On the other hand, after the end of hostilities all sides will better understand war and the fragility of citizen lives on either side of the border: in Israel, Lebanon or Palestine. Israel will act unilaterally less often. Both the uncoordinated withdrawals from south Lebanon and from Gaza proved that you can't simply get out of an area, throw away keys and forget about it. The needs of the population on the other side of borders cannot be ignored. Lebanese and Palestinians remain interested in the fate of prisoners held in Israel. Lebanon still wants maps of mines on its land. Palestinians are still concerned about their economic situation and relations with their brothers and sisters in the West Bank. Rockets of all kinds, whether homemade or sophisticated, underscore the folly of putting up walls as a way to secure territory.

Lebanon as a state will certainly have come out stronger after this difficult test. The unity that has been demonstrated in this cruel and unfair punishment will make it a stronger state and will reinforce its newly found liberty and independence. Palestine indirectly might also gain by this war because the international community better understands that staying away from the Middle East will not resolve its deep problems. The only way to find a solution to them is through intensive, continuous international involvement.