The ugly truth is that Lebanon is a failed state. A sovereign state has many responsibilities. Three of the most important are:

1. Defend its borders.

2. Control what goes on within its borders.

3. Protect its citizens from harm whether that harm comes from within or without its borders.

Lebanon has failed in all three of these critical responsibilities.

What is Israel to do?

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So much of the so called political debate in this country is of a very low standard.

Ideologues on both ends of the political spectrum trot out the same tired talking points – everybody’s screaming – nobody’s listening – and the resulting stew is seasoned with ramblings of the lunatic fringe.

In advocacy politics, truth is sacrificed in favor of impact and mind share. The political game is all about winning elections and good governance falls by the wayside.

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