Saudi Arabia Support, As Israel Backed into Corner

Whille the battles continue or grow between Israel and Hizbullah, it is important to already read details.

Typical media channels are really stoking the Israel troop movements and IAF bombings in Beirut as all out war and "escallation" of a large magnitude. While I am not there, therefore this all could be accurate, I also am reading between the lines.

The Jerusalem Post has this article which states Saudi Arabia is not taking an on-the-fence position. While they are trying to promote more caution with the Israel military action (which is a fence sitter), they are also coming out and questioning and softly condemning the actions of the guerillas of Hizbullah. The following few paragraphs are in my mind a critical read;

"A Saudi official quoted by the state Saudi Press Agency said the Lebanese Hizbullah's brazen capture of two Israeli soldiers was not legitimate.

The kingdom "clearly announces that there has to be a differentiation between legitimate resistance (to Israel) and uncalculated adventures."

The Saudi official said Hizbullah's actions could lead to "an extremely serious situation which could subject all Arab nations and its achievements to destruction."

"The kingdom sees that it is time for those elements to alone shoulder the full responsibility for this irresponsible behavior and that the burden of ending the crisis falls on them alone."

Saudi Arabia's comments on the crisis came after most moderate Arab governments reacted with relative restraint to Israel's offensive in Lebanon, condemning attacks on civilians and infrastructure but also implicitly criticizing Hizbullah."

With just more than 48 hours since the Israeli shells began arching and bombs began falling, what appears to be a good many of the Arab nations are not only showing restraint but also saying the Hizbullah should be left out to dry. There are on their own with this near-sighted decision of kidnapping Israelis soldiers as bargaining chips. I do not see Hizbullah's attempt at strong arming any less futile than a man standing at the base of the Hoover Dam, striking it with a hammer. Yes damage will be done, but does he understand what is behind those walls. In this case not only is Israel's own restraint part of the dam's wall, but also contributing are other Arab nations.

I pray for a quick end to the fighting, yet I hope Hizbullah will get a clear message.