Philadelphia Inquirer: U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice scored one important victory in her

Philadelphia Inquirer: U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice scored one important victory in her diplomatic mini-mission to the Middle East this week. Israel agreed to designate routes as safe passages for bringing humanitarian aid to bombing victims in Lebanon.
The plight of at least 650,000 Lebanese civilians who have been displaced in fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah militants -- especially the thousands trapped in southern Lebanon -- must be addressed immediately.
But Rice only began the work to end the conflict that has caused so much pain in Lebanon and Israel. U.S. policy must be based on what is realistic, or it could end up hurting ally Israel more than helping it.
A few points need to be emphasized. Hezbollah started the fighting when it crossed an internationally recognized border into Israel, killing eight soldiers and kidnapping two others. Israel had every right to respond.
Hezbollah shares blame
Hezbollah shares responsibility with Israel for the death toll of Lebanese civilians: The group cynically locates its military operations in residential neighborhoods. Hezbollah ought to be shut down.
History makes clear that Israel cannot bomb Hezbollah out of existence. Diplomacy must accompany military action. Only the United States can play that role with Israel.
Rice should have presented to Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert a definitive plan that balances an immediate cease-fire with a simultaneous return of the soldiers Hezbollah abducted. A robust international force would then be assembled to patrol the southern border with Israel. None of this would be easy; all of it is necessary.
Rice, in her meeting later with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, correctly emphasized that the ultimate solution to easing Middle East tension is the creation of a Palestinian state next to a secure Israel. If that occurs, Arab leaders would be far more willing -- and politically able -- to defang Hezbollah and Hamas militants.