I'm feeling this overwhelming need to sound off on the matter, so I'll use this entry to do so. This is not meant to offend anyone, or to set off any controversial discussion.

Let me begin by saying: I side w/ Israel in this matter. They are defending themselves against Hezbollah. I agree that what is unfolding for Lebanon is a tragedy- but the country/government is unable or unwilling to control it, and so Israel is doing it themselves. Hezbollah, as well as other parties are unwilling to recognize the existence of Israel; even calling for its complete anhilation. I am of the opinion, that as long as such hatred exists in the region; it will never be entirely at peace- and such violent periods as we're seeing now would be inevitable.

Now we come to the thorny issue of how to solve the current situation. Does the international community allow it to run its course? or does it step in and solve it? Here, I think that even if there was to be an instant ceasefire tomorrow, it would be too late; the damage would have been done.
I think that the USA, and Brits have lost their credibility with the international community- to act as mediators because of the mess they're making in Iraq. The U.N. is pretty ineffectual as well- the damage done by the USA is catching up with them. But the U.N. is still in a better position to negotiate; having a wider-range of countries represented on it.
And speaking of the United Nations; the bombing of their post, was a mistake. What would Israel have to gain in purposefully bombing a UN post? Think about it. A better question: Why didn't the UN take their personnel out before the fighting got too bad? Now, that could have an interesting answer...

The best approach, I think would be a limited international force, including a majority of soldiers provided by middle-eastern countries themselves. It's time that Iraq/Iran/Syria/Jordan/Egypt/Israel/Saudi Arabia, all had a hand in ensuring peace- maybe then, they'd be less likely to break it.

History they say; is doomed to repetition. It's almost like people never learn their lessons the first time around. Let's see if we can prove that saying wrong; and find a lasting peace for the Mid-east for all our sakes.

17 people, have been arrested after a sting operation by: C.S.I.S. (Cdn. Security Intelligence Service), and the Mounties. They were charged with various offenses under the Criminal Code pertaining to terrorism. That happened Saturday.

I'm not surprised, and I think most Canadians aren't surprised; we knew we were on the list, and the majority of us have accepted that. What I am disturbed at, is the fact that these were some of us; fellow Canadians that did this- it feels like a slap in the face to me as a Canadian, and to those who are waiting to become Canadians. To use, such an incredible gift as citizenship in Canada to destroy Canadian society is just incredibly treasonous to say the least.

Now today we hear word that one of the accused allegedly said he wanted to behead the Prime Minister, and storm Parliament. I was shocked at that; I'd been expecting: The CN Tower, Air Canada Centre, and Skydome (which geographically are located right along the same block), maybe the stock exchange, and a couple office towers as targets. But allegedly planning to behead a Prime Minister? I'm no scholar here, but when a citizen of a country plots to do something like that, isn't it called treason? or in this case: Alleged, or attempted treason?

Note: The Prime Minister, and Parliament buildings are in Ottawa Ontario- approx 4 hrs by train, or 6 hrs by car away from Toronto. The Provincial legislature in Ontario is at Queen's Park- the current Premier: Dalton McGuinty.

Questions are being raised as to whether or not these gentlemen will get a fair trial because of the media attention. I say yes, because I believe that despite being angered, and violated like this, Canadians have an inherent sense of fairness and will give them a fair trial.

I really think it doesn't matter so much that these people are Muslims, but it's that they're Canadian that is the kicker.