The European Union and Russia have criticized Israel's strikes in Lebanon as "disproportionate." European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana will travel to the Middle East on Saturday to back United Nations efforts to defuse the growing crisis, the EU's Finnish presidency said Friday.
France is one of the countries which has taken an even sharper tone publicly about the Israeli retaliation.
"This is a disproportionate act of war with very negative consequences for Lebanon, especially because it runs the risk of sparking even more violence which could destabilize the whole region," French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said.
US President George W. Bush has said Israel has the right to defend itself, but should not weaken the Lebanese government.
So, tell me, if someone starts invading your country and kidnapping soldiers/citizens and firing rockets across the border at civilians, what is the proper response? I'm sure the French belief is tha they should surrender, but the other EU states should be a bit more realistic. How is it reasonable to stand by and allow attacks? Are they trying to propose that Israel only reply in kind?
I don't agree with the contention that their action will cause further violence. There will be further violence irrespective of Israel's responses. The loudest critics sit far too comfortably in the EU and Russia has no right to criticize without taking a good look at their own actions in Chechnya.
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