The war on Lebanon - Nubar Hovsepian

Israel’s 34-day bombardment of Lebanon in the summer of 2006 — in which more than 1000 Lebanese civilians lost their lives — is one of the most tragic events to take place in the Middle East this century. It was unleashed in the context of the continued Israeli assault on the Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, as well as the US effort to ‘bring democracy’ and redraw the map of the Middle East from Afghanistan to Iraq and perhaps to Iran.What explains Hezbollah’s capture of two Israeli soldiers and the scale of Israel’s retaliation? Why did the US reject an early ceasefire, instead egging on Israel as it pummelled Lebanon and casualties mounted? Why did President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, supported by Tony Blair believe the Lebanese and other Arabs would welcome the ‘birth pangs’ of a ‘new Middle East’ designed by the US and Israel? And where will it all lead? Can the party continue to be both part of Lebanon’s parliament and an independent resistance movement? Will Lebanon become a modern, non-sectarian state or will the confessional order be further entrenched?These and other vital questions are addressed in this collection of essays by internationally respected scholars and experts from around the world who examine the ethical, legal and strategic issues of the conflict, and analyse the consequences facing the region and the world in the wake of the Israeli invasion. Ultimately, the solution for Lebanon is intricately connected to the wider issues of the Middle East, including the right of the Palestinians to independence.