Qana

An Israeli airstrike hit a residential building in Qana killing at least 56 Lebanese, almost all of them women and children. It is a chilling reminder of the old adage, "War is hell," especially with urban warfare drawing populaces into conflicts at a level not seen since WWII. Some 'warriors' actively use women, children, religious buildings, hospitals, and unwitting neighborhoods for cover knowing the casualties will cause concessions, although that does not appear to be the case in this instance. Israel has self-imposed a 48-hour secession of its air campaign in Lebanon, as announced by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

The US government almost certainly demanded Israel's acquiescence after hear Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's comments: (Sistani is the kingmaker in Iraq and the US is hoping his 'king' is peace) "Islamic nations will not forgive the entities that hinder a cease-fire." He added, "It is not possible to stand helpless in front of this Israeli aggression on Lebanon. If an immediate cease-fire to this Israeli aggression is not imposed, dire consequences will befall the region."