Good can yet come out of the evil of Israel’s aggression in Lebanon, but only if the United States and Europe are determined that it will. The West owes Lebanon a debt. It has been content to be a spectator as this most Western of Arab countries sank beneath the successive blows of Palestinians, Syrians, and now Israelis.
A vigorous Western intervention in support of the central government could have checked the civil war. If Washington had been clearer-headed and braver, it could have prevented Mr Begin’s adventure and saved thousands of lives.
Most Lebanese want their country to be free of external influence and united, delivered from the war-lords and armed bands which have made life hell for seven years. The West should support these objectives, giving moral, political, military, and material aid to the Beirut Government. It must make sure that the Lebanese take control of their own destinies.
It would be a tragedy if the country were freed from Syrian and Palestinian interference only to fall under Israeli tutelage. If hostage to Israel, no Lebanese leader or government would have the authority to reform the Lebanese consensus or win acceptance from the wider Arab world.
