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In recent days, top American officials have suggested that Hezbollah-and its state sponsors-may soon find themselves targeted in the Bush administration's war on terror.

Good move.

Thanks for posting this SWL....

But the pullout from Lebanon heightened Hezbollah's self-regard, its contempt for Jews, and its desire for total victory.

Organizations like Hezbollah thrive on hope and on their ability to instill a sense of invincibility in their followers. Barak and clinton's disorderly retreat from Lebanon was what convinced Hezbollah and the Palestinians that they were "winning," that momentum was on their side, and that if they kept up the terror sooner or later Israel would grow terminally tired and admit defeat. In fact, during Barak's last days in office, that was pretty much they way Israelis were feeling. News articles were saying that their days were numbered and the Intifada was certain to win.

Muslim fanatics require that sort of illusion that momentum is on their side, that Allah is with them and victory is certain. The only way to defeat that kind of attitude is to stand firm. Then they will shrug their shoulders, say "Insh'Allah," and give up. They are willing to die for victory, but cannot accept dying in defeat.

There is a delicate line between firmness and provocation. Clinton was an expert at provocation, first enraging the Arabs like a child stirring up hornets with a stick, and then visibly backing down each time the Arabs committed an act of terror. That's the worst possible way to handle them.