Tuesday, May 11, 2004
The administration's actions against Syria are an appropriate measure in response to Damascus' entrenchment in Lebanon, its support of anti-Israel terrorism, and its failures to control its Iraq border.
The United States is, at this point, the only country willing to raise the question of the occupation of Lebanon. This is an occupation incompatible with the Middle East we seek to build. And, for that matter, holding countries responsible for harboring Hamas is a real step toward peace in the Middle East, though if the EU doesn't do it, this will remain a largely symbolic gesture. Europe talks a great game in this department, but has shown a real reluctance to take a hard look at its friends in the region.
The United States is, at this point, the only country willing to raise the question of the occupation of Lebanon. This is an occupation incompatible with the Middle East we seek to build. And, for that matter, holding countries responsible for harboring Hamas is a real step toward peace in the Middle East, though if the EU doesn't do it, this will remain a largely symbolic gesture. Europe talks a great game in this department, but has shown a real reluctance to take a hard look at its friends in the region.
