Everyday we turn on the news we cannot escape the images of horror from the escalating conflict in the Middle East between Israel and the terrorist group Hezbollah. Sadly, many people and countries blame Israel for what is happening while they turn their heads away from the facts. Here are some details many of us should keep in mind:

The United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon, or UNIFIL, was created by the United Nations, with the adoption of Security Council Resolution 425 and 426 on 19 March 1978, to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, secure international peace and security, and help the Lebanese Government implement its effective authority in the area. In 1999, Israel undertook a full withdrawal, which concluded in 2000 and their pullout was certified by the UN as complete. UNIFIL was to stay as observers in Southern Lebanon to monitor the area to make sure that the region remains disarmed. The UN extended UNIFIL’s mandate to expire July 31, 2006. So for years, the UN forces did not see the 13,000 missiles that arrived to Lebanon from Syria or Iran to the hands of Hezbollah, or never reported this issue to anyone.

Main News:

  • Mercosur wishes to strengthen negotiations with the Gulf.  Mercosur (2): MERCOSUR welcomes Venezuela, courts Mexico.
  • Mexico: Mexico’s Leftist Candidate Files Criminal Complaint against Election Authorities.
  • Argentina Doubles Tax on Natural Gas Exports to Chile.  Argentina, Venezuela to cooperate in oil exploitation.
  • Guatemala: Guatemala set to gain Security Council seat over Venezuela.
  • Venezuela: Venezuela, Belarus in "strategic alliance".  Venezuela to buy "best in the world" Sukhoi Su30 fighter jets from Russia.  Russia rebuffs U.S. call to rethink $1bln Venezuela arms deal.  Venezuela President Chavez to Sign Kalashnikov Rifle Plant Deal in Moscow.
  • Peru’s Toledo ends presidency on upswing.
  • Castro’s influence takes a hold in South America.
  • Nicaragua: The upcoming elections- who will influence the vote, the US or Chávez.

Editor’s Note:

  • The Tehran-Caracas Connection: The dangerous liaisons between Hugo Chávez and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

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Center for Security Policy

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