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It is a tragedy that Israel gave Hezbollah and its sponsors just what they wanted - a major kill of civilians. Most tragic is more than half were children. But, is anyone asking - Why didn't Hezbollah get those people to safety when Hezbollah was using that very area from which to fire rockets and missiles at Israeli civilians?

Israel dropped leaflets on the target area warning civilians to get out, yet, Hezbollah fighters, no doubt read the same leaflets and allowed the civilians to stay in the target area. Perhaps the charge is true - Hezbollah cares more about winning than about their own women and children. Why else would they launch rockets and missiles from schoolyards, mosques, and neighborhoods? Are there no open fields in Lebanon?

The United Nations Security Council may bring a temporary end to the killing on both sides but the fact that Hezbollah is armed, in defiance of United Nations Resolution 1559, proves the United Nations remains an impotent organization. Hezbollah should have been disarmed long ago and the new Democratic government of Lebanon would be at peace with Israel, no civilians would be dead. The blame for this tragedy must be laid fully on Hezbollah, not on Israel, and surely not on the United States.

Terrorists carrying, planting, and exploding bombs, shooting rockets and missiles, have murdered thousands. These are the very same people, and their State sponsors, Iran and Syria, who are calling Israel a terrorist State. Let us not forget that the fighting began after Hezbollah crossed Israel's border and kidnapped Israeli soldiers, holding them as bargaining chips trying to extort prisoner releases.

When one looks behind-the-curtain who do we see hiding backstage?

It is interesting that all this took place just days before the G8 meeting. On the agenda of the meeting was to be a discussion about sanctions against Iran for its nuclear ambitions. Is it possible that Iran created the Middle East crisis to say to the United States and other nations - "you push us, we can push back"?

Intelligence sources agree that Iran and Syria are partners in supporting groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah who have sworn to destroy Israel. They have been supplying money and weapons to these groups and, therefore, have tremendous influence over them. World pressure must also focus on Syria and Iran.

After all the shooting finally stops, this question remains - When will the world, like Israel, have enough and join together to rid us of the terrorist scourge? Let's remember - we are dealing with a minority claiming to represent a majority, at least that's what they spin to the world. All groups have a right to promote their dogma in a democratic society but none have the right to force that dogma on others at the point of a gun. Talking, not shooting, should always be the first way forward. People have the inherent right to choose whom they will follow and whom they will elect to represent them. The world is faced with a minority of radicals trying to do maximum damage to freedom. If they will not put down their weapons and talk, this minority must be crushed.

It will take Democratic nations to take a stand against these criminal actors, outside the U.N. Security Council, because it's the only way for freedom to take root in the Middle East.

I remain convinced that Israel's battle against radical elements of Hezbollah and Hamas, and, the U.S. War on Terror in Iraq, can be catalysts to finally crush the criminals who have used innocents as a tool to impose radicalism upon the world. Every freedom loving nation should take the cue and make eradicating these killers the number one priority.

One must again ask - Is there any other nationality who has such a terrible history of being victims of hate and eradication as Israel? Who can honestly deny Israel's right to defend herself, her right to destroy her enemies?

Israel was struck first. Innocent Israeli's were killed first.

Hezbollah must be disarmed and forced to work within the Lebanese political system and allow the Lebanese people the freedom to decide the way forward. While Hezbollah has elected members in Lebanon's Parliament, elements of Hezbollah, thus far, have used the point of a gun to force their will.

This can end if the nations of world make an effort to end it.

About the Author

Jim DeSantis runs On Line Tribune Self Help Newspaper packed with Free articles, courses, and ebooks on a variety of topics. You are invited to submit your opinion on this or on any other topic to Jim's blog. If accepted, your opinion will be published as a Featured Article.