Syria claims it will pull back its troops to Eastern Lebanon, coincidentally in the Bekaa valley where Hezbollah and other terrorists operate. President Bush is adamant that Syria conduct a complete withdrawal, and by May; "I don't mean just the troops out of Lebanon, I mean all of them out of Lebanon, particularly the secret service out of Lebanon the intelligence services."

Britain is proposing that the United Nations extend its peacekeeping operation in Southern Lebanon to make up for any potential security vacuum caused by the withdrawal of Syrian forces; "There are already some United Nations peacekeeping forces in the south of Lebanon. It is possible that as part of a phased withdrawal from Lebanon by Syria - it has to be swift but obviously phased so you don't leave a mess - there could be some more peacekeeping troops." According to British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, there have been talks about this at the UN. Secretary Straw also states that “Syria risks being "treated as a pariah" if it fails to withdraw its military forces from Lebanon”.

The opportunity is right for the United Nations to redeem itself by pushing for the withdrawal of Syria from Lebanon and creating an international peacekeeping force in Lebanon to ensure an orderly transition to a democratic government. As mentioned yesterday, there is international unanimity for a Syrian withdrawal, from the United Nations and the Arab League to the United States, Russia, Germany, France and Saudi Arabia:

Syria is encountering enormous pressure, both domestic and international, to end its occupation of Lebanon. The protesters were successful in getting the current pro-Syrian government to resign. The United States remains forceful in its demands for an end to the occupation and free elections this spring. Russia, Syria's traditional ally, and Germany have demanded Syria withdraw from Lebanon. Even the Arab League cannot support Syria, and along with Saudi Arabia, has asked Syria to leave. France, which actively opposed the United States at every turn prior to and after the invasion of Iraq, has demand Syria end the occupation and has stationed a ship off of Lebanon capable of supporting special operations commandos (see entry on March 1st).

This is the perfect opportunity for United Nations and European nations, particularly France and Germany, to contribute to the War on Terror and the resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the promotion of democratic reform in the Middle East. The United Nations has recently conducted a muscular operation in the Congo’s rebellious Ituri region, a welcome sign that the UN understands peacekeeping occasionally requires using for to keep the peace. France and Germany should have the resources to deploy to Lebanon, as the Syrian occupation of about 15,000 troops is equivalent to about two divisions (give or take). The European Rapid Reaction Force may be an ideal candidate to carry out this mission, or at least contribute. The United States can provide needed support, transportation, air, and naval elements, primarily via the US. Fifth Fleet stationed in the Mediterranean, as well as forward air controllers to act as liaisons between American air forces and European peacekeepers .

Stationing a European force in Lebanon would be wildly beneficial to the prospects of peace. The EU is considering designating Hezbollah a terrorist entity, and any attack on European peacekeeping forces would all but ensure Hezbollah would be designated as such. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has stated Europe is the lifeblood of Hezbollah, and would be forced to remain silent, or risk financial ruin, international condemnation (they would be attacking UN peacekeepers) as well as direct attacks from American and European forces. A shutdown of Hezbollah in Lebanon would reduce attacks on Israel and support for Palestinian terrorists (it has been estimated almost 70% of the support of Palestinian terrorists such as Islamic Jihad and Hamas flows from Hezbollah).

The United States should carefully engage in diplomatic efforts to get the United Nations Security Council to back the expansion of the Lebanese peacekeeping operation and press European nations to contribute to the peacekeeping forces. Britain is leading the charge, and the United States should carefully work with Prime Minister Blair to push for UN and European involvement.

Lebanon may be the opening for the United States, the European Union and the United Nations to find common ground in the Middle East. Perhaps it is overly if not wildly optimistic to believe the United Nations and certain European nations can and will act in good faith. But if they wish to restore their relevance as meaningful actors in international affairs, Lebanon is the perfect occasion. It is certainly worth the diplomatic effort.

Also Read:

The Word Unheard looks at the prospects of al Qaeda conducting another 9-11 style attack, based on the support of Iran. There is a Lebanon connection.

Gerard Baker asks "What have the Americans ever done for us? Liberated 50 million people..." (hat tip to reader Cheryl).