West’s reaction to attack on Lebanon was pitiful

THE reaction of the west to the Israeli offensive in Lebanon was pitiful.

As the number of fatalities in southern Lebanon grew, the US and its allies refused either to call for a ceasefire or to condemn the Israelis for targeting civilian areas.

The UN was unable to condemn the killing of its own soldiers which, in the view of some commentators, was deliberate. In his essay, Politics and the English Language, George Orwell stated that “political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable”.

The language used by those commanding the world stage over the last few weeks gave an air of respectability to the murder of Lebanese civilians.

By refusing to call for a ceasefire and blindly allowing Israel to do as it pleased, Bush, Blair and others gave credence to what was manifestly wrong.

The strides Lebanon had taken over the past two decades were dealt an almost irreparable blow in just five weeks. Many of the young men returning to this destruction will undoubtedly be among the next groups to challenge Israel and western interests.

Israel, rightly or wrongly, sent its troops into southern Lebanon in an attempt to destroy Hezbollah. It seems this action has not had the outcome that Israel wanted. Hezbollah, although undoubtedly damaged, has gained a psychological victory. Not only did it withstand the Israeli offensive, it has also received praise and support from Arab nations and a large number of the Lebanese people.

Hezbollah is a fanatical terrorist movement but, on the other hand, Israel’s actions cannot be condoned simply because it is a democracy.

Major mistakes have been made in the past five weeks. I wonder if any of the participants learned anything?

Patrick O’Driscoll

20 Ashfield Place

Rathcormac

Co Cork