by James Buchanan

The bandit state of Israel has launched a major land invasion of Lebanon only days after various Israeli officials swore up and down that they would do no such thing. They are launching this invasion on the anniversary of the start of World War One. August 1st is regarded by many as the beginning of World War One. It was on this day that Germany and Russia declared war on each other thanks to a network of alliances that turned a small regional conflict between Austria and Serbia into a much greater war. It’s doubtful if George W. Bush knows what day World War One started or how entangling alliances played a key role in starting that world war. The arrogant neocons in the Bush regime continue to assume that they and the Israelis can do whatever they want without any backlash by other major powers.

A recent news article reports “Thousands of terrified refugees fled the port city of Tyre as Israeli forces stepped up their campaign to drive Hezbollah fighters from south Lebanon and prepared to resume full air raids after a two-day lull. Israel’s decision to widen its three-week-old offensive came amid apparent disagreement among major powers on how to end the conflict. In New York, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan held ‘frank discussions’ on the Middle East crisis with ambassadors from the five UN Security Council permanent members. But it was unclear whether Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States could unite behind one resolution on a ceasefire and the deployment of an international buffer force.”

The Israelis announced that they were calling up 30,000 troops just a week ago. It was obvious to any impartial observer that Israel was planning a larger war, but old Dubya and his consort, Condoleezza, failed to do anything to stop Israel from expanding their invasion of Lebanon. There is much talk of establishing a United Nations or NATO presence in a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. But why? Why should any other nation besides Israel be compelled to occupy southern Lebanon? It’s their war; they should get stuck with the occupation too.

Meanwhile, the Israelis have been surprised by the toughness and resilience of the Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon. An Israeli infantry unit ran into an ambush last week suffering heavy losses. At least one tank was lost in early fighting. Israeli commandoes trying to find captured Israeli soldiers are surrounded and fighting for their lives. And volunteers from other Muslim nations are already racing towards Lebanon for a chance to kill an Israeli soldier. Ronald Reagan confessed that his biggest mistake as president was sending US troops into Lebanon, where a truck bomb killed 241 Marines in a single blast. Unfortunately, George W. Bush’s presidency has been one mistake after another and it seems fairly certain that our military will get stuck with cleaning up the latest mess Israel has made in the Middle East.