How can the so-called right of self-defense allowed by US President George W. Bush to the Israelis turn into Israel's right to destroy Lebanon totally? This is while the international community pays no heed to the demand of Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora on reaching a ceasefire on the Lebanese front. By doing so, the international community gives Israel the time to destroy Lebanon's infrastructure including Beirut Airport in order to send Lebanon back to 50 years!

In this context, has Bush helped the Lebanese realize the withdrawal of the Syrian troops so that Israel can punish all of them brutally? Above all, what does it mean to call for the disarmament of Hezbollah as a condition to reach a ceasefire? Or is the goal to destroy Lebanon as French President Jack Chirac said given that Israel does not fight Hezbollah, rather it targets the interests of the Lebanese people?

The firing of Katyusha rockets into the Israeli cities by Hezbollah does not mean there is a sort of balanced deterrence between Israel and Hezbollah, taking into consideration the immense difference between the destructive facilities of both sides. Therefore, Hezbollah should have considered the situation accurately as the open war would be in the interest of Israel more than Lebanon.

On his part, Siniora vowed to extend Lebanon's control to the borders should the international community help Lebanon free Sheeba Farms. I think this is the right solution to change the situation and open the door before the disarmament of Hezbollah as well.

Makram Mohamed Ahmed