Word: lebanons
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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Both the Times and the AP suggested that the tragedy might prompt what they consider to be the inevitable "question" of Israel's presence in southern Lebanon. If this question is to be raised (which was doubtless one objective of the Times and AP articles), then the basis of their inquiry is misinformed. The Times, the AP, and others fall into the trap of drawing a parallel between this incident and Israel's defensive involvement in Lebanon where, in fact, no such connection inheres...
This problem is complicated because Hizbullah, the Syrian and Iranian instrument used to attack Israel, does not desire merely to end the Israeli presence in Lebanon. Rather, Hizbullah seeks to end the Israeli presence in Israel and has taken a completely rejectionist stance regarding the Oslo Accords, the formal treaty governing what is otherwise known as the "peace process." Indeed, Israel has learned through experience the price of an insecure Lebanese border. The Palestine Liberation Organization had a ministate in Lebanon in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This situation led to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon...
Asecond, if less pressing, problem is the question of Israel's allies in southern Lebanon, the Maronite Christian-dominated South Lebanon Army. There is no doubt that SLA soldiers and their families who live in the security zone would fare terribly if left to the mercy of groups like Hizbullah. Israel, however, feels a deep commitment to its allies and considers itself to bear the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the Lebanese Christians. Israel has no desire to be in Lebanon. The alternative, however, is far worse. With the Israel army in southern Lebanon, the targets afforded Hizbullah...
...Israel, and for its soldiers like Ron, there has never been an option except to continue fighting in Lebanon. The alternative is to have the front line of a vicious war be in Israeli suburbs, towns and development communities. In considering the tragedy of the helicopter crash, one realizes that the concept of sacrificing for one's country is very far removed from most American youth. This is especially true here at Harvard, where the element of personal tragedy and loss that has accompanied much of history is often compressed into meaningless numbers...
...unable to write anything more about Ron Herman than his name, age, rank and city of residence. Ron died in a war that Israel has never desired but knows that it must fight. To use a Hebrew expression, ain brera--there is no choice. Israel wants peace in Lebanon, but there is no peace being offered...