How should the world respond to Israels deliberate bombing of the UN observors?

Question

"Jane Lute, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping, told the Security Council that the post, which is three miles (5km) from an Israeli artillery position, came under close fire 21 times on Tuesday, suffering 12 hits within 100 metres and four direct hits."

"She said that Unifil secured safe passage for two armoured personnel carriers, which arrived at 9.30pm and found the shelter collapsed and severe damage to the rest of the position. Despite the agreement, she said, Israel attacked the carriers. "

Answer 1

Its a difficult question, though a necessary one. Given that previous pressure on Israel (and her American ally) has generally been either ignored or vetoed, as has been done on countless occasions by the US, I feel that a diplomatic response by the UN is almost pointless. Affirmative action in the form of trade sanctions and economic isolation of Israel are possibly the only response we have left. Unanimous international condemnation of Israels recent actions, including the murder of the four UN observers, has not had any effect on Israels stance. The next logical progression would be the implementation of economic pressure, with or without US support, and it seems Annan is willing to do this....fingers crossed.

Answer 2

I think we should try and keep the 'should' to the domain of the 'can'.

A few things to bear in mind...

1 What is the real motive?
Israel has been bombing Lebanon for a few days. But as the father of one of the kidnapped soldiers said, soldiers have been kidnapped in the past and Israel never bombed anybody in such a way in retaliation; you cannot say that this is a response to the kidnapping.

2 Who holds power?
Did anyone see the joint Rice-Ohlmert press conference. If you haven't, try to catch a news story on that. Rice kept looking to Olmert for his approval for what she was saying; gone were her usual arrogance and self-belief; she was like a chastised child seeking the approval of the parent who just spanked her.

3 What are people in Austria, Canada, China, Finland thinking now?
Their unarmed countrymen, as observers of the UN, have been killed by Israel army. The question incroporates the details of how they were killed and what happened afterwards. If they do nothing, how can you expect anything to happen?
What does that bode for the 'NATO led force but excluding our people' as proposed by the US to cut off a chunk of Lebanese territory and patrol there?

I personally think that 'the world' can do nothing since the US and the UK sit on the UN security council and they are unlikely to allow anything more than a caress on Israel's wrist.

What we can do is pressurise our own politicians, tell them what we think, so they are forced to try doing something. Unfortunately, the best we could hope for is trade sanctions; no more Israel grown fruits or Israel made chemicals... We can avoid products from Israel - but they won't care - and thier supporters. What else?

Israel's top markets are US, UK, Germany, France. Sounds like they do most business with the permanent members of the UN Security Council. The first two countries basically find little wrong with what's happening, the last 2 are quite quiet.

Frankly there's nothing much more we can do.

Answer 3

A better question. UN peacekeepers have been there for several years now, ever since Isreal pulled out. Hezbollah was supposed to disband (their agreement to Isreal) and leave the area. Why didn't the peacekeepers enforce Hezbollah's agreement? Instead Hez. terrorists attack and launch missiles and kidnap Isrealli soldiers. Where were the UN peacekeepers and why weren't they doing their jobs?

Answer 4

Israel is protected by the USA. There is nothing the stupid rest of the world can do except genuflect in america;s presence and seek her blessing.

Answer 5

Hitler himself would be

PROUD

To lead Israel America

TO WAR

Answer 6

The world or America?

Answer 7

Someone should bomb Israel.