Israel Matzav

Lebanon endorses Hezbullah's 'right' to bear arms

Repeat after me: "Lebanon is Hezbullah. Hezbullah is Lebanon." Do you want proof? Consider this: The Lebanese government has decided to give Hezbullah the 'right' to bear arms and to keep its militias functioning.

One of the key concepts of a government is that it has a monopoly over the right to bear arms. If anyone outside the government bears arms then either the government is nothttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20498788 functioning or that group is actually running the show. Take your pick, but the result is the same: Lebanon = Hezbullah.

When there's another war with Hezbullah Lebanon and you see Sa'ad Hariri pulling a Fouad Saniora and crying (literally) to his fellow Arabs and to the media, don't feel sorry for him. Here's why:

All 30 cabinet ministers voted Wednesday to approve the policy statement that endorses Hizbullah's right to keep its weapons. Five ministers from the pro-Western majority expressed "reservations" over the clause addressing Hizbullah, but did not vote against it.

The policy statement - which lays out the government's goals for the next four years - illustrates how the government is loath to take any strong action against Hizbullah for fear of sparking a crisis. The group has virtual veto power over the government's moves, most analysts believe, because sectarian violence could follow if it pulls out.

Sa'ad Hariri is backed by the United States, which didn't have the guts to make Syria and Iran butt out. Just like Fouad Saniora was backed by the US government. But in the next war there should be no doubt: Israel should hit Lebanese infrastructure on Day One.

What could go wrong?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 11:32 AM