The Green Revolution

Israel, by hitting Hizbullah's military infrastructures, attempts to eradicate its military power ("Torn to Shreds," July 31). But this is the wrong move. Even if Hizbullah or Hamas or any other terrorist group were actually physically destroyed, a new one would form a few years later. Israel must face the real way out of the problem, by attacking the conditions that these groups thrive on: misery and despair. Why is there no talk of a Middle East development committee? There must be more emphasis on developing these countries rather than destroying them. The men who follow these groups are not especially evil. Their religion does not preach any form of violence and their culture certainly doesn't promote it. Had people the choice between terrorism and a job, they surely would choose the latter. The critical error Israel has made is in undermining the state's role in the countries it recently went to war with. Israel should have worked with Lebanon's government. Together they could have helped build a better Lebanon; one in which these terrorist groups would have no despair to thrive on, no hole to fill. Israel and the world should be implementing hope in these countries, not increasing further hatred.

John-Edouard Silva

Paris, France

Israel deludes itself if it believes that undertaking a bombing offensive against southern Beirut and limited conventional military operations against Hizbullah will bring the terrorist organization to its knees. Hizbullah (as well as Hamas) employs guerrilla-warfare tactics against the Israelis, who need to adopt a suitable counterinsurgency strategy of their own. Only by doing this will they be able to defeat an enemy who hides behind civilians, is supplied with weapons and logistical support as well as training bases by Iran and Syria, and operates from neighboring territory. If Israel is serious about destroying both Hizbullah and Hamas, it may yet have no option but to extend the fight to Iran and Syria, if only to make these countries aware that there is a price to be paid for supporting and harboring terrorists.

Peter Perkins

Randburg, South Africa