The loss of civilian life continues. The number of displaced persons increases. The destruction of Lebanon continues.

Israel is displaying an amazing disrespect for human life. Their bomb raids in Lebanon continue to hit more civilians than militants. The destruction of Lebanon’s Infrastructure, of Lebanon’s cities and of Lebanese homes has condemned the Lebanese to horrific hardships. Hospitals cannot care for sick and wounded. More and more Lebanese Families have no shelter, no food, no medical treatment. Famine and disease threaten the population.

Assuming these actions will provide Israel security, is the destruction of Lebanon a legitimate price to pay?

This military offensive by Israel will not give Israelis more security. Leaving a country in ruins across its borders will just make Israel’s situation more precarious. Israel should know this. Removing the Hisbollah from southern Lebanon, or even the destruction of the Hisbollah militia may have helped Israel’s security, but only if Israel could have done this without the immense loss of civilians in Lebanon and the degree of destruction done to Lebanon.

Israeli leadership may really have failed in the way they have conducted this war. The Israeli leadership may also have been mislead by the United States. Charles Krauthammer’s claim in his Op-Ed the Washington Post may be on to something. The U.S. may not have just tolerated the Israeli military action against the Hisbollah but rather actively encouraged it.

To go even further. The Bush administration may have encouraged Israel to conduction the war similar to the way the U.S. invaded Afghanistan and Iraq. That is relying on massive air strikes.

Israel may be able to destroy the Hisbollah, but they will certainly face more terror from Islamic groups, which will feed on the hate Israel has cultivated amidst the Lebanese people. Just as the U.S. won the initial struggle in Afghanistan and Iraq, but has failed to bring security to those countries, Israel will not be able to bring security to their country. The destruction of Lebanon will have been in vain.

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