Posted by David Bernstein:
Obama on Lebanon:
http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2008_05_11-2008_05_17.shtml#1210531527
Hezbollah's power grab in Beirut has once more plunged that city
into violence and chaos. This effort to undermine Lebanon's elected
government needs to stop, and all those who have influence with
Hezbollah must press them to stand down immediately. It's time to
engage in diplomatic efforts to help build a new Lebanese consensus
that focuses on electoral reform, an end to the current corrupt
patronage system, and the development of the economy that provides
for a fair distribution of services, opportunities and employment.
We must support the implementation of UN Security Council
Resolutions that reinforce Lebanon's sovereignty, especially
resolution 1701 banning the provision of arms to Hezbollah, which
is violated by Iran and Syria. As we push for this national
consensus, we should continue to support the democratically elected
government of Prime Minister Siniora, strengthen the Lebanese army,
and insist on the disarming of Hezbollah before it drags Lebanon
into another unnecessary war. As we do this, it is vital that the
United States continues to work with the international community
and the private sector to rebuild Lebanon and get its economy back
on its feet.
I hope Sen. Obama doesn't seriously believe that the conflict in
Lebanon comes down to electoral reform, a fair distribution of
services, and the patronage system. Or that shouting "hey, Hezbollah,
what you're doing violates UN resolution 1701" is going to have any
meaningful effect on the situation. H/T [1]Michael Totten.
References
1. http://www.michaeltotten.com/
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