I agree with Bush and Blair. This is an opportunity. We now have the pretext to introduce greater Western involvement in the region and to buttress Lebanese democracy. Bush was able to kick the Syrian military out. We can reduce Hezbullah's influence in the south and aid in the rebuilding of Lebanon. I think Hezbullah and Iran made a major miscalculation.
Just as Tet was portrayed as a major defeat for us, the MSM is trying to make this into a defeat for Israel. I don't see it that way. Hezbullah has suffered a major defeat militarily and most of its weapons have been exhausted or destroyed. A Western headed multinational security force will change the calculus in the south. A new, multilateral aid program for Lebanon could solidify the nascent Lebanese democracy and expand the influence of the government. A marker has been laid down to Syria, which now must decide how much support it will continue to give to Hezbullah. This could be a real turning point along with our efforts in Iraq.
It could be an opportunity as long as Israel do not agree due to international pressure to a ceasefire too soon.
I would hope things turn out exactly like you say.I just have a hard time trusting Islamo-fascists.Their track record is severely lacking.