On Pounding Lebanon

I find myself in an uncomfortable position with the recent hostilities in the Middle East. I am usually a very strong supporter of Israel, but I am very disillusioned with the IDF bombardment of Lebanon. I am even more disillusioned with comments by Ehud Olmert and representatives of Israel in the US media. Apparently, Mr. Olmert justifies killing innocent civilians in Beirut because Lebanon had it coming. Apparently, Lebanon did not live up to it's pledge to disarm Hezbollah. So bombs away!! Two very important points are missing from this debate. One, is that Israel occupied southern Lebanon for 18 years and couldn't disarm Hezbollah. If Israel could not do it, why blame the fragile government of Lebanon for it's failure? Secondly, it can reasonably be argued that Lebanon was not a truly free country until last year, when Syria left. Lebanon, a country torn by war for over 20 year, has only really enjoyed freedom for a year. Israel has now taken that away. I find it difficult to believe that the Lebanese, both Shite and Christian, will feel lovely dovey towards their neighbor Israel any time soon. This conflict will only breed more extremism and resentment. Lebanon is one of the few countries in the region that is a friend of the US, and a democracy. It is also one of the few countries in the region that still has a viable Christian community left. I am disheartened by Israel's actions.