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Same Old UNIFIL?

[Jerusalem Post] Editorial - The existing 2,000-member UNIFIL contingent has expanded to 5,500 troops and is expected to grow to 8,000 in November. Time and again, Israel and the U.S. were assured that the new, more robust UNIFIL would be nothing like the old, discredited force which acted as human shields for the massive Hizballah weapons buildup that led to the recent war. Signs are already growing, however, that the "new" UNIFIL, though larger and better armed, will not act appreciably differently from the "old" UNIFIL that has existed since 1978. Asked whether UNIFIL would intervene against Hizballah forces on their way to attack Israel, UNIFIL commander Maj.-Gen. Alain Pellegrini said UNIFIL was not there to disarm or engage Hizballah, and if it saw "something dangerous" unfolding, it would "inform the Lebanese army" and would take action only if asked to do so by the Lebanese army. Hizballah leader Nasrallah has openly rejected the UN mandate that he disarm, and Syrian President Assad has warned Europe not to "waste time" trying to prevent weapons shipments to Hizballah. UNIFIL is already showing signs that it may not take the actions necessary to prevent a return to the status quo ante. What, then, will prevent the next war? If there is any lesson to be learned from the last war, it is that the only way to prevent a renewed conflict is to prevent Hizballah from being in a position to start one. This means disarming Hizballah, and keeping it away from the border, not just "sharing" that border and standing by as it becomes a potential flashpoint. It is hard to see how this can happen if UNIFIL refuses to use its new capabilities to fulfill its new mandate.
2006-09-27 01:00:00
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