U.S. Now Supports a Buffer
WASHINGTON — Although wary of multinational peacekeeping operations, the Bush administration is working with allies to find a way to insert a robust military force and a civilian international presence in Lebanon to strengthen the frail government and break the grip of Hezbollah, U.S. and foreign diplomats say.
The peacekeepers would be positioned along Lebanon's southern border in an effort to prevent future Hezbollah attacks on Israel, whereas the civilian officials would be scattered elsewhere in the Arab country, including at key entry points, to halt the flow of military equipment from Syria and Iran to Hezbollah, the officials say.
First proposed by the United Nations, the international peacekeeping effort has become the focal point of American diplomacy, which has been limited since fighting broke out a week ago between Israel and Hezbollah.
Diplomats say they believe that there is significant support among some European and Arab governments for mobilizing a strong international presence in Lebanon to help end a confrontation that otherwise could bleed the region.
At the same time, such a plan would not take effect overnight. Israeli officials have said they plan to continue their offensive indefinitely, and the United States, Israel's most powerful ally, has made it clear that it opposes an immediate cease-fire.
Moreover, U.S. officials are keenly aware of the difficulties involved in peacekeeping efforts. Other such operations, including the U.N. force that has been in southern Lebanon for many years, have often proved ineffective because of problems fielding a capable force, working out rules of combat and gaining local cooperation.
One U.S. official, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said that while the Bush administration was committed to trying to set up the force, it had been drawn into the undertaking "kicking and screaming."
Israel, often wary of allowing others a role in matters affecting its security, thinks the peacekeeping mission could work. Though some officials at first criticized the idea, the government now views it as "something we'll support," said one Israeli official who requested anonymity when discussing the pending diplomatic efforts.
U.N. envoys Wednesday urged the international community to decide on a multinational buffer force quickly.
