U.S Warns Of 'Devastating' Israeli War Against Syria, Lebanon

Naharnet - Lebanon ^ | 4-13-02

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Heavy fighting flared anew on the Lebanon-Israel border despite Iran's plea for a de-escalation and U.S. warnings of a full-blown Middle East war if Hizbullah's renewed attacks in the Shabaa farms zone were not quickly halted.
The New York Times, a leading U.S. national newspaper, said the threat of an expanded war loomed dark over the Middle East as a result of the 14-day border hostilities. "There is a perilous possibility that Israeli will attack Syria," the newspaper said.

It also said an Israeli cabinet minister, which the paper did not name, has warned that "Israel is serious about hitting Syrian targets, which means the theater of the conflict will be vastly expanded."

Ariel Sharon, in turn, warned both Syria and Lebanon of "the cruelty of the Israeli response" if Hizbullah continues to attack Israel's northern border. He said he has asked U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney to convey this warning to President Bashar Assad.

U.S. secretary of State Colin Powell also warned that Hizbullah's attacks, if not rapidly checked, "could lead to devastating consequences for the entire region."

Powell served the warning during a helicopter tour of Israel's northern frontier with Lebanon. "I call upon all countries with influence over Hizbullah, especially Syria, to do everything in their power to curb Hizbullah before the conflict spreads to engulf the whole region."

On the battlefield, Hizbullah fighters blasted three Israeli army outposts in the Shebaa farms with repeated volleys of Katyusha rockets, prompting Israel to scramble up F-16 fighter-bombers to hammer the environs of several Lebanese border towns, wounding a 21-year-old woman and her 6-year-old son.

Beirut, Updated 13 Apr 02, 11:52

[ConsistentLibertarian]

I wonder how an oil embargo would effect the fall elections ...

[Diogenesis]

".... despite Iran's plea for a de-escalation... "

Iran directly and indirectly created this new war through its client/servant Hezbollah.

[not-alone]

The media is not covering this very much. Yesterday most cut this out of Powell's comments, even though it was a main part of his statement after the bombing. Thanks for post

[The Great Satan]

Krauthammer was saying a few days back, watch the Lebanon. That's where the action will be next.

[foreverfree]

bump

[Oldeconomybuyer]

The Krauthammer article was spot-on regarding the issue with Israel's northern border with Lebanon. I'm beginning to wonder if the only way to change the dynamics in the Middle East is for Israel to launch all out war against its neighboring enemies.

They tried the negotiation route under the Barak/Camp David process and it led to the current Intifada. Since the Palestinians responded to the seemingly generous offer from Barak with civilian attacks on Israel, the Israelis should strongly consider even more aggressive military action against the terrorists. I just can't see any "peace process" being successful if the vermin behind homicide bombings in Israel are still able to plan and execute attacks.

[American in Israel]

Would America take 14 days of cross border rocketry and mortars (over a thousand this week alone) without declaring war?! The Jews have got to be the most restrained people in the world.

[krodriguesdc]

I wonder how an oil embargo would effect the fall elections ...

More of GW and his kind - I hope!

[not-alone]

I am not even pretending to understand this, but could this be a distraction that maybe helps us if we want Iraq. Aren't we really going to have stop these terrorist from going just from place to place.

[wretchard]

Even if you cut through the spin and disinformation, this much seems clear: events have taken on a life of their own. The Israeli-Palestinian war is like a tributary running to join a mighty and grim river. Ordinary people like to think that Presidents and Kings and such "know" what is going to happen. That there is a plan.

I don't think anyone knows what is going to happen next. Deep forces have been released, and politicians are struggling for control. The situation is now officially out of control.

We may be past the time when anyone can stop the train wreck from happening, much like August 2, 1914. "The lights are going out ... we shall not see them lit again in our lifetimes."

[Feckless]

"could lead to devastating consequences for the entire region."

The entire region being those Arab countries left smoking ruins glowing in the dark. I don't see a problem with that.

[Sawdring]

Bump!

[happygrl]

"The lights are going out ... we shall not see them lit again in our lifetimes."

I hope this quote does not apply.

It's not hard to imagine how deep the unraveling could become, but the psyche resists it.

We've never experienced what our parents and grandparents lived through: a world-wide war.

Will we look back and see this time as full of light ?

[verity]

. "There is a perilous possibility that Israeli will attack Syria,"

:<)

[Issaquahking]

Freedom bump to an American Patriot!

[Euro-American Scum]

Peggy Noonan made a remark in her column on OpinionJournal.com this week that addressed how this could easily escalate into a nuclear exchance.

Israel's motto in the post-Holocaust era has always been "Never Again!". The corollary to that would be "And if again, then not us alone". Not an exact quote, but you can follow the link for the whole article.

If they perceive a world aligned against them, I'm firmly convinced Israel will go nuclear and take out the whole f'ing lot of them. And with good reason.

Peggy Noonan's Column

[a_witness]

The New York Times, a leading U.S. national newspaper, said the threat of an expanded war loomed dark over the Middle East as a result of the 14-day border hostilities. "There is a perilous possibility that Israeli will attack Syria," the newspaper said. It also said an Israeli cabinet minister, which the paper did not name, has warned that "Israel is serious about hitting Syrian targets, which means the theater of the conflict will be vastly expanded." Ariel Sharon, in turn, warned both Syria and Lebanon of "the cruelty of the Israeli response" if Hizbullah continues to attack Israel's northern border. He said he has asked U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney to convey this warning to President Bashar Assad.

I would suggest everyone take this warning very seriously.

[Euro-American Scum]

We may be past the time when anyone can stop the train wreck from happening, much like August 2, 1914. "The lights are going out ... we shall not see them lit again in our lifetimes."

That's ominous. And, like this war, that one got started one small step at a time. The situation is much graver the media or the administration is letting on, I'm sure.