The war crimes being committed by Israel in Lebanon continue, as churches, hospitals, aid convoys, residential areas, bridges, and other infrastructure are ruthlessly bombed.
I have not written on this topic for several reasons, not the least of which is that countless pieces could be written, each with a different focus. Where to begin? I feel fear and despair as I watch U.S. warhawks urge attacks on Syria and Iran. I wonder what will happen next: the WWIII (or IV, or whatever the neocons are calling it) Gingrich seems so happy about? a terrorist attack against U.S. and Israeli interests, as Iran's Hizbollah has threatened? al-Qaeda getting back onto the stage?
And I wonder whether Israel is trying to force the hand of the US, to urge us into attacking Iran. Surely the Israelis understand our Likudnik warhawks better than anyone. They had to know that their actions would spur calls for a wider war.
In the end, I decided to link to some voices from the besieged country of Lebanon itself. Here in America we don't hear much from that country. Our reporters are in Israel. Our political leaders and the administration constantly repeat Israeli propaganda. What do those suffering from Israel's overkill have to say?
First I saw this letter from Rasha on Juan Cole's blog. A bit of Googling brought me to Electronic Intifada, a rich source for articles, commentary, diaries, and news about the siege of Lebanon. No, of course it isn't unbiased. But adults with reasonable critical thinking skills know this. I think it's important to get more than one side of a story.
You can also find news, blog links, and other info such as how to send donations to Lebanon, on the Lebanese Blogger Forum. Another blog worth checking out is the Lebanese Political Journal.
There is a new blog called War on Lebanon: Take II, which I offer with the warning that there has not been a post since Monday.
A passionate Lebanese blog, Lebanon My Beautiful Country, features some photos of the destruction wrought by the Israeli attacks.
The Wizard of Beirut has been running a Beirut Diary. I find this kind of on-the-spot writing fascinating.
You might also check out Beirut Spring.
I urge anyone reading this to check out some of these sites. Rasha, in particular, is articulate and vivid in her evocation of life in Lebanon at this time, but each site has something to contribute to our knowledge of the situation there. I can't emphasize enough how important I think it is to hear voices that do more than echo the US administration line or the Israeli narrative.
If you find a site I haven't mentioned--and I know my list isn't comprehensive--please bring it to my attention and I'll link to it.