How to see common ground amid the Lebanese violence

[oberliner]

Op-ed piece in The Lebanon Daily Star with some proposals for peace.

Any thoughts?

How to see common ground amid the Lebanese violence
By Juliette Schmidt

Excerpt:

And here we come to the most pressing question: what is the most effective role for this larger Western contingent? First of all, the international community needs to call for a cease-fire immediately and empower the Lebanese government to deploy the Lebanese Army in the South to deal with the situation internally as they have indicated they are prepared to do. By refusing to pressure both sides of the conflict to stop, they are indirectly sanctioning the continuing volley of missiles from both parties and perpetuating anger and hatred that will linger long after the explosions stop.

Second, longer term solutions need to be considered. This most recent flare-up is not an isolated problem. In the aftermath of the Israeli incursion, the Lebanese will not only have to rebuild, they will have to continue their national dialogue around this event and all its implications. Meanwhile, Israelis will still find themselves living between two angry populations. The international community needs to publicly support opportunities for dialogue and facilitate it when necessary.

[marmar]

1. I'm by nature an extremely positive guy, a natural peacemaker...

but this latest conflict, the reactions of nations around the world, and the nasty disagreements here on DU even have zapped my hope. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think I'll live to see (I'm 34) a Mideast at peace.