U.N. ‘Cure’ an Rx for Failure, as Usual

By Uri Dan
August 13, 2006
The New York Post
Original Source: http://www.nypost.com/commentary/u_n__cure_an_rx_for_failure__as_usual_commentary_uri_dan.htm

August 13, 2006 -- THERE is only one word to describe the United Nations resolution intended to stop the bloodshed in Israel and Lebanon: Disappointing. 
Not only does the deal conveniently sidestep the issue that started the violence four weeks ago - the murder of three Israeli soldiers and the kidnapping of two others by Hezbollah - but it also fails to ensure the disarmament of the terrorist organization. 
Thus, this resolution, cease-fire, agreement - whatever one wants to call it - does nothing to protect Israel from another unprovoked attack from the bloodthirsty guerrillas who are dug-in and well-armed within a few miles of its northern border. 
It seems that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert caved in to political pressure and plummeting poll numbers when he agreed to accept the resolution and place the security of his country for the first time in its history at the mercy of others. 
Even if Lebanon intends to take seriously the demand of the deal that it secure its borders and other entry points - and that is a very big if - the country simply does not have the capability to enforce it. 
A robust force of multinational combat troops might be able to stem the tide of Arab infiltrators into Lebanon, but the resolution limits the capacity of international troops to confront Hezbollah guerrillas hell-bent on destroying Israel. 
The only saving grace of the deal is that it only calls on Israel to halt all offensive operations and does not prevent it from defending itself with force. 
Sadly, military action will likely be necessary in the near future if history is any indicator of how well these sorts of internationally brokered arrangements work. 
Remember Arafat's pledge to keep the peace? What was the outcome of that? 
Oh yes, a second intifada.