the whole thing seems a giant *%#-up. Israel must have really miscalulated and Bush and co., too. They have participated in prisoner exchanges in the past and could have this time. What was the strategic value in destroying Lebanon's infrastructure, bombing civilians and making 20% of the population refugees?

Barney wonders how the U.N. did not know the extent of the arms in Hezbollah's possession: how did Israel not Know!?? Doesn't the U.S. have sophisticated satelites? Doesn't Israel have spies in Lebanon? Israel is apparently not interested in partaking in an extended ground offensive. What have they achieved by perpetrating collective punishment against the Lebanese? They have fertilized the hatred with many grieving families.