Israel Fights West's Cause Against Radical Islam

Lebanon has become the battleground between pro-Western and radical Islamic forces. Few governments, even Arab states, want to see Hizballah win the contest. As the conflict has intensified, Israel has found a degree of international sympathy, or at least understanding. The last thing Washington needs is for Syria and Iran to win a proxy victory in Lebanon.

Hizballah's attack on Israel has been of benefit to the whole "arc of extremism" stretching from the Gaza Strip to Iraq. It has given Hamas a boost, diverted international attention away from Iran's nuclear program, and may have strengthened the position of Syria as envoys plead with it to help restrain Hizballah.