Confessions of a News Junkie

The violence between Hezbollah and Israel forces destroyed Lebanese towns in 2006, and the Lebanese Government continues to rummage for financial resources and other mechanisms to stabilize its homeland and create peace among its citizens. Despite Hezbollah's active efforts and success in restoring villages within Lebanon, the Government refuses to grant the group any representation in governmental activities and decisions. The United States, France, and the EU pledge to assist Lebanon's government in reconstruction efforts, of which Condoleezza Rice says that funds (from the US) should be earmarked for community needs. Hezbollah is receiving funding from Syria and Iran, the two vital actors in suggested plans to improve sectarian conditions in Iraq.
The US has not engaged in talking with either state about helping mitigate violence in Iraq, and the three's disagreement over Lebanese allies suggests that an assemblence of the US with Iran or Syria is even more unlikely. The future of the war in Iraq and of Lebanese stability will be contingent on the US' relationship with Syria and Iran. Even though western nations within the EU may strongly oppose actions by Syria and Iran in supporting Hezbollah, the US has a critical responsibility to open discourse with the two nations in order to foster peace plans that will ultimately improve the quality of life for citizens of Iraq and Lebanon.