"Arabs look to U.S. for diplomatic solution"

Forgive my attempt at political humor, but this whole episode of "violence" should be avoidable, and yet is so in the cards, it bugs the crap out of me. People getting bombed on. That fact really shouldn't be overlooked, despite the wonders of military technology. The following is a sarcastic conversation I had with and at, more 'at' I guess, a CNN article of the above title.



Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and U.N. Ambassador John Bolton have said the United States does not believe the time is right for a cease-fire.

The time is right to fight! Right?!

The U.S. position is that a cease-fire is a temporary halt to the hostilities, and what everyone wants is a solution that eliminates the threat posed by Hezbollah.

A ha! The bait and switch!

Privately, senior U.S. officials said they don't expect the fighting to stop until Israel has sufficiently demobilized Hezbollah.

And you can take that to the bank, cowboy!

The Arab League -- plus, in separate statements, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia -- put the onus on Hezbollah for igniting the violence.

Can you say dead horse scape goat?

But now Arab diplomats are afraid this is being used as justification for the continued Israeli operations in Lebanon.

Using a convenient phenomena to further one's end, you say? That's a good one. Go on.

The longer the operations go on, diplomats say, it will be increasingly difficult for Arab leaders to put the blame on Hezbollah, because ongoing violence will fuel anti-Israeli public opinion in their countries.

Put the blame. And by 'put' what do you mean?

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Intelligence Minister Omar Suleiman are in Washington and plan to meet with Rice and other U.S. officials Tuesday. European and Arab countries are making a big push for deeper U.S. engagement -- specifically a tougher stand with Israel.

A tougher stand with Israel? Have you been paying attention?

While they understand the United States has asked Israel to be selective in targeting infrastructure and to strive to protect civilians, Arab officials said the pictures airing on news channels indicate this is not happening, and the United States is seen as giving Israel a green light.

And this surprises you how?