—Voices from the Sensible Center—

Interpreting the Middle East for North Americans—
Interpreting North America for the Middle East

Lebanon Invasion

3 How It Started—With the return of the Sinai complete, the Arab world divided, an easily-arranged pretext on hand, and detailed plans in the cupboard, the long anticipated invasion of Lebanon finally got underway.

3, 4 Blitz and Overkill—Israeli armed forces did a quick and efficient job in reaching the outskirts of Beirut-but having the world's most sophisticated military equipment, supplied by the U.S., certainly helped. So did Israel's policy of throwing someone else's baby out of the tub in an effort to get rid of the bathwater.

5 U.S. Acquiescence—When Israel entered Lebanon, the U.S. Administration voted in the U.N. for its immediate and unconditional withdrawal. A few days later, it turned out that the U.S. didn't think what Israel was doing was so bad after all. By the time the Israelis reached Beirut, the Administration was already talking optimistically about the "new opportunities" which the Israelis had created opportunities which coincided almost exactly with Israel's stated war aims. Just what's going on here?

5 Latest on the "Oil Weapon"—Most oil experts seem to be in agreement that an Arab oil embargo like the one which hit the United States so hard in 1973 is not in the cards right now. However ...

Regular Features

2 Editorial—When Israel took over the West Bank in 1967, it indicated it would give it all back except for a buffer zone for security purposes. Fifteen years later, it still has it all. Now, Mr. Begin says Israel doesn't covet "one square inch" of Lebanon, but does need a buffer zone for security purposes. Fifteen years from now, will Israel have withdrawn from all of Lebanon? Don't bet on it.

6 Lobby Activities—The National Association of Arab Americans is working closely with other Arab-American groups in one common effort to help bring about an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, meanwhile, is defending the invasion and saying it promoted America's Middle East interests.

7 Facts For Your Files—Chronology of U.S.-Middle East Relations

8 Personality—Most of the time, Peter A. Gubser's organization, ANERA, concentrates on helping Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza with their development projects. But on June 6, Dr. Gubser and his staff switched gears fast. Until further notice, first priority for ANERA is relief for Lebanon.