israel

[Clarkie1]

4. Does that mean you don't want to treat the cancer in Lebanon? nt

[manic expression]

62. Once again following protocol

If someone mentions Israel, quick! Say something about Hezbollah!

Your act is growing thin. Address the points or recognize your lack of veracity that is so painfully obvious.

[sellitman]

12. Without Zionism there is no Israel

I guess you do support the hezbollah.

Clark isn't my choice candidate but he understands the real situation. This thought has been written by many of the Lebanese.

[Clarkie1]

56. What is the definition of cancer? nt

[The Magistrate]

5. Gen. C;ark Is Quite Correct, Sir

His analysis is the correct one.

[Swede]

8. Hizbollah says has duty to abduct Israeli troops

Lebanon's Hizbollah guerrilla group said today it had a duty to try to capture Israeli soldiers and swap them for Arab prisoners in Israel, hours after the Jewish state returned the remains of three fighters.

''Our experience with the Israelis shows that if you want to regain detainees or prisoners you have to capture Israeli soldiers,'' Hizbollah chief Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah told a rally in Beirut to mark the hand over of the bodies.




''It is not a shame, a crime or a terrorist act. It is our right and our duty which one day we might fulfil,'' he told thousands of supporters chanting ''death to Israel''.

http://onlypunjab.com/fullstory2k5-insight-news-status-7-newsID-74724.html

[KoKo]

25. If he want's to be President I'd like to hear him talk about diplomacy

in the region and address why there are militant groups in Arab countries. For folks to become terrorists they have reasons. What are those reasons.

I would think "oppression" would be one reason but it's complicated. I often think that the more the Bushistas oppress us and our MSM refuses to show other sides to issues and only follow Conservative Think Tank Opinion that we here on the Left might be one day viewed as terrorists.

Already folks who work for "Peace" are being rounded up by Police who support Bush's views that Peace Workers are "dissidents to his policies."

We here on DU have cried out for MSM to report our Protests against Iraq Invasion, have written, phoned and faxed our Dem Reps about EVERYTHING the Bushistas have done and few listen. Those who have listened are our heroes but even a few of them sometimes really let us down.

At some point our frustration will be so bottled up that even our creative efforts wont be fulfilling anymore. What happens then? What were the American Revolutionaries to Great Britain...they would have been called TERRORISTS by King George II if he was King George I and lived in that time.

I think Diplomacy is dead with the Bushes. I grew up in a time when Diplomats did have their own ability to work for compromise. The Repugs view Diplomats as payoffs for big campaign donations, putting people in the job just as a perk to them. Folks with little or no experience. And true Diplomats with skills like former Ambassador Joe Wilson are villified if they speak out against policies of our Government.

If Wes Clark wants my vote he's gotta do better than follow Hillary Clinton or other Dems who are so afraid of their own shadow they support Bush no matter where he takes them. :shrug:

[Clarkie1]

26. Clark has constantly spoken of the need for greater diplomacy.

Diplomacy is like his trademark agenda, seriously. He has spoken of the need to talk directly with Iran, Syria, and North Korea, for instance.

However, you can't have diplomatic relations with a terrorist organization. We need to work with the Lebanese government and international community over the long term, in the ways he has put forward.

[Clark2008]

38. Which is why I give him a pass on this one.

I agree with 99.9 percent of what he says, but I think he could be a little more tolerant of the Arab side of this conflict.

I, unlike some DUers, am not going to give up the candidate I think is best for the country simply because I don't think he understands the Arab plight. He understands more than most - and has done more than anyone - for Muslims.

[fujiyama]

51. I'm not sure what you mean about tolerance

Clark seems to understand fully well that the UN should have an effective presence in the area. He makes it clear that they should play a more active role seperating the border.

And he's absolutely right about Hezbollah. Being that he's in the military, I'm sure he also feels strongly about soldiers getting kidnapped from terrorist groups. But I too disagree with him regarding Israel's actions. In the end I think they will be counterproductive and gain Hezbollah more support.

[Clark2008]

73. Not on just this issue.

He's usually squarely on Israel's side - right or wrong.

That said, I still think he's correct about the diplomacy and strategies to attain it that are needed.

I just don't think anyone should ALWAYS support Israel because Israel is ALWAYS right. That's all I meant.

[fujiyama]

76. I think there is an inability

among most politicians to view the conflict in realistic terms. It's unfortunate when a politician (I'm recalling Dean's infamous "evenhanded approach statement") gets attacked for even suggesting we should ATTEMPT to be an honest broker. I think what Lieberman (and unfortunately other candidates as well) did too him was inexcusable. He was crucified for making a benign comment.

I think both sides would appreciate practical suggestions at this point. The first thing we should do is quit sending all that military aid. I think we all need to understand the relationship between Israel and the US is and will be strong, so I don't expect the US to be "neutral".

But I think unconditional support for any nations' actions is pretty stupid.

[Warren DeMontague]

35. Here's a question about Hezbollah. "Complicated" or not, a few facts

are NOT in dispute.

One, Hezbollah was formed -with considerable aid from Iran- obstensibly to 'resist' the Israeli occupation of Lebanon, circa 1982.

Two, Israel pulled out of Lebanon -100%, completely- in 2000.

Three, despite the Israeli occupation -their supposed raison d'etre- ending in 2000, not only did Hezbollah not disarm as per very clear UN directives to do so, they continued to attack Israelis in Israeli territory. Why?

You want to conflate Iraq and what is going on right now with Israel, but they are two completely different situations.

Wes Clark displays a clear, intelligent, multi-layered analysis of the situation, the problems, the challenges, and offers some real constructive advice. Personally, I'm impressed. If you want a Democratic Candidate who is going to vilify Israel for striking back at Hezbollah (which is not the same thing as cautioning restraint and criticizing their excesses) you're gonna have quite a search ahead of you.

[DemonFighterLives]

68. I agree, he is too hawkish for my liking

Kill some more and all will be fine - ??
:hide:

[jsamuel]

6. yes, goes perfectly with what I have been saying

[oasis]

7. You'd think Clark woould've said more about a cease fire, but I'll bow to

his wisdom on this matter.

[DanCa]

13. This whole thing is beyond my understanding to tell you the truth.

I trust Clark's insticts alot more on this one than i do my own on this.

[Burma Jones]

9. I agree, but

as an American in his 40s, I have been conditioned to despise Arabs since the Munich Olympics.....

I even wanted to change the name "Algebra" to "Freedom Math"

[mmonk]

14. You suffer from

guilt by association. That being said, I thought it was horrible.

[Minnesota Libra]

10. Gen. Wesley Clark supports Israel's military action and at least half.....

....of DU still opposes Israel.:wow:

[messiah]

11. No different than anyone else

war war and more war endless war blowback blah blah blah.
From now on I'm only supporting a presidential candidate with a peaceful foreign policy and that's not Clark.

[Clarkie1]

24. VERY different than most others.

What other world leader has in the past week laid out a relatively detailed, workable framework for a peaceful, democratic Lebanon?

Peace is the goal, and Clark's ideas, if implemented fully, would provide a very workable path to peace.

[CuteNFuzzy]

15. what specifically has Clark said regarding 300 dead civilians?

[Clarkie1]

21. He's said there will be some civilian deaths.

And he's spoken recently on what Israel should be doing...the best possible targeting to avoid the loss of innocent life whenever possible, but it's not always possible.

Getting rid of a cancer is not easy, because the cancer is part of the body that has gone awry and out of control. Methods to treat cancer often damage other parts of the body, but the goal is to remove the cancer, otherwise, eventually, death ensues. Do you want Democratic Lebanon to die?

I have a question for you:

What other Democrat (or Republican, Independent, Green, or Independent for that matter) has over the past week laid out a relatively detailed, workable framework for Lebanese democracy and peace?

[CuteNFuzzy]

28. Do you really believe

That the "best possible targeting to avoid civilian loss of life" is taking place?

300 civilian deaths, approximately 15-20 non-civilian amongst those.

Seriously, now. Ask yourself. Is Israel really doing all it can to avoid killing innocent people?

You know they're not, Clarkie1. Now I know you think there may be some very good reasons behind why the killings are taking place - I'm saying no, there is not. There is no justification for the ruthlessness and downright vicious behaviour on Israel's part.

And as I said in another thread, nobody is questioning Israel's right to defend itself, or it's right to protect it's people. What is in question here is the extreme, brutal measures taken to retaliate and punish so many people who did not deserve it.

[Clarkie1]

34. The world, unfortunately, is not a cute and fuzzy place.

Neither you or I know for certain if Israel is doing all it can to avoid civilian deaths. I know damn well they are doing a hell of a lot more to avoid civilian deaths than Hezbollah, an organization whose GOAL is to kill as many civilians as possible until Israel is exterminated. I hope Israel is using the best targeting possible (Clark has spoken of the need for that, and what they should be doing), but irregardless of that, we need to start thinking about how we can transition this to a peaceful, Democratic Lebanon. Taking out Hezbollah to whaever extent possible militarily will help in the long run. The fact that Hezbollah still has the capability to fire rockets into Israel shows there is still more work to be done on the military side of the equation.

As I have explained to you before, our goal is peace. Hezbollah's goal is endless war...we need to remove the cancer.

[tabasco]

41. 15 to 1 civilian casualties is certainly not "cute and fuzzy."

As a former military officer I can tell you that this is not a valid operation at this point.

If Clark says it's A-OK, I'm disappointed.

[Clarkie1]

52. What do you mean by the phrase "15 to 1 civilian casualties?" nt

[tabasco]

70. 15 to 1 civilian to combatant ratio.

An invalid and illegal operation by any civilized standard.

Last time I checked about 20 military/combaant killed with nearly 300 civilians dead.

[Clarkie1]

83. What is your evidence for this figure? nt

[Clark2008]

43. Actually, I don't know that that is Hezbollah's goal, but

OK.

I think you need to read more.

[Clarkie1]

53. On the contrary....

If you do not think that is Hezbollah's goal, you DEFINITELY need to read more about them.

Eternal war with Israel is their reason for existence....at least until they achieve their goal, with is the annihilation of Israel. If you listen to any Hezbollah leader they will tell you they think in terms of on ongoing war for generations, without ceasation until their goal is achieved. They take "the long view" of history.

[Selatius]

42. I would assume so.

Because if Israel weren't interested in avoiding civilian casualties, they would've bombed Lebanon the way the Soviets bombed Afghanistan in the 1980s. Carpet bombing. Total destruction. Mile after square mile of devastation. Beirut would look more like Grozny, Chechnya, instead of what it looks like right now.

[Zynx]

30. For example, a similar operation in Kosovo was not without civillian death

I want to know how many people who are bitching about Israel now bitched then when we targeted civillian infrastructure such as bridges and power plants to bring down Milosevich.

[rockymountaindem]

32. Good point

Remember when that US bomb aimed at a bridge hit the bridge right when a train was going across? Man, the RW really freaked out about that, and all the Clinton supporters were saying "it's a regrettable consequence of war". I wasn't that old at the time, but I do remember that specifically.

[Zynx]

33. Exactly. I question the motivations of those who scream "genocide"

when Israel happens to kill some civillians.

[Zynx]

29. If Hezbollah had Israel's capabilities, every Israeli would be dead.

Hezbollah would like to wipe out Israel. Israel is not trying to wipe out Lebanon, they're just not being very careful.

[Cameron27]

16. I support Clark.

I did in the last election and I will again,certainly not just because of the his position regarding Israel and Hezbollah, (although I agree with him) but because he's a man who bases his opinions in thoughtful intelligence, with poise and dignity and with incredible courage.

[Cocoa]

17. and thanks to Bush's great achievment

thanks to the elections in Lebanon, Hezbollah is even more poweful there.

:toast:

[ShortnFiery]

48. It's called a DEMOCRATIC election ...

And Hezbollah holds 23 seats in the Lebanese government. But I guess the "big brother" powers can just kill off members of legitimately elected representatives of OTHER countries at will. After all, Our USA Senate says, in essence, the Israeli Government is always right. :thumbsdown:

[ComerPerro]

19. See, that's the problem though with Bush "spreading democracy"

its so hypocritical.

[Clarkie1]

20. More details and video link.

The world needs a President who understands complex situations and is able to take a leadership role...we don't have that right now, obviously.

This video link provides more context to Clark's remarks. He's calling for the U.S. to send top leadership to the area "immediately," and for the U.S. to take a leadership role in establishing a U.N peacekeeping force to provide a buffer zone and disarm Hezbollah with the help of the Lebanese government.

http://cbs4denver.com/video/?id=[e-mail]

Also, here are some remarks Clark made recently regarding the peacekeeping force:

"Well, it's not going to be effective unless it has the right mandate and goes in and works hand in hand, glove with the Lebanese government to force Hizbullah out. To do that, it can't be just a military peacekeeping force. It's got to have the ability to bring the government schools and clinics in to provide education and healthcare for local villagers. That's what Hizbullah is doing now. Hizbullah is, is a full-service organization, and it, it controls Southern Lebanon. They've got to be displaced and taken out. Hizbullah is also a terrorist organization. So, there can't be any diplomacy with, with Hizbullah. This is about the Lebanese government. The people who are leading Hizbullah in the Lebanese government are criminals. They've violated an international border to do this. They should be held to international standards. They should be tried for provoking a military conflict in the region, and Hizbullah should be forced out of this region. It's not too early to start talking about this, but it's got to go in with the right mandate."

http://www.securingamerica.com/printready/transcript_060718.htm

[blonndee]

22. It is indeed, but I fear many are going to turn back to or

more thoroughly support Hezbollah as their "protectors" against Israel. I'm afraid that's what they may resort to, after losing so much in the last week.

[Clarkie1]

23. That is why it is so important the U.S. take a leadership role

in establishing a U.N. peacekeeping force (which includes COMPLETELY disarming and expelling Hezbollah terrorists), providing economic aid, and working with the Lebanese government to be a full-service government to all the people.

"Well, it's not going to be effective unless it has the right mandate and goes in and works hand in hand, glove with the Lebanese government to force Hizbullah out. To do that, it can't be just a military peacekeeping force. It's got to have the ability to bring the government schools and clinics in to provide education and healthcare for local villagers. That's what Hizbullah is doing now. Hizbullah is, is a full-service organization, and it, it controls Southern Lebanon. They've got to be displaced and taken out. Hizbullah is also a terrorist organization. So, there can't be any diplomacy with, with Hizbullah. This is about the Lebanese government. The people who are leading Hizbullah in the Lebanese government are criminals. They've violated an international border to do this. They should be held to international standards. They should be tried for provoking a military conflict in the region, and Hizbullah should be forced out of this region. It's not too early to start talking about this, but it's got to go in with the right mandate."

http://www.securingamerica.com/printready/transcript_060718.htm

[MrSlayer]

27. As usual, the voice of reason.

Clark always knows what he's talking about and always makes sense. Too bad he's in no position of power.

[Warren DeMontague]

36. You know, dude keeps impressing me.

He's my #3 choice for 2008 right now, but I wouldn't have any trouble getting enthusiastic as hell about him as the nominee.

[Jack_Dawson]

71. #3?! Who's #1 and #2?

:scared:

[Warren DeMontague]

72. #1: Al Gore. #2: Russ Feingold.

Wes is coming up a strong third.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

37. Too bad he's in no position of power.

how come the voice of reason so rarely is? I suppose god hates us, or at least likes to be entertained.

[KittyWampus]

39. Likewise, NeoConservatives Are A Cancer On The American Body Politic

and they are proving immensely difficult to excise.

[Clarkie1]

55. Are you implying Clark is a neo-conservative? nt

[tnlefty]

40. And the Likuud party is a cancer on the Israeli body politc of Israel, and

the neo conservative party and their willfully following republican party zealots are a cancer on the American body politic, and I'm really disappointed that he didn't mention any of these, but chose only one (wrongfully, IMHO) to mention.

I voted for Clark in the TN primary and I don't think that I'll make that mistake again.

[ShortnFiery]

46. I second that!

Damn these warmongering a**holes!

They'll will NOT score my vote again. :grr:

[Clark2008]

49. Tennessean here

Who else are you going to vote for?

Hillary? Well, no - she can't flip our state, and, well, she's not the right person for the job.

Feingold? Well, no - he supported the amendment.

Gore? Ok - there's someone we both love... but, um, he lost our state the last time around.

I've already stated above that this is the ONE issue he and I part on, but, I've come to accept that Israel has the power. It's up to us to elect someone smart enough to realize they don't HAVE to.

[DanCa]

59. It's about the Supreme Court in 08

We simply cannot let another neo con get on to the bench in 08. No matter who the nominee is in 08 we cannot let the neo cons reshape in the court into thier own police state image. I hope people will consider that before that let the republicans divide us over this conflict.

[tnlefty]

67. I wasn't aware that we had a primary lineup quite yet.

I will not vote in '08 and beyond for any candidate who stills supports the concept of Iraq. I will not vote for anyone who can be so cavalier about the deaths of civilians, nor the bombing of infrastructures. This isn't really about having the right to defend a country. Israel has crossed that line in the case as far as I'm concerned.

I'm fed up, disgusted and in a seething state of outrage with the might makes right mentality that has been exhibited during the Bush** years. I'm sick of war, war, war, death and destruction all the time. If there is a candidate who doesn't support this line of thinking - he who has the biggest army and the most explosive "toys" gets to do whatever the hell he wants to do - I'll consider voting for him/her.

[Tom Rinaldo]

50. To be Frank, Clark already is bucking the Israel lobby on Iran

For two years now Clark has constantly rejected the war drum beat of "you can't negotiate with those mad men in Iran". Clark even went so far as to tell supporters that the United States must at the very least contemplate allowing Iran to obtain nuclear weapons if they can not be stopped short of a major war rather than just ruling that possibility out completely and deciding war was the only option. Most Democrats would run for as deep a shelter as possible rather than be caught dead even contemplating co-existing with an Iran with nukes. Clark is making no friends with Likud over his general position on Iran.

Clark always gives his honest opinion on issues rather than overly worry about how it will go over with his biggest contributers.

[Warren DeMontague]

58. Who is Frank Clark?

And why would you want to be him?

I'm sorry. I just couldn't resist.

Seriously, I agree- I think Wes has some cogent stuff to say and I don't think he's pandering to anyone on any side. He clearly knows his stuff.

[ShortnFiery]

78. "Clark always gives his honest opinion"

Really, can you get inside this MILITARY man's head?

No, I think it's very presumptuous of someone who has not EVER been pushed down (White, Attractive Man) as "the other" to evaluate a LARGE organization, who's non-militant branches provide humanitarian aid.

Ike was one of a kind. I will NOT ever vote for an former career military candidate for President of the USA. The corporate Military Industrial Machine is all to willing to serve.

General (Ret.) Clark, would you kindly STFU?

[Clarkie1]

54. Do you know what a cancer is? I'm not being flippant...this is important.

Tell me your definition.

[ShortnFiery]

79. It's bullshit generalization that broad brushes an organization that is

large, has valuable, non-military sections - Promotes that it be cut out.

Newsflash: No matter how much we try, we will NOT ever KILL THEM ALL. It's time for negotiation toward the disarming of Hezbollah NOT the disbanding of this multifaceted organization.

[Renew Deal]

47. Clark is saying what CNNMSNBCFOXETC have been saying.

And I think he's right.

[IndianaGreen]

63. We can't expect Clark to be right all the time, and this time he is wrong

He should fly to Beirut and talk to the Lebanese there, the Christians, the Druze, the Suni, and the Shia.

[IndianaGreen]

60. Clark is way off target in here!

Lebanese leaders call for unity

Michel Aoun, a one-time commander in Lebanon's 15-year civil war who now serves in parliament, said he did not believe the Israelis would be able to uproot Hezbollah.

"I don't think that Israel has the capability to destroy Hezbollah militarily because Hezbollah is not a group of armed men," Aoun said. "Hezbollah is a major part of the Lebanese social fabric."

Under the treaty that ended Lebanon's civil war in 1990, the Syrian- and Iranian-backed Hezbollah was allowed to retain its weaponry to fight Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. It says it won't disarm until Israeli troops leave the disputed Shebaa Farms region near the Syrian border. The United Nations considers the region Syrian territory.

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/19/lebanese.politics/index.html

[Clarkie1]

64. Clark understands Hezbollah is a major part of the social fabric.

That's why the analogy with a cancer is so apropos.

"Well, (the U.N. peacekeeping force) is not going to be effective unless it has the right mandate and goes in and works hand in hand, glove with the Lebanese government to force Hizbullah out. To do that, it can't be just a military peacekeeping force. It's got to have the ability to bring the government schools and clinics in to provide education and healthcare for local villagers. That's what Hizbullah is doing now. Hizbullah is, is a full-service organization, and it, it controls Southern Lebanon. They've got to be displaced and taken out. Hizbullah is also a terrorist organization. So, there can't be any diplomacy with, with Hizbullah. This is about the Lebanese government. The people who are leading Hizbullah in the Lebanese government are criminals. They've violated an international border to do this. They should be held to international standards. They should be tried for provoking a military conflict in the region, and Hizbullah should be forced out of this region. It's not too early to start talking about this, but it's got to go in with the right mandate."

http://www.securingamerica.com/printready/transcript_060718.htm

[ShortnFiery]

80. "They've got to be displaced and taken out. "

I guarantee you, without a doubt, that will NOT happen. Not by a long shot. If anything, these days of chicken-shit bombing of innocent Beirut civilians will add increasing numbers to their militant ranks.

Atta boys Israel and General "Imperial Cheerleader" Clark! :puke: :(

[6000eliot]

65. I don't care who says it's okay.

I think the Israelis are being thugs, and I will not support it.

[allemand]

66. He is saying the right things to be electable.

And I don't doubt that he believes in what he says. Yet this "plan" to "get rid" of Hezbollah is either incredibly stupid, completely ignoring the realities on the ground, or it is a call for mass murder. Hezbollah has hundreds of thousands of followers in Lebanon, and while Israeli bombs will weaken Hezbollah militarily, at the same time they are strengthening it politically.

The only way to solve this problem will be through negotiations: the complete disarmament of Hezbollah in exchange for Shebaa Farms and the return of Lebanese prisoners. Everything else will just prolong the bloodshed.

[PaDem]

74. One tiny little problem General...........

one that has gotten little or no play from the media. Hezbollah has done more for the people of Lebanon than any government body (internal or external) has done. Getting rid of Hezbollah will be both difficult and extremely bloody. But I guess you can't negotiate with "the terrorists".

[CarolNYC]

75. True,

I imagine that's why Wes had this to say on a Fox appearance this week:

"Well, it's not going to be effective unless it has the right mandate and goes in and works hand in hand, glove with the Lebanese government to force Hizbullah out. To do that, it can't be just a military peacekeeping force. It's got to have the ability to bring the government schools and clinics in to provide education and healthcare for local villagers. That's what Hizbullah is doing now. Hizbullah is, is a full-service organization, and it, it controls Southern Lebanon."

http://www.securingamerica.com/printready/transcript_060718.htm

It IS unfortunate that few are speaking to that fact....

[Superman Returns]

77. Finegold, Clark,

seems like DU is throwing all of its favorite sons into the lava because they don't drink the naive cool-aide. I support these wise, liberal men.

[DanCa]

81. Me too I may or may not agree with them on this.

But the only way that we can defeat the rethugs is by standing together. Unless DU wants to let the Republican's to retain control of both houses in the midterm. And than give the Supreme Court because they don't like their stance on the I/P conflict.