Thank you for your well-considered reply. I think you should not be complacent re: the attraction of Shi'ism on Muslims around the world. I would also remind you that you have a substantial Shi'ia population in your own country, while many other Gulf states have large Shi'ia populations, if not an outright majority. In some areas of North Africa, there are many heterodox religious "brotherhoods" whose roots are in Shi'ism. Be that as it may, I doubt very much that the Sunni states, especially Saudi Arabia, will take any effective action. The Arab League is a bad joke & does nothing except make contradictory speeches & have lunch. They should change it's name to the Arab Rhetorical Society. Similarly, Europe will do nothing at all. A small, determined, & well-armed minority can dominate a country. If there is real resistence, Lebanon will not survive another civil war - I can easily see Syrian troops move in & create a de facto annexation as in the past. I am the last to advocate any deal with Syria. On the contrary, I constantly support preemptive military action against Syria. In my opinion, it doesn;'t matter a bit which regime is in power. As to your point on Israel's strategic importance - there are two points. One, we have a moral importance as the main front in the war against Islamism. Second, we will eventually have a different gov't. & our military importance will become evident. It was my pleasure to exchange points of view with you. Thanks.

So nice to see coherent and courteous commentary in these pages. Too oftern it is nothing but vitriol. Thanks, Paul

I realize give Hizbulah the Southern border area with Israel let the two 2 fight each other rather than a civil war in Lebanon seems America is double crossing the moderates they want Hizbulah to take over another Viet Nam to add to the list of countrys America has sold out right so wise up Hairi Jumblat all you moderates take a moderate not radicial stand against Hizbulah and so Syria half a Lebanon is better than none RIGHT ??? thank you... M. S.

What a shame ! How could someone have such as short term strategy which goes against every principal that Israel defends. Sell Lebanon to Syria so we can have a fake peace. But than what will happen. Who permited Hizbollah to be as powefull as it is now? Short term Israeli policy and decision to cooperate with Syria gave Israel hizbollah. Applying this idea again will turn on Israel again.