Or: Crunch time for Bolton and Rice
FoxNews just announced that the US and France have agreed on a draft resolution for defusing the crisis in the Mideast
France has taken the lead in the UN and within the EU to work out terms with the US for defusing the crisis in Lebanon and the Middle East.
France is a logical choice, because they held the mandate for what is now Lebanon and Syria, and retains diplomatic contacts in the area. France was also a co-sponsor of UN resolution 1559.
The US has continued to be a strong advocate for Israeli security.
France is advocating a two-step process, a cease fire with a withdrawl
The US continues to advocate for Israel's and the US common vision for a robust multinational force with a Chapter 7 mandate
France won round one, that is a two resolution plan, the first one calling for a cease fire on both sides, and a second containing details for implementing 1559, including the mandate for any Multinational Force. US wanted a single resolution for a cease fire to be implemented after a MNF with a mandate for forcible disarmament of militias if necessary, had been assembled.
Round two now consists of resolving the US/Israel position that Israel should continue to occupy parts of Lebanon and reduce the Hezbollah's ability to threaten Israel until they are relieved by a MNF.
France feels that a cease fire should be called now, including a complete withdrawl of Israeli forces from Lebanon, with strong sanctions for either side for violations.
Under the French proposal, the Lebanese army, aided by MNF forces will enforce 1559, by transferring control of Hezbollah munitions to the Lebanese Army by increasing the existing UNIFIL presence with additional forces and expanded mandates.
Presumably, the French-led MNF will have the authority to protect Lebanon from violations of Lebanese sovereignity. This will limit Israel's ability to kinetically influence the process within Lebanon's borders.
The French solution will also leave Hezbollah intact as a political organization.