The problem facing peacekeepers is not an easy one. Their job is essentially one of separation, to keep the parties involved from fighting. The problem comes when one side has no real interest in fighting, and the other side does. How do you restrain one side that wants to fight, from killing the other. The only way is to make yourself a target. You are in effect only protecting 1 side. In the case of Israel vs. Hezbollah, Israel had no real interest in Lebanon, nor for that matter in fighting. They are more then willing to do so if they are attacked or threatened, but if their neighbors left them alone, you can bet their neighbors would be likewise left alone. Such is not the case for the Hezhos. They want to destroy Israel. It is one of their stated aims. Backed by Syria and Iran, their goal is destruction. So peacekeepers, in order to be effective, will have to sever the supply lines from Syria and Iran, as well as engage the Hezhos, making themselves into their defacto enemies. Thus what they are being called upon to do, is to fight for Israel. Oh their presence may act to restrain Israel from retaliating against the Hezhos, if they manage to get through, but the more they let the Hezhos and others through, the more ineffective they are seen as being, and the more likely it is, that both parties will then end up at war once again. I really feel sorry for anyone having to serve as a peacekeeper.

Eric, Was there a statute of limitations on your "statement of intent to agree"? Hang in there, buddy. You don't have to agree with everything that is said, just try to drop the "Israel's crimes" dogma. I believe in you. You got a Stetson--brimmed to your style--waiting for you if you can make it a week.