US embassy cable - 05DHAKA1437

UNCLAS DHAKA 001437 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR I/FW, B/G, IIP/G/NEA-SA, B/VOA/N (BANGLA SERVICE) STATE 
FOR SA/PAB, SA/PPD (LSCENSNY, SSTRYKER), SA/RA, INR/R/MR, 
AND PASS TO USAID FOR ANE/ASIA/SA/B (WJOHNSON) 
 
CINCPAC FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR, J51 (MAJ TURNER), J45 
(MAJ NICHOLLS) 
 
USARPAC FOR APOP-IM (MAJ HEDRICK) 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR, OIIP, OPRC, KPAO, PREL, ETRD, PTER, ASEC, BG, OCII 
SUBJECT: Media Reaction: Lebanon situation; Dhaka 
 
Summary: English "The Daily Star" op-ed says that Bush 
administration favors rather a moderate approach now to 
Hizbollah, which can in turn persuade the group to seek and 
perhaps find some common ground with the Lebanese opposition 
despite Syria's tactical retreat in pulling back her troops 
from Lebanon. 
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Lebanon 
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"The U.S. Pursuing Israel's Agenda In The Levant?" 
Independent English "The Daily Star" op-ed (03/28/05) says: 
The Americans call the members of Hizbollah terrorists but 
grudgingly recognize their virtues: the grassroots 
popularity, their courage, discipline, patriotism and 
selfless social service -- all rolled up in one. They are 
the only Arab force to inflict defeat on Israelis. The 
organization remains virulently anti-American and anti- 
Israel and its leaders have dismissed the U.S. and U.N. 
demand that its fighters lay down their arms. This perhaps 
negates the possibility of their being the catalyst of 
incipient changes in Lebanon. But Hizbollah is redefining 
itself -- edging away from the militancy and steadily 
raising its political profile. It already has 11 members in 
the parliament and the number will, the analysts reckon, 
increase manifold in the election in May. The subtle change 
the Hizbollah has been undergoing should placate much of 
U.S.' concern. But in the meantime there is no matching 
change in American stance particularly in disarming the 
Hizbollah, which has by now come of an age after witnessing 
many ups and downs of its fortune. They can neither be 
browbeaten or arm-twisted, nor can they be neutralized in 
Lebanon's politics. That the U.S. is aware of it is 
adequately reflected in its decision not to pick a fight 
with Hizbollah. Bush administration favors rather a moderate 
approach now to Hizbollah, which can in turn persuade the 
group to seek and perhaps find some common ground with the 
Lebanese opposition despite Syria's tactical retreat in 
pulling back her troops from Lebanon. The yet more crucial 
for Lebanon at the moment is to leave her alone to sort out 
her problems arising out of Hariri's death. Notwithstanding 
an US-Israeli game plan Lebanon's asset to preserve her 
sovereignty should be an increasingly political Hizbollah, 
of course, with her potent guerilla forces. The signs are 
already visible that, Hizbollah is already turning more 
nationalistic and less ideological. Apparently Hizbollah's 
future is in Lebanon and vice versa. 
Chammas