Masterstroke?

Have the mullahs in Iran and 'lightweight' Bashar Assad achieved a masterstroke in having its Hezbollah hatchet-men start an ugly shooting war with Israel? At the moment it seems likely that Israel, by the time a cease fire occurs, will have caused significant but unlikely mortal damage to Hezbollah. A multinational force (which won't be permanent) may be installed which will probably more effective in allowing Hezbollah to recuperate and re-arm than it will be enforcing UN resolution 1559.

So what will Syria and Iran have gained?
1. Iran has diverted attention of the world away from its nuclear program
2. It has diverted attention away from Syria's complicity in assassinations in Lebanon

and, most importantly,

3. THEY LIKELY HAVE STIFLED IF NOT STRANGLED THE STRUGGLING DEMOCRACY IN LEBANON.

Is Lebanon so important? It should be to Assad and the mullahs. The Cedar Revolution deeply embarrassed and therefore weakened Boy Assad. Also the presence of embattled but democratic Iraq on one side, a loud, boisterous and successful Lebanon on the other was anathema.

Scores of dead Israelis, hundreds or thousands of dead Hezbollah and dead children on camera ala Jenin are a GREAT trade.

Also see Walid Phares excellent summary of how the Cedar Revolution WAS FAILED by Lebanese leaders themselves here.