by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright July 26, 2006
All Rights Reserved.

ccusing Israel of “deliberately” targeting a U.N. post in southern Lebanon, Secretary-General Kofi Annan blasted Israel for killing four observers in a July 25 airstrike. Since the war began July 12, no one questioned why Annan didn't order U.N. personnel out of harm's way. Annan said he was stunned by “apparently deliberate targeting by Israeli Defense Forces of a U.N. observers post in southern Lebanon,” stirring up a hornet's nest against the Jewish state. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed “deep regret” over the incident, agreeing to an independent review. He promised a “thorough investigation” but was surprised that the U.N.'s top diplomat jumped to conclusions. “It's inconceivable for the U.N. to define an error as an apparently deliberate action,” said Olmert, asking Annan to reconsider his incendiary remarks.

      Annan wanted to apply maximum diplomatic pressure to push Israel into an immediate ceasefire, something opposed by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, preferring a long-term fix that degrades Hezbollah's military capability. Israel has been condemned for its “overreaction” and criticized for an inept military response. Citing its past 1967 and 1973 wars, Israel's critics hark back to its past glory but denounce its present military operation. Unlike earlier battles, Israel, like the U.S. in Iraq, faces asymmetric warfare, battling well-armed and entrenched guerrillas, hunkered down in bunkers and tunnels. Fourteen Israeli soldiers were killed in a firefight, battling to drive Hezbollah from Bint Jbail, a key enemy stronghold six kilometers from Israel's northern border. Like most conventional armies, Israel faces hand-to-hand combat to root out guerrillas from entrenched positions.

      Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert redefined the mission of establishing a two-kilometer buffer zone, free of Hezbollah just north of the border. Pushing Hezbollah back should make Katyusha rocket attacks more difficult. Despite Israel sustaining its worst casualties since the war began, Hezbollah continues to retreat and battle from entrenched positions, making Israel's job more difficult. No matter what the casualties, the Arab street considers Hezbollah victorious for battling Israel until both sides are forced to accept a ceasefire. Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah refused “humiliating defeat,” demanding his original prisoner swap. “The truth is—let me say this clearly—we didn't expect [this] response . . . that [Israel] would exploit this operation for this big war against us,” said Hezbollah official Mahmoud Komati, acting clueless about the extent of Israel's military action.

      Annan's public rebuke of Israel's errant missile strike hurts his credibility for brokering a quick end to the conflict. Annan urged an immediate ceasefire but has no plan for what to do with Hezbollah, refusing to budge from southern Lebanon. Instead of criticizing Hezbollah, Annan saved his vitriol for Israel, imputing sinister motives for the latest mishap. While Israel tries to defend its sovereignty and right to exist, Annan fuels the same Anti-Semitism that seeks Israel's destruction. Most Islamic states, with the possible exception of Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, believe that Hezbollah is a legitimate resistance force fighting Zionist crusaders. Instead of promoting U.N. Resolution 242, recognizing Israel's right to exist, Annan should push U.N. Resolution 1559, calling for disarming and dismantling Hezbollah, fully recognizing Lebanon's legitimate sovereignty.

      Annan wants to orchestrate the prisoner swap demanded by Nasrallah, ending the stalemate that has cost over 400 Lebanese deaths, 500,000 refugees and billions in property damage. Critics, like Annan, believe Israel has engaged in indiscriminate destruction, when the tiny Mediterranean country can't be held accountable for harboring Hezbollah. Annan called on Hezbollah to stop firing rockets but stopped short of insisting the terrorist group disarm or disband. Lebanon can't have it both ways: Accepting Hezbollah into its parliament and, at the same time, disowning Hezbollah's actions when it abducts soldiers and fires rockets into Israel. Condi got mixed reviews at a Rome peace confernce because she refused to pressure Israel into a ceasefire. Her European and Mideast counterparts expected her to call off Israel before completing work in Lebanon.

      Kofi needs to stop pandering to extremists and accept that certain conditions must be met before a useful ceasefire. Agreeing to a prisoner swap sends the wrong message to terrorists seeking to hijack, kidnap, blackmail and kill to advance political objectives. Annan's involvement with his son Kojo in the U.N.'s corrupt Oil-for-Food program makes him a tainted leader regardless of today's mess. Italian Premier Romano Prodi did his best deal with irreconcilable differences, as the world's top diplomats tried to hammer out an urgent ceasefire. Blaming Israel for targeting U.N. officials creates the exaggerated distrust making the peace process more difficult. Instead of scoring points with the Islamic world, Annan should show more evenhandedness and finesse managing a difficult crisis. When the heat finally dies down, Annan should seriously consider early retirement.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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