Grand Trunk Road

The author argues that President Bush’s trip to the Middle East is taking place at a time when Washington’s Middle Eastern policy is at its lowest ebb. The events in Lebanon are particularly harmful since it was only three years ago that he hailed the “Cedar Revolution” as the kind of political event that the Iraq war was meant to launch. The article quotes Jon Alterman, a Middle East specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, who says, “It’s hard to remember a less auspicious time to pursue Arab-Israeli peacemaking than right now.”

Article: Hezbollah’s shots ring in Bush’s ears
Author: Jim Lobe
Publication: The Asia Times

The authors argue that the victory of Hizbullah and Amal over the Lebanese government will have have a critical impact on the security of Arab regime allied with the U.S and on Israel. The Druze leader, Walid Jumblatt, whose militias are involved in the final stages of a clash with Hezbollah forces in Northern Lebanon is quoted as saying “[...]we are waiting for Hizbullah, Iran, and Syria to determine the rules of the game.” The article also reports on critical reactions to Hizbullah’s takeover by the Saudi government, the Saudi press, and the Egyptian press

Article: The Lebanon Crisis (2): Hizbullah’s Victory and its Regional Implications
Authors: Y. Carmon and B. Chernitsky
Publication: Memri.org

The editorial board of the Daily Star argues that the task ahead of the Arab League’s mission to Lebanon has actually been made easier by the events of the last week since it is now clear that Hezbollah holds more power in the nation than any other group.

Article:How the Arab League Mission might at least put Lebanon on the right track
Author: The Daily Star Editorial Board
Publication: The Daily Star (Lebanon)