Britain breaks ranks publicly (about Lebanon) with America

[Benbow]

About time, about time. At last. At the eleventh hour, even Bliar has not been allowed to muzzle the British voice of fairness and compassion, humanity and respect for international law.

Britain dramatically broke ranks with George Bush last night over the Lebanon crisis, publicly criticising Israel's military tactics and urging America to 'understand' the price being paid by ordinary Lebanese civilians.

The remarks, made in Beirut by the Foreign Office minister, Kim Howells, were the first public criticism by this country of Israel's military campaign, and placed it at odds with Washington's strong support. ...

Britain's shift came as Israeli tanks and warplanes pounded targets across the border in southern Lebanon yesterday ahead of an imminently expected ground offensive ... Downing Street sources ... said they had no quarrel with Howells's scathing denunciation of Israel's military tactics.

Speaking to a BBC reporter before travelling on for talks in Israel, where he will also visit the missile-hit areas of Haifa and meet his Israeli opposite number, Howells said: 'The destruction of the infrastructure, the death of so many children and so many people: these have not been surgical strikes. If they are chasing Hizbollah, then go for Hizbollah. You don't go for the entire Lebanese nation.' The minister added: 'I very much hope that the Americans understand what's happening to Lebanon.' ...

Britain's decision to break ranks publicly with the Americans will cause deep concern in Jerusalem

This is not going to be invasion of Iraq Mark II. There were passionate rallies in London and Amman and elsewhere this weekend, about which your media may or may not have told you. This time, Americans, you are on your own, attracting decades of revenge attacks. Oh barbarous Israel, you of all nations should know not to oppress others in exactly the same way as Nazi Germany oppressed you.

Stop the War Coalition
http://www.stopwar.org.uk/

[Wonk]

1. dupe thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=1703649&mesg_id=1703649

[Benbow]

2. Thanks n/t