MEETING AS EQUALS:

Hezbollah Confirms Indirect Talks with Israel (Der Spiegel, 11/01/06)

Arch-enemies Israel and Hezbollah are not known for their propensity for sitting down at the negotiating table together. So it comes as something of a surprise that they are finally talking to each other about a possible prisoner swap -- even if they are doing it through a third party.

The revelation that the two parties are holding negotiations about a possible exchange of prisoners came from Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah Tuesday. "We have reached the stage of exchanging ideas or more accurately conditions," said Nasrallah, speaking on Hezbollah's own TV station al-Manar.

Nasrallah said the talks were being brokered by a UN envoy but gave no further details. Israel has so far made no comment. The statement by Nasrallah was the first proof that such talks are actually taking place. "The delegate appointed by the UN secretary-general is conducting this mission and is meeting a Hezbollah delegation and also on the other side Israelis concerned with this file," the militant leader said.

Is any non-neocon really surprised that Israel acknowledges Hezbollah to head a state?

MORE:
Siniora warns against Hezbollah ultimatum (UPI, 11/01/06)

Prime Minister Fouad Siniora warned against pushing Lebanon to the abyss after Hezbollah has threatened to force his Cabinet's collapse by street protests.

"Taking matter to the verge of the abyss is not in the interests of anyone," Siniora said Wednesday, stressing that "we will resort to dialogue and consultations."

"Let no party think that it can be a winner because it is in nobody's interest for the country to collapse or become a struggle scene... Also, no party should try to push the other to a wall by saying 'either you take a certain decision or else...,'" Siniora added.

He stressed that Lebanon is passing through a very critical and sensitive phase that necessitates "patience, not tensions."

Hezbollah Secretary-General Seyed Hassan Nasrallah served a seven-day ultimatum to Siniora's government to resign and allow the formation of a national unity administration or he will force its collapse through street demonstrations.

There is no Lebanon.

Posted by Orrin Judd at November 1, 2006 2:31 PM