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Peace in Lebanon Depends on a Robust Force Being Deployed

[Times-UK] Editorial - The fighting in Lebanon will not easily be halted despite Israeli and Lebanese acceptance of the Security Council resolution on a "cessation of hostilities." The Lebanese government cannot control Hizballah. Nasrallah does not want to stop a war that, he believes, recruits more extremists to the cause with every Israeli bomb dropped. The deployment of a reinforced UN contingent led by France could take weeks. Lebanon's enfeebled government, which contains Hizballah ministers and politicians in league with it, might decide to "authorize" Hizballah's continued military existence, perhaps by bringing its fighters into the Lebanese Army. Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary-General, has unwisely hinted that "incorporation" might be a way out. There will be no real chance of peace unless UNIFIL disarms Hizballah. The resolution authorizes the UN force "to take all necessary action" and to resist armed efforts to prevent it discharging its duties, but - a curious caveat - only "as it deems within its capabilities." France now says that these capabilities exclude disarming Hizballah; Australia, sensibly, sees no point in committing troops if that is not to be part of their job.
2006-08-14 01:00:00
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