This Morning, Karen Hughes was on CNN saying that the whole world agrees on a cease fire for Israel/Lebanon. This afternoon, Tony Snow echoed that statement in his press conference. It seems this may not actually be the case:
U.S., European and Arab officials holding crisis talks on Lebanon failed to agree Wednesday on an immediate plan to halt the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas.
Although officials called for an end to the violence, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said there cannot be a return to a “status quo” of political uncertainty and instability in Lebanon. She said any cease-fire must be “sustainable.”
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said the solution to the Mideast crisis should involve Iran and Syria. He also called for the formation of a multinational force to help Lebanon assert its authority and implement U.N. resolutions that would disarm Hezbollah.
After listening to a dramatic appeal from Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora for them to stop the killing, the officials said they had agreed on the need to deploy an international force under the aegis of the United Nations in southern Lebanon.
“An international force in Lebanon should urgently be authorized under a U.N. mandate to support the Lebanese armed forces in providing a secure environment,” Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D’Alema said — but there was no mention of who would take part or any other details.
“Participants expressed their determination to work immediately to reach, with utmost urgency, a cease-fire that puts an end to the current violence and hostilities. The cease-fire must be lasting, permanent and sustainable,” D’Alema said.
While everyone does want a “cease fire”, the U.S. is the one that is fighting an immediate cease fire. Actually, we seem to be more out on our own with this issue. Interesting enough, Israel did not attend this meeting. They have said they support a multi-national force, but the question remains at what conditions?
This is just another in a long line of examples of how the Bush administration wants to hold control in every decision involving the world. It is Bush’s way or no way. This is in no way diplomatic and no way to run a country with power such as ours.