The economic situation, the other side of the Israeli/Lebanese coin.

[smacky44]

I was just thinking of how I remember Lebanon during the late 50's up to now. At one time Lebanon was the play land of the ME with a flourishing economy built on especially its tourism and agricultural products. I'm just wondering if the continued destruction of Lebanon's infrastructure by Israel over the past 30-40 years has anything to do with trying to eliminate the economic competition in that region. At one time the agri-economy and building expertise of the Palestinian people were legendary throughout the region. Perhaps in a peaceful and democratic environment, Israel feels that it cannot compete except in the weapons and war industries? What makes the most sense out of this morass?

[JerseygirlCT]

1. I strongly doubt it. A peaceful, strong and democratic

Lebanon would be in Israel's best interests.

Terrorists sitting across the border are not.

The best course for Israel in the long-term is to see able, democratic governments in both Palestine and Lebanon that can take good care of their own and act as respected members of the world community.

No, this isn't about economics or fear of competition.

[Wonk]

2. Israel has about double the population, and 6x the GDP of Lebanon.

That's before this latest escalation and bombing of Lebanon.

[smacky44]

3. But one would expect this after years of being bombed and

brutalized by the opposition. No such thing with the Lebanon before the Israeli first invasion.