AGGRESSION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Hamas's and Hezbollah's attacks against Israel and their abduction of Israeli soldiers - acts of war inspired by Iran and Syria - threaten to embroil the entire Middle East in turmoil. That this will have worldwide implications for peace is obvious.

The condemnation of these aggressive actions, even by some Arab governments, was widespread -- hence, Israel's legitimate response of targeting Hamas's and Hezbollah's infrastructure. The collateral damage that has occurred is most regrettable and unfortunate but responsibility for the destruction lies with the terrorists and their supporters.

Since 9/11/01 militant Islamic fundamentalism, based on an erroneous interpretation of the Koran, has emerged as a global criminal curse that deliberately targets civilians as one tactic in its strategic endeavors to bring about a jihadist universe. It must be confronted and eradicated globally.

It is in the immediate interests of the United States to contain the conflict by issuing to Iran and Syria a stern and unmistakable warning to stop meddling in the politics of Lebanon and to cease supporting all terrorist activities. Also, the United States must use all channels at its disposal to initiate negotiations among the parties that will lead to the release of the hostages and the cessation of hostilities. It must support by all means possible the enforcement of UN Security Council Resolution 1559 in its entirety, even if that means the deployment of an international peacekeeping force on the Lebanese side of the border with Israel.

The National Committee on American Foreign Policy was founded in 1974 by Professor Hans J. Morgenthau and others. It is a nonprofit, activist organization dedicated to the resolution of conflicts that threaten U.S. interests. Toward that end, the NCAFP identifies, articulates, and helps advance American foreign policy interests from a nonpartisan perspective within the framework of political realism.