Word: reins
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...Translation: it's not in Israel's interest to topple the fledgling Lebanese government and transform the country into a failed state. If that happens, Hizballah and other militant groups will have even more free rein to make trouble, with Iran and Syria able to exploit the chaos for their own ends...
Assuming Iran was indeed behind Hizballah's raid, what happens next? The U.S. and other powers are discussing how to rein in Iran's nuclear program, and it may be easier to jointly impose sanctions now that Iran is viewed as responsible for mayhem in Lebanon. But what then? Take a look at a map. Iran is an oil-rich nation that borders Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey and Iraq, among others. It has a strategic position in Eurasia that cannot be wished away. European officials talk of a "constructive dialogue" with Tehran that involves recognizing it as an important regional power...
...dismissed as an empty gesture. And if it takes place in the middle of a raging Middle East crisis, as last weekend's North Korea resolution did, it's a wonder it gets noticed at all. All of which makes the resolution that was passed last weekend to help rein in North Korea's nuclear ambitions in the wake of its July 4 missile tests so unusual...
...weapons sent from Iran to Hizballah's forward positions along the Israeli border, and created a defensive shield behind which its fighters trained in the Bekaa Valley. But that relationship both enabled and restrained Hizballah, because Israeli or U.S. pressure on and incentives to Syria could prompt it to rein in the Lebanese guerrilla army. Syria's departure from Lebanon may have diminished some of its direct influence over Hizballah, and Damascus may have less will to restrain it while Syria remains in Washington's diplomatic doghouse. While some statements from the Bush Administration appear to hold Syria accountable...
...what should be done to begin to rein in the runaway North Korean nuclear and missile programs? First, we continue to advise the U.S. government to strike any further Taepo Dong test missiles before they can be launched. Second, the North should be penalized for defying the international community's unanimous appeal not to conduct its July 4 tests. China and South Korea are the main economic benefactors of North Korea, and President Bush is right to seek a United Nations Security Council action that would compel all nations to suspend trade with Pyongyang...