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Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Washington and Hizbullah trade blows on disarmament
2005-03-17
U.S. President George W. Bush slammed Lebanese resistance group Hizbullah calling it "a terrorist organization with American blood on its hands" and insisted U.S. policy toward the party had not changed. Bush's attack follows what has been widely seen as a softening of attitude within the White House after comments the president made earlier in the week hinting that if Hizbullah disarmed the U.S. would recognize it as a political party. He said: "Hizbullah is on the U.S. list of terrorist organizations for a reason. It is a party that has killed Americans in the past and it will remain on the list."

But despite the strong attack, Bush again appeared to leave open the possibility that Hizbullah could become a recognized political party if it disarmed and disavowed violence. He said: "I like the idea of someone running for office. Maybe some will run for office and say: 'Vote for me, I look forward to blowing up America.' I don't think so. I think people who generally run for office say: 'Vote for me, I'm looking forward to fixing your potholes or making sure you got bread on the table.'"

But Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah angrily rejected Bush's call to disarm, insisting Hizbullah "will never lay down its arms." Speaking during a live interview on the Hizbullah-backed Al-Manar television station, Nasrallah said: "I'm holding on to the weapons of the resistance because I think the resistance is the best formula to protect Lebanon and to deter any Israeli aggression." He added: "As long as Lebanon is threatened, even if we remain threatened for a million years, our will to our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren is that their national, human, moral and religious holy duty is to protect their people." Nasrallah said: "If the Americans were able to disarm Hizbullah by using military means, Bush would have sent his troops in straight away. They haven't already done so because the U.S. is stuck in Iraq and would rather broker a deal with Iran, Syria or even the Lebanese themselves to disarm us and create internal conflict."
I dunno what Nasrallah's qualifications are as a religious scholar, but he should stick to that. He obviously doesn't have a talent for post-9-11 international politix.
Posted by:Fred

#2  If the Iranians get knocked over, Hezbollah becomes irrelevant and goes out of business; no more money from da da. Hezbollah knows it; the Mullahs know it. That is why they making making political noises now.

When the times comes to knock off the ayatollahs, Hezbollah's and Iran's only hope for remaining a political force in the region is to 'legitimize' themselves.
Posted by: badanov   2005-03-17 9:51:49 AM  

#1  i dunno. Look at how the Sistani forces beat the Khomeinist/Sadrists in Iraq. Now granted Lebanon aint Iraq - A. Sistani aint located here B. The Shiites are a minority here, even if the largest C. The Shiites have a history of being oppressed by the Maronites and Israeli occupation, not by a Baathist dictator. Still, hes got to wonder, after Jan. 30th, if Khomeinism has a chance of dominating the Shiite community once force is put aside, and normal politics begins. By holding on to his weapons, and keeping the pot boiling, he keeps the Shiites isolated, and likely to turn to extremists like himself. I think he knows PRECISELY what hes doing.

And of course we CAN'T, realistically go in and disarm Hezb using US forces. Cmon, didnt the experience of Israel in the early 80s, and our own experience in Lebanon, teach us that? Lebanon politics is a swamp, and once you invade YOU become the issue, and the chess pieces that looked so favorable at first rearrange themselves to make your life hell. (oh, and we cant use the tactics Syria used) So hes right, wed rather broker a deal to disarm Hezbollah. But with the Lebanese, not with Syria or Iran. And we just might manage that, but it wont be easy, and will require great NUANCE.
Posted by: liberalhawk   2005-03-17 9:44:29 AM  

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