that "Olmert was kept abreast of the developments in Lebanon . . . WTF?!

Trust this useless gov't to get it wrong. Siniora even said that he was only angry with Hizballah because it was acting like a state within a state. He didn't object to the terror group or to Syrian interference per se. He even called Syria a "sister" state! He also said that his goal for Lebanon coincides with that of the Hizbonazis, that is to confront Israel. What needs to be discussed is whether Siniora's statements add up to a declaration of war against Israel, now that Lebanon has been subsumed into Hizballah - and not the other way around. This leaves a silent Jordan teetering on the brink. Iran-proxy Syria has been salivating over its eventual conquest of Jordan - only one step away from Israel. It's been after Jordan for decades. Remember that Syria considers the entire Levant to be its extended territory - and to which the real "Nakba" refers, meaning 1920 when Palestine's Arabs were cut off from Syria, not by the Jews, but by the British and the French. The US and Israel are infinitely stupid for thinking they can negotiate Syria away from Iran. Good grief, Iran is helping a weak Syria obtain its goals at moderate expense. If we "negotiate" the Golan away Syria/Iran will have won without lifting a finger; and all we will get in return is Holocaust redux.

The latest developments in Lebanon, during which it has been made abundantly clear that Hizbollah, Iran and Syria now control the"country" ,make it clear that Olmert & Co must now be removed if they refuse to remove themselves. On the face of the most existential danger Israel has ever faced, Israel has no place for a cowardly, corrupt, inept, wavering PM. If Olmert et al refuse to resign then it is up to the israeli military to quietly take control of all military decision-making. This is what was done in 1967, when the IDF was faced with a wavering, uncertain Levi Eshkol.The IDF must now send a quiet ultimatum to Olmert and his co-cowards-"resign or else"

Thank you for you tongue-in-cheek analysis. You are the one who keeps suggesting we give up more lands to these terrorists. Suggestion - keep your mouth shut and you will stay out of trouble.

Lebanon apparently does not wish to be in the same club as Syria and Iran. They are in essence Western. Their relation with Israel in the 70's served them well but, Israeli good will and assistance are no longer free. Clandestine relations and mercenaries are no longer enough. Although full diplomatic relations would be too much, national interest sections in foreign embassies would be appropriate. A price in Arab opprobrium will be exacted. However, it will pay to consider the positions of the Hashemite Monarchy and countries like Italy. Like the Phoenicians, Lebanon should look more to the West and like King Hiram be a friend to Israel.