Quote Originally Posted by Kanamori
So, can any one explain why the Israelis are attacking lebanese airports and military bases? If they're not sheltering the terrorists, Israel can take care of itself here, after it stirs the wasp's nest; count me out.
Most are speculating that these are acts targeted specifically to the Lebanese Government. After all, Hizballah is a political force in Lebanon and holds positions in the cabinet as well as in the Parliament.

A spokesman for the IDF on CNN stated that the goal of the ISraeli action is to secure the release of the two prisoners while simultaneously encouraging the Lebanese government to take positive steps towards securing the border between them from Hizballah action.

After the kidnapping, Israel made it very clear: Release them or we will turn back the clock 20 years in Lebanon. Some are also speculating that this is a show of forse against other regional players. Remember the syrian fly-by last week? Israel seemed to be itching for a fight.

All in all, this is a pretty stunning turn of events given the relative quiet in Southern Lebanon since 2000. I found last year's Lebanese protests against Syrian involvement following the assasination of a nationalist anti-Syrian political candidate a particularly moving show of solidarity in Lebanon.

It will be interesting to see how this develops within the region. Really quiet sad. I wish these Muslim nations could get there act together. (I do like Jordan, though. That King Abdullah II is a swell guy.)