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War Strains Relations Between Allies

One of the predictable casualties of the war between Israel and Hizballah terrorists in Lebanon has been the recent ?warming trend? between the United States and their somewhat estranged partners in Europe. Europe, which has usually been counted on to be overly critical of Israel, has seen several countries come out in favor of an immediate cease-fire. Washington, however, eager to see Hizballah ? a group responsible for hundreds of deaths of Americans in the past ? dealt a heavy blow before dragging Jerusalem to the cease-fire table, has stalled.

France, never a country that has been consistently behind American efforts in the Middle East or elsewhere in the world, has a vital interest in Lebanon. A former colony of France, Lebanon?s destruction has angered many French. It must not be forgotten that France has a significantly high Muslim immigrant population that is angered by Israel?s actions. Germany has played it fairly safe, encouraging a cease-fire while supporting Israel?s right to defend itself.

And Britain?s Tony Blair has come out in favor of Israel in such a way as to make his Arabist countrymen call him Bush?s lapdog once again. Anyway, the fighting doesn?t seem to want to stop, but that is of course because those who are fighting don?t want to stop yet. Israel?s goals have yet to be met, and Hizballah?s goals are to do the opposite of what the international community ? and Lebanon, it would seem ? wants.