It sounds like Rice and the Israelis are discussing the size and boundaries of a buffer zone, and the make-up of forces that will police the buffer zone.
That sounds like they have backed off the original requirement that Hezbollah disarm. If so, its a mistake, because it guarantees that this war will re-ignite, and next time will be tougher than this time. The arabs take a long view; they are observing what worked, what didn't work, and they will adjust accordingly.
Any "cease-fire" that leaves Hezbollah in place will guarantee that war continues.
Olmert seems to have set for himself very modest goals. Rice seems to be giving him time to meet those goals, Israel won't be stopped until the Nato force is identified. But while a buffer zone is necessary, it is insufficient. Syria and Iran are the ultimate authors of this war, and they are the ultimate authors of the insurgency we face in Iraq. I would like to think we are putting in place a pause so we can go after the source of the problem, but I don't see it. I see a pause so we can get past the elections in November, which are very important, but hardly a strategy for a reformed middle east.
You're right. I can't imagine a force, other than a restructured, retrained Lebanese Army that will enforce order. I don't want to see US or British troops there, it's a losing proposition. The best solution would be for Israel to stay till the Lebanese Army was capable and willing to stand up, but I doubt that will happen.