[Fitzcarraldo]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/21/AR2006072101438.html

Proposed Force in Lebanon Not to Include U.S. Troops

By Thomas E. Ricks and Robin Wright

Washington Post Staff Writers

Saturday, July 22, 2006; Page A12

"...In a departure from past peacekeeping missions to Lebanon, the force currently being discussed would not include U.S. troops, U.S. officials said yesterday.

Planning for the force is in early stages, but officials said they anticipate it including 10,000 to 20,000 troops led by a contingent from France or Turkey.

U.S. forces are already stretched by operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and there are no troops to spare for Lebanon, Pentagon officials said..."

[casino66]

Here is another:

From an Associated Press Washington dispatch:

"We'd love to have a cease-fire," White House spokesman Tony Snow said. "But Hezbollah has to be part of it. And at this point, there's no indication that Hezbollah intends to lay down arms."

The AP headline? "U.S. Opposed to Cease-Fire With Hezbollah."

[sageb1]

"U.S. forces are already stretched by operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and there are no troops to spare for Lebanon, Pentagon officials said..."

Translated to "we're saving the rest for Iran."