U.S. takes plunge into Middle East

After months of dipping a toe into the turbulent waters of the Middle East -- and then only reluctantly -- the Bush administration plunged in this week, with a Washington-driven UN resolution, the dispatch of mediator Anthony C Zinni and a chastisement of Israel for its military offensive in the occupied territories.

President Bush's comment that the Israeli sweep through refugee camps and enclaves in the occupied territories was "not helpful" was overdue. Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism. But the two-week onslaught of helicopter gunships, tanks and foot soldiers in the largest military campaign in the West Bank and Gaza Strip since their capture in the 1967 Middle East war is more likely to provoke retaliation than discourage the killing.

The suicide bombings by Palestinians and the Israeli offensive make Zinni's job of pushing both sides toward a cease-fire much more difficult. He was brought home in December when violence became so bad as to make his task seem impossible. Since then, the violence has got worse. Last week at least 67 Palestinians and 31 Israelis were killed, the largest numbers since the conflict resumed in September 2000. But Zinni and Bush should show patience and meet Sharon and Arafat as often as necessary until the killing ends or at least lessens.

-- Los Angeles Times