Security first

The United Nations is good at passing resolutions. It is, sadly, a little less effective at displaying resolve. As The Spectator went to press, Security Council discussions on the French-inspired resolution designed to deal with the conflict in Lebanon and Israel were dragging on. But whatever form of words the UN settles upon, the actions required by the international community seem to be implicitly understood by the French, the Americans and the British government. What will count in the days ahead is an unshakeable readiness to implement the steps required to provide both Lebanon and Israel with the security they deserve. And that will require the determination to tackle the root cause of instability in the region — the terrorist threat from Islamist groups such as Hezbollah and their sponsors in Tehran and Damascus.

The resolution wisely avoided making glib rhetorical concessions to those who have been demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.