Polls & Research: Lebanese Blame "Israel", U.S. for Recent War

Source: angus-reid.com, 6-12-2006
Many adults in Lebanon hold two countries accountable for the recent war, according to a poll by Gallup. 40 per cent of respondents blame "Israel" for the 34-day conflict, while 24 per cent think the United States is most responsible.
In addition, 18 per cent of respondents blame Hizubllah, eight per cent hold Iran accountable and five per cent think Syria is responsible.
On Jul. 12, Hizubllah militants based in Lebanon killed eight "Israeli" soldiers and captured two more in a border attack. The "Israeli" armed forces launched air strikes inside Lebanese territory to fight Hizubllah, targeting the country's infrastructure and its airport. Hizubllah retaliated by firing rockets into several "Israeli" towns.
A ceasefire brokered by the United Nations (UN) came into effect on Aug. 14. Security Council Resolution 1701 calls for "a full cessation of hostilities" from both sides and allows Lebanese government troops and a 15,000-member peacekeeping force to enter into southern Lebanon during the withdrawal of "Israeli" forces, but sets no timetable for the disarmament of Hizubllah or the return of the two captured "Israeli" soldiers.
Lebanese voters renewed the Assembly of Representatives last year. In June 2005, Fuad Saniora-a former finance minister-was appointed as Lebanon's new prime minister. In November, six Lebanese ministers, including two members of Hizubllah, quit the cabinet after complaining of the current administration's allowing them no real participation in the decision making process.
On Nov. 21, the White House issued an official statement on Lebanon, which read: "The United States remains fully committed to supporting Lebanon's independence and democracy in the face of attempts by Syria, Iran, and their allies within Lebanon to foment instability and violence. (...) The United States will continue its efforts with allied nations and democratic forces in Lebanon to resist these efforts and protect Lebanon's sovereignty and democratic institutions."
Polling Data
Which of these groups or countries do you think was most responsible for the recent 34-day conflict?
"Israel" 40%
United States 24%
Hizubllah 18%
Iran 8%
Syria 5%
Source: Gallup
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews with 1,000 Lebanese adults, conducted from Sept. 18 to Oct. 12, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.