Dear All,

Here is the news on the Conflict in Lebanon.

http://www.ibctoday.com/News/ViewNewsItem.aspx?newsItemId=4667&rootVideoPanelType=2&rootRegionId=4

Whilst visiting the region, Condoleezza Rice did not push for a ceasefire. The bombs on Beirut stopped during the time of her official visit in the capital city.

http://www.ibctoday.com/News/ViewNewsItem.aspx?newsItemId=4672&rootVideoPanelType=2&rootRegionId=4

At least she admitted to the need for durable peace in the region. It is certainly a good thing to say it but when people are on a verge of a humanitarian crisis they need positive actions and words just aren’t enough.

What is happening in Lebanon is so reminiscent of the Past and Hizbollah has decided to provoke Israel which has led to another war, a risky move for the peace in the region.

In 1982 Israel was sending tanks in the middle of Beirut to crush the PLO run by Yasser Arafat. It wanted to get rid of a state within a state. The same is happening with Hizbollah, Lebanon’s Iranian-inspired “Party of God”. Although Hizbollah has gained political influence inside the Lebanese government, it also remains a non state actor taking action in his own hands. It has gained the loyalty of many Lebanese Shias especially amongst the poorest and most desperate people… or anyone actually angry with Israel long occupation in the region.

Neither Hizbollah nor Israel is ready to stop the fight.

http://www.ibctoday.com/News/ViewNewsItem.aspx?newsItemId=4634&rootVideoPanelType=2&rootRegionId=4

I would like to raise awareness regarding this conflict as once again innocent people are trapped in the spiral of violence out of choice. For a few days the sad events have strongly attracted media attention at the expense of the Southern Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank.

As US State Secretary pays visit to Mahmoud Abbas. They don’t want to be forgotten:

http://www.ibctoday.com/News/ViewNewsItem.aspx?newsItemId=4651&rootVideoPanelType=2&rootRegionId=4

For now all we can is hope that diplomacy will help resolve the issue. However without a long term solution to the refugee situation of millions of Palestinians I doubt that any peaceful solution will be reached.

Here are a few links someone in Lebanon sent me:

>http://lebanonupdates.blogspot.com/

>http://sanayehreliefcenter.blogspot.com/

And also a peace petition:

Watch Out - Sensitive Pictures Below

http://fromisraeltolebanon.info/