Posted on 08/26/2006 1:18:47 PM PDT by freedom44
Top News Story
Xinhua
PRAGUE, August 25, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- There have been different views on Iran's role in the war between Hizballah and Israel. Some observers suggested that Iran had given Hizballah orders to attack and kidnap Israeli soldiers in order to divert the world's attention from Iran's controversial nuclear program. Others said the conflict was the result of a miscalculation by Hizballah -- which likely didn't expect such a fierce reaction from Israel.
Many blamed Iran for the conflict because of reports that they were helping Hizballah financially and supplying it with weapons and missiles. Iran says it gives Hizballah -- which it helped create in the early 1980s -- only spiritual and moral support. But most analysts agree that the 34-day war has strengthened Iran and boosted its regional standing. Dr. Hermidas Bavand, a veteran diplomat, teaches international law in Tehran. He tells RFE/RL that Iran has emerged from the conflict politically and psychologically more powerful.
"Some said it was an indirect confrontation between Iran and the United States and also Israel," he said. "On one hand the invincibility of Israel is now questioned, and the huge and systematic destruction [it levied upon Lebanon] tarnished Israel's image in the world, while U.S. support [for Israel] to a certain point damaged [Washington]. Hizballah is among the levers used or influenced by Iran; if Israel takes any action against Iran well, then, Iran has this lever on the border with Israel."
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Well, I am not a veteran diplomat and I see, bunk to this theory.
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