France Warns Next 24hrs Crucial Because Of Israel's Threatened Offensive

[bigtree]

At U.N., France Presses Pullback Of Israeli Troops

U.S. Stresses Importance of Timely Action

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 9 -- France on Wednesday introduced elements of a draft resolution urging Israel to begin withdrawing thousands of troops from southern Lebanon "at the earliest" possible date, as the United States warned that the next 24 hours are crucial because of Israel's threat to launch a ground invasion of Lebanon.

{snip}

In a shift, France backed the Lebanese position, proposing new language that calls on Israel to begin withdrawing behind Lebanon's U.N.-demarcated border with Israel while the Lebanese army, supported by a U.N. peacekeeping mission, starts deploying in southern Lebanon.

But the United States has backed Israel's demand that it be permitted to remain in southern Lebanon until a new, larger and more muscular international force is brought in to supervise the 50-mile border and guarantee that Hezbollah can no longer attack Israeli cities. Bolton insisted that the United States is committed to ensuring an "effective security presence in the southern part of Lebanon as the Israeli forces withdraw."

"We don't want Hezbollah to re-infiltrate the southern part of Lebanon," he added.

A senior Arab delegation pressed Lebanon's case for an immediate withdrawal of troops, saying their presence threatens stability in the region. The delegation also opposed U.S. and French plans to send a multinational force to Lebanon. "There is a fear of more chaos in the region," Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa told reporters.


article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/09/AR2006080900445_pf.html

[TomInTib]

1. There will be no "muscular international force"..

we have fucked up that scenario completely.

No one will sign on.

The only option is the Lebanese Army.

The Lebanese want this about as much as do the Israelis.

[bigtree]

2. the Arab League rejects the whole concept

you're just about right about the Lebanese.

[Swamp Rat]

3. Let's see who the Lebanese Army supports

Their own people or the invaders.

[bigtree]

4. they've expressed anger at all those who use their country for war

Hizbollah and Israel. After their cabinet meeting (attended by the one Hizbollah member) in which they approved the deployment of about 15,000 troops as part of a bolstered buffer force, there was a statement which specifically condemed Hizbollah for their violence along with Israel's.

[Swamp Rat]

5. Not the majority of Lebanese people

From what I have been reading for the last month, the Lebanese majority embrace Hezbolla. The number I remember is 80% favor Hezbolla, but I am too tired to find the links. :boring:

We (meaning ALL of us, especially the idiotic talking heads on TV and incompetent politicians in Washington DC) are so far removed that we have no idea what the Lebanese people really want and believe. Maybe the Lebanese Army will join up with Hezbolla? Maybe the League of Arab Nations will get so pissed off that all the countries, Sunni, Shi'a, Sufi, Kharijite, and Kalam, unite and really give Israel a black eye.

[bigtree]

6. of course, but I was responding to the statement about the Lebanese army

I think they can hold a small contingent together and build on it with the help from possibly France and others without any strain of loyalties. There doesn't seem to be a consensus about the popularity of Hizbollah vs. any Lebanese force among the citizens. I suspect they'll have to prove their worth in keeping Israel at bay with their effectiveness in patrolling the south. That's what keeps the citizens enamoured of Hizbollah. They see them as the only ones standing up to Israel on their behalf, despite the escalation they cause with their barbaric, illegal rocket attacks. I think the Lebanese forces can adopt a more stable posture if they resist the influence of any group which would provoke conflict from their territory. They expressed their willingness to move forward with some plan which would have them assume the lead role in securing the south two days ago. So . . .