After nearly two decades of occupation and virtual destruction of the country, Israel withdrew from South Lebanon in 2000. The hard working Lebanese went immediately to work and successfully rebuild their beautiful country. The architect of this work was Rafik Hariri, who during the occupation of his country by Israel had built up a fund. The Lebanese are excellent businessmen and are successful not only in Lebanon but much farther afield like in Africa.

For many years Lebanon, because of its geographic location, has been a theatre of war in which she had no interest or participation. Tiny Lebanon does not believe in military preparedness of any kind. For years its powerful ally Syria stationed troops in Lebanon. It was an eyesore for Israel. She has often had clashes with Syrian forces in Lebanon. Palestinians have for many years used Lebanese territory to defend themselves against Israeli attacks and carry out forays within Israel. In 1982 Palestinian under constant attack from the Israelis had to shift their headquarters to Tunis, the capital of Tunisia.

It is at this time that the powerful organisation Hezbollah started operating from South Lebanon, which was under Israeli occupation. Clashes between the two were frequent. After the withdrawal of Israel from South Lebanon, as a part of the deal Syrian troops left Lebanon after decades of stay. Lebanon breathed more easily and life started returning to normal in this beautiful country, also considered play ground of wealthy Arab Sheikhs and Emirs.

In recent times Israeli settlements were dismantled in crowded Gaza under the leadership of former Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon. Sharon, with the full support of the US pulled out of Gaza and had plans of dismantling Jewish settlements in the West Bank, when he was incapacitated due to a stroke. His job has been taken up by his successor Ehud Olmert.

The Palestine-Israel equation has become complicated due to free and fair elections in Palestine, which saw the victory of Hamas against Fatah of Mahmoud Abbas, who has succeeded Yasir Arafat. Under the leadership of Arafat Fatah has put Palestine on the map. of the world. The emergence of Hamas has totally unsettled the Israelis. They have refused to deal with Hamas and taking a cue from them President Bush has stayed away from Hamas and more surprising the European Union (EU) as well. For many years Hamas has been a thorn on the side of Israel and successfully faced Israeli onslaught in the field.

In the latest turn of events one Israeli soldier was abducted in Gaza by Hamas fighters and two others in South Lebanon, apparently by Hezbollah. Using this as pretext Israel has launched a virtual war on Lebanon, which according to Israel is limited in scope and she has no intention to reoccupy Lebanon. She only wants to destroy Hezbollah, who according to them are still near South Lebanon. The massive attack by air and land gives a lie to such claim. Poor Lebanon lies in ruins.

The world chanceries have been busy trying to find a solution. Demonstrations in world capitals have been denouncing Israeli aggression. The main players on the stage are the US, France, Britain and Germany. Whereas the Europeans attempt to bring about a cease fire, the US was merrily supporting Israeli onslaught against defenseless Lebanese, giving the Israeli war machine time to create further havoc. Meanwhile UN Secretary General cries hoarse for a cease fire. Thousands of foreign nationals including Bangladeshies are attempting to flee the war ravaged zone.

The Middle East has become a sordid tale. Israel because of her vastly superior fire power and the unconditional support of the USA (it has been reported that the US is supplying more precise bombs) continues her campaign of death and destruction until Uncle Sam decides that the dangerous child had enough blood spilling for the time being and calls a halt.

The world has nothing better to do but to wait for that day. Meanwhile what about the murmurings sotto voce on impeachment of George W. Bush.

Arshad-uz-Zaman is a former Ambassador.