A clandestine undertaking on behalf of Israel, the Jets and the Jews.

 
Lebanon, Syria and Israel

The upheaval that is occurring in Lebanon brings to mind a fascinating column published in 2001 by The Jerusalem Post. Nabil Khalifeh, a political activist in Beirut, was credited with writing the column, but he later denied having written anything of the sort. Yet a Nabil Khalifeh is now arguing that the recent events have "terminated Syria's historic dream of annexing Lebanon in stages."

Though speculative, it's likely that Khalifeh wrote the Jerusalem Post column, and, fearing for his life when it was published online, was forced to disavow it. The column is most relevant during the current situation. Following is the portion about Syria and Lebanon; the author's scathing criticism of Yasser Arafat appears in the full version.

As a Lebanese who survived the hard times of the last 25 years, and saw and is still seeing his country turning into a wasteland, I know the meaning of doing the right thing at the right time.

We had our chances in 1982 and we blew them, but a new school of political thought is shaping itself, and the hope of regaining our rightful place in the Middle East is being rejuvenated.

It is in this context that I address the people of Israel and the national unity government in a sincere and truthful manner, without claiming to own the whole truth and total knowledge.

First of all, I believe that a strong and democratic state in Israel is a must to insure the stability of the region, even though the forces of evil consider this treason and blasphemy. But the fact that they have nothing to offer but destruction and bloodshed makes their opinion trivial.

Let there be no compromise with these people: we know them well...

The question of Lebanon and Syria is actually one problem. It is no secret anymore that Syria is the sole maestro of all events happening in Lebanon, from government decisions to Hizbullah attacks across the border.

Actually, Israel holds a large share of the responsibility, not because you do not want to kick the Syrians out (which is our job as Lebanese), but by encouraging the former Assad regime on many occasions, by giving him a free hand in Lebanese matters and sending friendly signals during the last two decades.

Hafez Assad was a first-class politician, a regional leader, a man who kept his word - but he belongs in the hall of fame of the greatest butchers of the 20th century, alongside Hitler, Stalin and a few others.

Hafez Assad never planned to sign a peace treaty with Israel, despite what he used to repeat publicly. We were sure of it, and we even bet on it.

He was fascinated by Saladin, the liberator of Jerusalem, and he would spend hours talking to his guests about this great figure who defeated the outsiders, those who dared establish their state on Moslem land.

His son, President Bashar Assad, would never accept what his father refused; his intentions were clear in the speech he gave in the presence of the pope at Damascus Airport.

The Turkish experience with Syria regarding the PKK should be an example for dealing with these people, whose concept of international relations is based on balance of power.

The regime's weak spot is Lebanon, and the policy of retaliating against Syrian targets is actually destabilizing the image Syria patiently created - that its presence is a necessity to Lebanon. In fact, Syria represents a curse to our small country.

We salute your government and we give thanks to Defence Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer for his clear and accurate statements regarding Lebanon (he's a true son of the region), and to all who share his opinions.

This is the right way to do it and we modestly advise the following:

* Never retreat from Sheba Farms. A new issue will immediately emerge. (Has anyone in Israel heard about "the seven villages?") You will hear about it as soon as you give Sheba away.

* Do not give conflicting statements about your policy towards Lebanon and Syria: Be firm and to the point. Otherwise, your resolve will appear weak.

* Never bargain with Syria over Lebanon; it will be a fatal mistake, and not only for us. It will give your enemies everywhere a taste of victory and the idea of destroying the Jewish state will gain a momentum never before achieved.
posted on 3/08/2005