White House Statement on Hizballah Kidnapping //Rice: All sides must act with restraint

IMRA/White House/State Dept ^ | 7-12-06

[SJackson]

White House Statement on Condemnation of Hizballah Kidnapping of Two Israeli Soldiers

For Immediate Release
Office of the White House Press Secretary July 12, 2006
Statement on Condemnation of Hizballah Kidnapping of Two Israeli Soldiers
www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/07/20060712.html

Today Hizballah terrorists operating from Lebanon kidnapped two Israeli soldiers and launched rocket attacks against civilian targets in Israel. The United States condemns in the strongest terms this unprovoked act of terrorism, which was timed to exacerbate already high tensions in the region and sow further violence. We also hold Syria and Iran, which have provided long-standing support for Hizballah, responsible for today's violence. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the Israeli soldiers.

Hizballah's terrorist operations threaten Lebanon's security and are an affront to the sovereignty of the Lebanese Government. Hizballah's actions are not in the interest of the Lebanese people, whose welfare should not be held hostage to the interests of the Syrian and Iranian regimes. We reiterate the international community's insistence that all parties in the region fulfill their obligations under UN Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1680, and cease all support for Hizballah.

.............................

Secretary Condoleezza Rice: All sides must act with restraint

[Netanyahu - I got quiet when Arabs saw I gave "crazy" response to attack]

[Likud chairman MK Binyamin Netanyahu explained in a live interview on Israel Television this evening that during his administration when there was an incident on the Northern border he authorized an immediate massive attack against Lebanon and that this brought years of quiet. At the time, Netanyahu noted, the Arabs said that the ferocity of his response was "crazy"] Actions in Northern Israel and Southern Lebanon

Statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Paris, France July 12, 2006
www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2006/68902.htm

I condemn today's kidnapping by Hezbollah, a terrorist organization, of two Israeli soldiers. Hezbollah's action undermines regional stability and goes against the interests of both the Israeli and Lebanese people.

I have spoken with UN Secretary General Annan, Lebanese Prime Minister Siniora and Israeli Foreign Minister Livni.

We are united in our determination to achieve the release of the Israeli soldiers. Syria has a special responsibility to use its influence to support a positive outcome. All sides must act with restraint to resolve this incident peacefully and to protect innocent life and civilian infrastructure.

[bnelson44]

Yes that is what a diplomat does.

The rest of us sit on the side lines and root for one side or the other.

[Little Ray]

Every time she says that, I lose more respect for the Bush Adminstration.

Nations must act to destroy these organizations and exterminate their membership. If Lebanon can't prevent terrorists from attacking Israel from its territory, then it ain't much of a country and needs to be annexed.

[SJackson]

At this point is this not simply a HOT war between two countries?

Two so far, I doubt Syria will become directly involved if they can avoid it.

[SJackson]

Nah...chin up- this is what Rice has to say- she is our chief diplomat...here is what the White House said:

My opinion only, but in general, I think it's best when they say the same thing. One works for the other after all, and misunderstandings can be costly in time of war.

[trisham]

Clearly there was a desire to dilute the message being sent.

****************

Yes, I think you're quite right. I suspect I would be a crashing failure at diplomacy.

[Diogenesis]

President Bush(2001):

“You’re either on our side or the terrorists’ side”.

SoS Condi Rice (2006) regarding Hezbollah's act of War ......................................................[.... sounds of crickets]

SoS Condi Rice (2006) to Israel following Hezbollah's act of War, "More Restraint!".

SoS Condi Rice (2006) regarding Hezbollah terrorists murderering and capturing Israeli soldiers......[.... sounds of crickets]

SoS Condi Rice (2006) regarding Gaza terrorists capturing and holding Israeli soldier ......[.... sounds of crickets]

SoS Condi Rice (2006) regarding Gaza terrorists 24-hour ultimatum regarding captured Israeli soldier......[.... sounds of crickets]

SoS Condi Rice (2006) regarding the threats to use chemical weapons against the Israelis ......[.... sounds of crickets]

SoS Condi Rice (2006) to the Jews defending themselves after they are murdered by terrorists, "More Restraint!".

SoS Condi Rice (2006) regarding Hamas Rocket-Attacking Israeli Schoolchildren (again, and again) .....[.... sounds of crickets]

SoS Condi Rice (2006) to the Jews mourning for those murdered by terrorists, "More Restraint!".

SoS Condi Rice (2006) regarding Hamas or Fatah murders of Americans and Israelis .....[.... sounds of crickets]

SoS Condi Rice (2006) regarding the repeated beheadings of valiant Marines, soldiers, airmen and seamen ......[.... sounds of crickets]

SoS Condi Rice (2006) regarding the repeated murders and tortures of valiant Marines, soldiers, airmen and seamen ......[.... sounds of crickets]

SoS Condi Rice (2006) regarding the frame-up of valiant Marines, soldiers, airmen and seamen by the terrorists ......[.... sounds of crickets]

SoS Condi Rice (2006) regarding the frame-up of valiant Marines, soldiers, airmen and seamen by the MSM ......[.... sounds of crickets]

[Sabramerican]

If it's a difficult job, maybe I can offer advice to her on what she should have done/said today.

1. Kept her mouth shut. Or.

2. Gave preemptive condolences to Israel's enemies. And/Or

3. Wished Israel luck and God's speed.

[Toespi]

A true leader takes a stance as either a warrior or a diplomat/politician. One can not be both at the same time. The diplomat will argue for peace or war and the warrior will fight to win.

[Ancesthntr]

I have spoken with UN Secretary General Annan, Lebanese Prime Minister Siniora and Israeli Foreign Minister Livni.

We are united in our determination to achieve the release of the Israeli soldiers. Syria has a special responsibility to use its influence to support a positive outcome. All sides must act with restraint to resolve this incident peacefully and to protect innocent life and civilian infrastructure.

OK, I know that Rice is not her own boss, that she merely carries out policies determined by her boss - OUR employee - but this is too much. Since when are we united with Koffing Anus about anything? Couldn't Condi have stated things a bit differently?

And just WHAT restraint, Secretary Rice, would your boss show in similar circumstances? Not much, as shown by prior actions - correct actions, I might add. So then why does Israel have to show restraint?

Or does "restraint" simply mean "don't level Damascus yet?" I know that this is NOT what was meant, but Condi, how else do you make Syria shoulder its responsibility for this barbarism?

Inquiring minds want to know.

[veronica]

That didn't take long. I knew Rice would play the fool.

[af_vet_rr]

If Israel were any more "restrained" in their fight for survival, they'd be blowing up their own buses.

Couldn't have said it better myself - Israel has been very restrained over the past few years while it's citizens continue to be murdered by terrorists. A line was crossed, and I'm sure those who crossed it knew they were crossing it - kidnapping Israeli soldiers is not something one thinks up a few minutes before they do it.

[SJackson]

Clearly there was a desire to dilute the message being sent.****************Yes, I think you're quite right. I suspect I would be a crashing failure at diplomacy.

By sending out the White House message?

A crashing failure was our diplomats suggesting to Sadaam we'd show "restraint" should he enter Kuwait. A direct statement of the White House position might have saved a lot of aggravation.

Alternatively, if restraint is the GWB position, it should come from the White House. Confusion isn't always a positive thing.

[SJackson]

That didn't take long. I knew Rice would play the fool.

Is she playing, freelancing, or implementing WH policy. I don't know.

[Sabramerican]

On the other hand. It's a nice pink outfit that goes nicely with Abbas's dark suit. And her hair is slicked back in a new style.

And she plays the piano.

So. Rice for President.

[section9]

This is boilerplate. Debka (yes, I know, to be taken with a grain of salt) is indicating a huge degree of coordination between Teheran and Damascus on this. Olmert has decided to remove Hezboallah. Rice has to call for restraint for diplomatic reasons, but politically, we understand that it's in our interests for the Israelis to take down Hamas.

Expect Damascus to do something stupid and attack the Israelis. The Iranians are trying to provoke something. Let them.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[taxcontrol]

I have said it before and I will say it again. This "modern warfare" of limited responses and restraint has CAUSED more war.

If you know that when you go to war and lose, your nation will be destroyed, your people will be concurred and you will be at the very least, prisoners in your own land if not slaves to the concurring nation, ... you will be less likely to go to war in the first place. You will, rightly so, FEAR war.

Modern warfare has worked to eliminate that fear and thus, the unintended consequence is to make it EASIER to go to war.

[mpackard]

when I heard the president I was so proud, I said to myself..."what, no calls for restraint?" Spoke too soon, I guess.

[Ancesthntr]

The diplomat will argue for peace or war and the warrior will fight to win.

The diplomat fights for his/her country's interests with words. When the diplomats fail, then the warriors get to do their jobs.

Rice, by being a big softee, is not fighting for our nation's interest, nor helping an ally. She would do better to simply demand the return of these 2 soldiers and Gilad Shalit, and then STFU. Sometimes silence can send a message - and no one should know that better than a diplomat.

[Toespi]

"When the diplomats fail, then the warriors get to do their jobs"

The warriors only get to do their jobs when the diplomats say so.

[SJackson]

Rice has to call for restraint for diplomatic reasons, but politically, we understand that it's in our interests for the Israelis to take down Hamas. Expect Damascus to do something stupid and attack the Israelis. The Iranians are trying to provoke something. Let them.

I don't think she has to call for restraint, it encourages Israel's enemies, ours to.

Damascus could well do something stupid, which will be costly, and not necessarily a negative for Israel or the US in Iraq. However the "restraint" message makes a miscalculation more, not less. By shaping public perception of the situation, I recognize messages are being sent privately.