Will Lebanon be engulfed in a civil war all indicators are pointing that way can Israel remain neutral, if history is any indicator the losing side in that civil war will force Israel into the conflict in the hope of as the saying goes your enemy is my enemy so let us reunite and fight our common enemy Israel. The only hope that Israel might have to remain neutral and be spared involvement is to change the government and get rid of Olmart and company including the new Defense Minister who thinks he is still a brilliant military strategist, when all he knows is to abandon and retreat in the middle of the night. Israel needs now more then ever true heroic leaders, who they are or may be is up to the Israeli citizens and not political party hacks

#5 and #23. You are so hard on Israel! I was there last summer when Leb II started. It seemed to me that Israel pushed back, but not hard enough to bring in Syria, Iran and then all the rest. Was that the right thing? Who knows. But having seen how fabulous Israel is, I wouldn't be too quick to end the country's current blooming. Israel should celebrate their achievement and be ready to fight all out - if it becomes necessary. If the neighbors were smart, they would find ways to team up with Israel on economic projects. #15 & #21 - The "fighter" gangs act like 3 year olds throwing endless tantrums. Where is the dignity. Do you think they chew khat? #29 Really Tony Blair will be the one to watch. They are saying he wants to work with Hamas. I think Israel is boogyboarding through all these political waves.

B"H I am glad that the Winnograd final report is not due now during the time that Syria is instructing its citizens out because of instability it projects in or on Lebanon. Israel has the stability to take care of business. Barak may be a lefty, but he has the military experience to take care of business if the circumstance warrants it and he puts his mind to it. He would be under substantial pressure to do the right job given that he has pushed Labor towards elections in the fall. I perceive Israel's favor. Israel is well-poised to win any conflict that approaches it, as its military has been revamped; indeed Israel has no need for any war and hates such attacks altogether. Israel has the inner peace at a critical juncture. I have to congradulate Israel for making some smart moves upto this time. I am so glad that Labor did not force elections on the Israeli public while Syria projected destabilization on Lebanon. The current timing is so much better for Israel. While Olmert may not be the king of popularity, the ship is moving forward at pace and he projects calm which is a huge asset for Israel. Let us see how well Israel deals with its neighbors in the coming days and months. I see a very favorable outcome possible now.

"And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it" (Zechariah 12:3)

"And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it" (Zechariah 12:3)

The issue is not what is in the best interest of Lebanon, but what is in the best interest of Israel. It is NOT in Israels best interest for Lebanon to fall, or a 2nd government within Lebanon to rise, and/or Syria/Iran to solidify and harden their position within Lebanon. Therefore, if Syria does lauch a war against Lebanon, then Israel should ally itself with Lebanon and assist Lebanon by taking the battle to Damascus. Syria is already poised and threatening war against Israel over the Golan Heights. Why let Syria fight the war with Lebanon and Israel on her own terms. Better for Israel if war with Syria is on her two fronts instead of letting Syria taking one front at a time. The U.S. should have dealt both with Syria and Iran by now, but we got incompetent fools in the Dept. of State and cowards in the Pentagon claiming we can't win but must use diplomacy. Where are our General Douglas MacArthurs? Where are our General William Tecumseh Shermans who believed in fighting "hard wars". Where are our General George Pattons who would be itching to shove his boot up the backside of Syria & Iran. Instead we rely on a little mousey woman named Rice to continue playing in the hands of Tehran & Damascus.

Israel's enemies ,Syria,Iran are ready and it seems they are planning to ignite a fire no only in Lebanon. The Golan ,Gaza ,S.Lebanon front are already on a slow boil waiting for the command to finish what the Arab/Islamic world have been trying to do for over half a centrury now. Make no mistake about it Israel, you are the target and the Road Map to peace has only helped your enemies and weakened you.

Syria Invades Lebanon By Michael J. Totten A few days ago Lebanese daily newspaper Al Mustaqbal quietly reported a limited Syrian invasion of Lebanon. (Via Naharnet.) Syrian troops on Thursday reportedly have penetrated three kilometers into Lebanese territories, taking up positions in the mountains near Yanta in east Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. See the following link for the rest of the story: http://www.michaeltotten.com/archives/001483.html Also: Iraqi FM: Turkey massing 140,000 troops on Iraqi border. See http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070709/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_turkey_1

I thought that was a very nice reply to Dave in the UK. Would you be willing to contact me @googlemail.com? schafe82

We should be thankful that Jehovah has decreed that Israel will never be defeated. "He that keepeth Israel neither slumbereth nor sleepeth." Israel's enemies are walking dead men -- their demise sealed some 3500 years ago when Ruach Hakodesh - God's Spirit directed Ezekiel to pen chapters 38 & 39. "My Word is forever sealed in Heaven."

The enemy of my enemy is my enemy too.. not my friend! Just remember what they have done from biblical times till god knows when..