Lebanon: Adversity in 'opportunity'

Reuters

President George W. Bush has described the Israel-Hizbollah crisis as another opportunity to remake the Middle East in his democratic vision.

But as civilian casualties from the Israeli-Hizbollah conflict in Lebanon mount, the situation looks increasingly chaotic, and a damage-control operation will make it harder to advance U.S. foreign policy interests, analysts say.

"I think the chances of this having a silver lining are diminishing," said Ellen Laipson, former vice chairman of the National Intelligence Council.

"The phrase 'this is an opportunity' is such a best-case scenario. Haven't we learned from the Iraq experience? Be careful of setting out a strategic goal that is so unrealistic," Laipson said. Read more