Submitted by Yuval Brandstetter MD (Israel), Jul 24, 2006 at 15:52
The only question now facing the Lebanese, all sects, is who do they fear more. Do they fear the Hizzbullah more than Israel or vice-versa.
Ever since 1982,Hizzbullah has been able to terrorize the largely illiterate and underclass Shiite population of Lebanon into submission, using the tactics of fear and temptation. This was done using the unlimited funds provided by Iran. Further, Israel was terrorized by the terrorist weapons (unguided rockets specifically designed to inflict civillian damage) amassed by Hizzbullah. The ferocity with which Hizzzbulah imposed their rule is legendary
Now the tables are turned. Israel has thrown off almost all restraints. now the lebanese must choose who they fear more. The Israelis gone mad or the Hizzbullah they know and hate. The more they dither about their choice the more Israel is determined that Hizzbulah, and all who fear them, will suffer the consequences of their fear.
This scenario was previewed in february 2000 in the following link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0942520122/ref=sr_11_1/103-5099573-9833445?ie=UTF8
Let me remind the Lebanese that so far, air-strike wise, israel is only exerting about twenty percent of its abilities. Should the Hizzbulah manage to hit Tel aviv or Jerusalem, the full force might be exerted, essentially turning Lebanon into a quagmire.
If anyone thinks some international force will save the day look back to Beirut 1983, 241 marines killed with one suicide truck-bomb, and the hastiest retreat the USA has ever beaten.
Fear is the key to this connundrum, and the lebanese had better learn to fear israel more than Hizzbullah if they wish to emerge from this crisis with a viable country. Let them denounce Hizzbulah for what it is, a foreign occupier backed by the most ruthless and repressive regimes in the world (Iran and Syria) and kick their asses out of the middle east, for all out sakes.
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