After watching Ehud's address to the Knesset, I got to watch Hassan Nasrallah's address ot the Southern Lebanese regarding the Ceasefire. The major difference between Hassan and the Bush/Ehud line was that Hassan had no prepared remarks. The camera started rolling, and he started talking. His talk was given in three topics. The first was to thank all of the martyrs and supporters of the resistance. Although this is different terminology than is used by Western people like Israeli's and Americans, it is no different than thanking those who died for "the cause" (against the terror). The second topic was about the damage. He gave direction to those families whose houses have been destroyed, assuring everyone that Hezbollah will pay for the repairs. He called on all people to volunteer (including engineers) one or two hours a day to help rebuild damaged houses and to give cloths and furniture and other goods to those who lost their homes. He also asked retailers not to spike their prices because of a now increased demand, but rather to do the responsible thing and help by giving a little to those who have no home. Lastly, he addressed the ceasefire itself, talking about the process of coming to the agreement and the implications of it. His primary concern was regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah. Hassan said that he thought a complete immediate disarmament would be bad for the Lebanese people, because Lebanon doe not yet have a strong enough Army to defend Lebanon from Israel. Also, he believes that if Israel were to attack Lebanon again, the international force that will be there will not defend Lebanon, because it would mean going against Israel. Hassan also seemed to be open to the idea of disarming once Lebanon was strong enough to defend herself against Israel - something that would be farther down the road. His speech had its moments of propaganda (constantly calling Israel "the Enemy", talking about how the destruction of homes demonstrated their "savagery", etc.). Overall, however, it said more and was more pragmatic and reasoned than the rhetoric coming from the proto-fascist propaganda machines.

Don't get me wrong through all this. I do not support Hezbollah any more than I support Israel, but it must be made clear that Hezbollah is no worse than Israel's government. Don't let the American media force you to believe that Israel is a completely innocent victim and Hezbollah an irrational fear-mongering group of savages.