U.S. Troops May Have to Go After Hamas, Lawmaker
In an interview on "Fox News Sunday," Sen. Richard Lugar (news, bio, voting record),
the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said
American forces might be part of an international force to help
stop attacks by Hamas, the main group behind a campaign of
suicide bombings against Israelis, and other groups.
Hamas has said it would reject any peace deal between
Israel and the Palestinian Authority (news - web sites).
Lugar said such a force could be used to quell Israeli and
Palestinian disputes, "and, maybe even more important, to root
out the terrorism that is at the heart of the problem."
Asked if that meant such troops would go after Hamas or
other groups, he said, "That may be the conclusion."
"...It may not be just Hamas but clearly Hamas is right in
the gunsights," he added.
"DON'T UNDERESTIMATE PRESIDENT BUSH (news - web sites)"
"...The terrorist aspect really has to be dealt with and
that's why I say don't underestimate President Bush," Lugar
said.
Lugar is headed to the region next week and said he, as
well as top U.S. officials, would be there seeking to halt the
cycle of violence that is jeopardizing the U.S.-backed peace
"road map."
The United States has appealed for restraint from both
sides after a week of bloodshed in which more than 50 people
were killed.
Last week's violence included the killing of four soldiers
in the Gaza Strip (news - web sites), a Palestinian suicide bombing on a Jerusalem
bus and seven Israeli helicopter strikes on militants,
including an attempt to assassinate a Hamas leader.
Bush has sent the veteran diplomat John Wolf to the region
to prevent the failure of the peace plan affirmed at a June 4
summit in Aqaba, Jordan, with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel
Sharon (news - web sites) and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas.
Lugar said Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites) also would be
free after meetings in Jordan next Sunday.
UNILATERAL ACTION?
Whether to insert forces into the volatile situation is
being considered, including "whether they are to be all by
themselves" or in conjunction with a United Nations (news - web sites) or NATO (news - web sites)
force, he said.
"That is always a possibility but having said that, I would
just say this is down the trail. We have to be very, very
careful about the use of American forces," he said.
"But clearly, if force is required ultimately to root out
terrorism, it is possible there would be American
participation."
