MIDDLE EAST, JULY 25

It has been hard for me to comment on the Middle East situation for a number of reasons, but it has been fascinating and disturbing to see how things have unfolded. Let me make a number of random comments:

1. I believe the vaunted Israeli military and intelligence forces have shown some serious limitations dealing with both Hamas and Hezbollah. Hezbollah is much stronger than I think anyone expected. It became clear that Israel could not do this quickly several days ago. Naturally the longer it takes and the greater force Israel must use beyond southern Lebanon risks international reaction. Also it is very possible that we have not seen Hezbollah's complete arsenal. Israel is in an extremely vulnerable situation--from the news reports, I cannot tell if the average Israeli understands their vulnerability.

2. Bill O'Reilly had an interesting commentary tonight basically saying the West (and Americans) do not have the will to defeat terrorism. "Terrorists are not selfish, we are." Americans are pursuing "happiness and gratification." See the video clip I don't see the West, and maybe even Israel, having the same commitment to democracy as radical Islamicists have to their cause. We do enjoy the good life.

3. The UN has been ineffective. NATO involvement is an interesting possiblity. But other countries have been very reticient about offering troops to patrol the Lebanese-Israel border, although they have been critical of Israel in many instances. Either they see this as a "no-win" situation" or they do not want to face the potential cost(s). I don't see any world leader eagerly jumping into this situation--the possiblity for failure is much greater than the possibility for success.

4. The potential for a more serious crisis lies with Iran and Syria. One interesting item is that for the first time moderate countries in the Arab world are distancing themselves from radicals like Hezbollah and Iran. Obviously they do not want to appear pro-Israel, but they also have something to fear from Iran and the radical Islamicists. In fact, they may have more to fear from their Islamic brothers. If the crisis is resolved, I see the moderate Arab regimes as the critical linchpins in any settlement.

5. In watching CNN and FOXNEWS, I vote for Amy Kellogg(FOX) as my favorite in-the-field correspondent! She had the presumption to correct someone at the FOX anchor desk who I think was hyping and misrepresenting a particular situation.