I have done five missions to Beirut for a NGO during the last three years. The progress towards a real democracy was unreal. I was there when it all fell apart and have been in frequent contact with my colleagues. The damage done is immense, but Hizbollah has lost face for starting this debacle. You won't hear that on CNN. The country has been set back at least ten years, if not more. And I'm talking about the civilized portion, not Hizbollah-controlled southern Lebanon.
If the war indirectly leads to Hezbollah disarming and joining only the political process, most Lebanese would say it was worth it. The way that the Shiite population was helped by the rest of the Lebanese may go a long way to decreasing their feelings of non-belonging. We can only hope.
I know I speak for many Lebanese when I thank you and your colleagues for everything you have done and continue to do for Lebanon. I was living there when the Marines barracks were destroyed. Most Lebanese were as devastated by this event as Americans were. Many tears were shed for these brave souls, the best of the best. Many were then angry on their behalf, the way they received orders not to shoot until shot upon (Congress was fighting Reagan the way Democrats are now fighting Bush. Some things never change). You're one of the few people who see how a lot of people throughout the world see the United States as their only hope from oppression.