Bush's new case for War?

[PLATO]

United Nations

Distr.: General
2 September 2004
04-49892 (E) *0449892*
Resolution 1559 (2004)
Adopted by the Security Council at its 5028th meeting, on 2 September 2004

The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous resolutions on Lebanon, in particular resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978, resolution 520 (1982) of 17 September 1982, and resolution 1553 (2004) of 29 July 2004 as well as the statements of its President on the situation in Lebanon, in particular the statement of 18 June 2000 (S/PRST/2000/21),

Reiterating its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders,

Noting the determination of Lebanon to ensure the withdrawal of all nonLebanese forces from Lebanon,

Gravely concerned at the continued presence of armed militias in Lebanon, which prevent the Lebanese Government from exercising its full sovereignty over all Lebanese territory,

Reaffirming the importance of the extension of the control of the Government of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory,

Mindful of the upcoming Lebanese presidential elections and underlining the importance of free and fair elections according to Lebanese constitutional rules devised without foreign interference or influence,

1.Reaffirms its call for the strict respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon throughout Lebanon;

2. Calls upon all remaining foreign forces to withdraw from Lebanon;

3. Calls for the disbanding and disarmament of all Lebanese and nonLebanese militias;

4. Supports the extension of the control of the Government of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory;

5. Declares its support for a free and fair electoral process in Lebanon’s upcoming presidential election conducted according to Lebanese constitutional rules devised without foreign interference or influence;

6. Calls upon all parties concerned to cooperate fully and urgently with the Security Council for the full implementation of this and all relevant resolutions concerning the restoration of the territorial integrity, full sovereignty, and political independence of Lebanon;

7. Requests that the Secretary-General report to the Security Council within thirty days on the implementation by the parties of this resolution and decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

This combined with:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,147948,00.html

The world has to make sure, Bush said, that Iraqi Baathists aren't being harbored in Syria, that the country not give safe haven for terrorist groups and that it abide by U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559, passed Feb. 9, which calls on Damascus to remove its troops from Lebanon.

So...Is this Bush beginning to make the case for War?

[lord of the mark]

Nope, not based on this. Unlike UNSC Res 1441, which you may be thinking of, this doesnt mention serious consequences. There are also other serious legal differences between UNSC 1559 and the case on Iraq.

[Imran Siddiqui]

And our military is way to overextended as it is.

[Asmodean]

I have no doubt, that Bush would want to make war on Syria, but in realpolitik, it's just not doable.

Asmodean

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
And our military is way to overextended as it is.

yah, well, but theyre way to overextended dealing with the insurgency in Iraq. IF you beleive that said insurgency relies on funding, support etc from former regime elements based in Syria, .........

[Imran Siddiqui]

Frankly, I don't think that explanation is going to stick, even with Bush supporters.

[Sava]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
Frankly, I don't think that explanation is going to stick, even with Bush supporters.

oh please, those Lemmings would follow Bush off a cliff without question.

[Pekka]

If moon was made out of cheese, we could win million dollars, EACH!

Making a move in Syria, or anywhere else right now would be so stupid I predict my head would explode.

[Last Conformist]

Just give Sharon enough cookies and he'll clear out Syria for you.

[Chemical Ollie]

Teh Reagan pulled out

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
Frankly, I don't think that explanation is going to stick, even with Bush supporters.

Oh Im not saying a war with Syria is a good idea now - but I dont know that military overextension is the key issue, assuming youre planning on something punitive or "surgical" and NOT full fledged regime change and occupation. Folks seem to forget that we've often gone to war without trying to change regimes, etc. I didnt notice any US troops rebuilding Serbia, forex. IF we find proof that Syria IS materially supporting the insurgency, and IF threats dont get them to back off, I would think at some point we might have to take SOME military action.

[Sava]

Originally posted by Last Conformist
Just give Sharon enough cookies and he'll clear out Syria for you.

Sharon would eat the world after time passed it by... HE'S A LANGOLIER!

[Dinner]

They just want to up the pressure on Syria in hopes the Syrians will finally end their occupation of Lebanon. It won't work but there is nothing to lose by trying. Even with another resolution the Euros won’t agree to sanctions.

[Eli]

If the "next target" even exists it has to be Iran. Whatever problems are caused by Syria, they are incomparable to a the threat of a nuclear Iran. So if the US has the available resources to go after another country, Iran is much much higher on the priority list than Syria.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Eli
If the "next target" even exists it has to be Iran. Whatever problems are caused by Syria, they are incomparable to a the threat of a nuclear Iran. So if the US has the available resources to go after another country, Iran is much much higher on the priority list than Syria.

If youre thinking broad war on terror terms. For the US right now though we're still bleeding in Iraq. And the US military and Iraqi offficials are increasingly saying the core of the insurgency is neither AQ types, nor disgruntled nationalists, but former regime elements. and ive seen numerous claims that their funding comes from leaders based in Syria. Thats the thing that the US is most urgent to pressure Syria to change, NOT Lebanon, and NOT Syrian support for Hamas.