Foreign Policy

James Zogby's reflexive condemnation of Israel's actions against Hezbollah and US support for Israel is particularly disheartening because Hezbollah and its prime backer, Iran, are a threat not only to Israel but to Lebanon itself and the entire region.

Where was Zogby when Hezbollah, a terrorist group openly committed to Israel's destruction, was accumulating, via Syria and Iran, 13,000 missiles ready to be launched at Israel? Where was Zogby when UN Security Council resolution 1559, demanding the dismantling of Hezbollah and its replacement in southern Lebanon by the Lebanese army, was never implemented? Where was Zogby when Hezbollah cynically placed its missiles in civilian areas, even in civilian homes, deliberately forcing Israel into a cruel dilemma: defend its people and risk Lebanese civilian casualties or avoid such casualties and letting the Hezbollah rockets fall on Haifa, Tiberias and other Israeli cities. Israel, as the moral, democratic society that it is, tries mightily both to protect its people and minimize Lebanese casualties despite Hezbolah's manipulation. Tragically, that didn't succeed in Qana for which Israel is profoundly sorry.

In the end, though Zogby won't admit it, the Arab world needs an Israeli victory over Hezbollah and Iran as much as Israel and the US. Maybe then, Lebanon can truly become one nation and be rebuilt and the region can begin to change for the better.

The announcement today by Iraqi President Jalal Talabani that Iraqi forces will assume security operations for all of the country by the end of this year is good news for Iraq and good news for American families. While U.S.-led coalition forces will remain in support and advisory roles, the rapid advancement of Iraqi forces is evidence of the Iraqi peoples' desire to stand on their own two feet.

Following the positive message Prime Minister al-Maliki delivered to us last week, it is becoming increasingly evident that Iraq will succeed as a democratic country. President Bush is right: Freedom is the permanent hope of mankind.

I think it means that Castro is either already dead or very gravely sick. For them to have transferred power is a very unusual move. Over many years, we have seen Castro disappear for periods of time - never has it been made clear that he is out of it. I don’t know what will be the future of his health, but what we do know is that it is not appropriate for there to be a transfer from one dictator to another. After 47 years of dictatorship, it seems to me it is time for the Cuban people’s voices to be heard. So I hope that this is a moment for that opportunity.

There is cautious optimism in the Cuban community today that the end of Castro's brutal regime may be near. His long history of human rights violations and his bankrupt ideology has led the Cuban nation to economic and moral ruin. Let us pray that this development will lead Cuba in a new direction towards a true transition to democracy.

By US-Cuba Democracy PAC Executive Director Mauricio Claver-Carone

The Cuban exile community has long been labeled by the outside world as simply "anti-Castro," within the community, we've always considered ourselves more broadly as "pro-democracy." Today's news is focused on Fidel Castro ceding power to his brother Raul Castro. Many believe that, in fact, Raul has already been in "de facto" control for the last couple of years, as Fidel's health has deteriorated. Either way, the goal remains a transition in Cuba towards democracy, the rule of law and the free market.

That implies the immediate release of political prisoners, recognition of basic human rights and the dismantling of the repressive state security apparatus. Our community will remain focused on its "pro-democracy" agenda until a genuine transition (not simply a succession of absolute power) takes place. The Cuban people deserve no less after over four decades of repression. It is imperative that the "pro-democracy" agenda also remains the goal of U.S. policy, as it will be instrumental during the days, weeks and months to come.

This is the beginning of the end for the despised Castro regime. Never before in his close to half a century rule has the dictator given up power, even on a temporary basis. Now is the time for all Cubans who seek freedom for their oppressed nation to join together as one.

We’ve been through this before. Even now we don’t know whether this is the beginning of the end. Let’s hope it is – let’s hope it’s over for Castro, so we can move forward towards a free and democratic Cuba.

Criminal negligence. That is the best face I can put on the Administration's current handling of Middle East policy.

I can point to the mess we've made in Iraq or the growing gap between the President's "vision of a two-state solution" and the depressing Palestinian reality, but the lack of any meaningful response by the Administration to Sunday's massacre in Qana, Lebanon is the most recent example of the mess they are leaving behind in the Middle East.

Instead of recognizing the enormity of the tragedy at Qana and the impact it would have on an already roiled Arab World, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressed only regret, but no condemnation.

Instead of pushing harder for an immediate ceasefire, she canceled her mission and announced a return home. Meanwhile, Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns appeared on television to absolve Israel of blame, reaffirming "Israel's right to defend itself," while only lamely expressing concern over civilian casualties.

Foot-dragging on a ceasefire while Israeli bombardments continue and the Lebanese civilian death toll grows, in the face of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's promise to continue the war for another ten to fourteen days, is dangerous business. The Administration's behavior gives Israel the green light to proceed and sends the Arab World a clear message: that America supports this war.

I have warned from the beginning that no good would come from this war. Letting Hizbollah's and Israel's pathologies play out runs the danger of greater escalation and unintended consequences like the tragic example that just occurred in Qana. Not only do we run the risk of seeing Lebanon permanently fractured politically and economically, but we are sowing new seeds of hatred for the United States throughout the Arab World.

What are they thinking at the White House? Are they thinking?  And why are there not more voices being raised in opposition to their negligence? Where are the Democrats who seek to lead in 2008? Why have they not called for a ceasefire and negotiations leading to a resolution of this conflict before another Qana occurs?

Obviously national defense and homeland security are the most critical issues as we look at what's happening in Iraq.  Domestically, it's energy.  Hopefully people will think a bit more about advantaging ourselves of the natural gas and oil resources that we have.

Energy security equals national security.

I think the world leaders need to communicate like never before. We also have to let Israel do what Israel has to do. Hezbollah was called the "A team" by international intelligence experts. Israel has to make its own decisions and not be held back by the world community. A long-term peace in the Middle East may take some short-term pain.