Beirut, May 15: This morning, the prestigious New York Times carried an editorial (Titled: "Lebanon at the Edge") which concluded:

“If Mr. Bush really wants to help Mr. Siniora he will need to talk with Hezbollah’s masters in Syria and Iran: about the risks they court by promoting instability in Lebanon and the rewards they might reap in return for a more constructive approach. Mr. Bush’s stubborn refusal to negotiate with either Syria or Iran has weakened American influence throughout the region. Lebanon’s situation is dire. Mr. Bush will need to do a lot more if he wants to help salvage the Cedar Revolution.”

The Times could not have been more wrong!

Question: What are the causes for instability in Lebanon?

Answer: The prime cause for instability in Lebanon is the lack of the rule of law in Lebanon and the Region, and the general awareness of the Lebanese and other peoples of the Middle East that they are not protected by any legal rules equally and consistently applied. The modes of oppression vary, but every country of the Region is ruled by an oppressive regime. The oppressiveness of local oppressive regimes is vastly dwarfed, however, by the massive and bloody international oppression practiced by the USA and Israel, followed by some of their European allies, against the Arabs and the Muslims in the Region. The violent birth of the State of Israel, under US and European protection, on the Arab and Muslim land of Palestine and the displacement of the indigenous population were and continue to be in stark violation of international law and human rights and, until justice is done and the violations are reversed, will continue to fuel instability in the Region. The American unconditional alliance with the aggressor, the State of Israel, when scores of underprivileged and innocent Palestinians die every day with the use of American supplied munitions, will not bring stability to the Region nor will it endear the USA to Arab and Muslim hearts. The ongoing American invasion and near obliteration of Iraq and Afghanistan is equally resented by Arabs and Muslims and brings about increasing instability.

It is war, stupid, American and Israeli war against Arabs and Muslims that created and perpetuates instability. Hence to bring back some stability to the Region, including Lebanon, the New York Times should counsel that American leaders must seriously talk to ... themselves on how fast they can and should bring about total and unconditional disengagement from their wars and Israel’s wars against Arabs and Muslims and how to end the American-Israeli violations of international law and human rights, beginning with the recognition of the full right of the indigenous population of Palestine to return to its land and exercise, together with the Palestinians who currently reside on ancient Palestinian territories, its right of self-determination under international protection.

True, Hizbullah has the support of Syria and Iran, but this fact does not make it their slave. The fact is that Hizbullah rose as a potent reaction to US and Israeli aggression. It is regarded by the Arab and Muslim masses as a heroic organization that restored to them some of their lost pride. This is why it enjoys massive popular support not only in Lebanon, Syria and Iran but also in all Arab and Muslim lands.

Stop the wars, end the violation of international law and human rights, and bring back justice under the rule of law, both on the local and regional levels, and Hizbullah will suddenly find itself without a mission. This is the only way to bring back stability.