Media Reaction: Lebanon situation; Dhaka

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SUBJECT: Media Reaction: Lebanon situation; Dhaka

Summary: English "The Daily Star" op-ed says that Bush
administration favors rather a moderate approach now to
Hizbollah, which can in turn persuade the group to seek and
perhaps find some common ground with the Lebanese opposition
despite Syria's tactical retreat in pulling back her troops
from Lebanon.
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Lebanon
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"The U.S. Pursuing Israel's Agenda In The Levant?"
Independent English "The Daily Star" op-ed (03/28/05) says:
The Americans call the members of Hizbollah terrorists but
grudgingly recognize their virtues: the grassroots
popularity, their courage, discipline, patriotism and
selfless social service -- all rolled up in one. They are
the only Arab force to inflict defeat on Israelis. The
organization remains virulently anti-American and anti-
Israel and its leaders have dismissed the U.S. and U.N.
demand that its fighters lay down their arms. This perhaps
negates the possibility of their being the catalyst of
incipient changes in Lebanon. But Hizbollah is redefining
itself -- edging away from the militancy and steadily
raising its political profile. It already has 11 members in
the parliament and the number will, the analysts reckon,
increase manifold in the election in May. The subtle change
the Hizbollah has been undergoing should placate much of
U.S.' concern. But in the meantime there is no matching
change in American stance particularly in disarming the
Hizbollah, which has by now come of an age after witnessing
many ups and downs of its fortune. They can neither be
browbeaten or arm-twisted, nor can they be neutralized in
Lebanon's politics. That the U.S. is aware of it is
adequately reflected in its decision not to pick a fight
with Hizbollah. Bush administration favors rather a moderate
approach now to Hizbollah, which can in turn persuade the
group to seek and perhaps find some common ground with the
Lebanese opposition despite Syria's tactical retreat in
pulling back her troops from Lebanon. The yet more crucial
for Lebanon at the moment is to leave her alone to sort out
her problems arising out of Hariri's death. Notwithstanding
an US-Israeli game plan Lebanon's asset to preserve her
sovereignty should be an increasingly political Hizbollah,
of course, with her potent guerilla forces. The signs are
already visible that, Hizbollah is already turning more
nationalistic and less ideological. Apparently Hizbollah's
future is in Lebanon and vice versa.
Chammas