The Universe vs. Nasrallah

Taking a page from his Terrorism 101 course, Hezbollah leader, Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, has appeared in an al-Jazeerah television interview. Haaretz reports,

Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah said last night there was "no way in the world" he would surrender two Israeli soldiers snatched on July 12 except as part of a prisoner exchange brokered through indirect negotiations.

"If the entire universe came (to pressure Hezbollah) it would not bring back the Israeli soldiers unless through indirect negotiations and a prisoner swap," he said in excerpts of an interview with Al Jazeera television.

Nasrallah, who appeared in the interview, also said that the group's leadership structure was still intact. "I can confirm without exaggeration ... that the leadership structure of Hezbollah has not been hurt."

Well, if the weight of the entire universe pressed down upon you, I would imagine releasing two soldiers would be the least of your worries. However, Nasrallah assured his loyal fans that he would not lower himself by negotiating with the Israelis directly. Negotiations would have to be conducted "indirectly," lest the taint of Western Imperial values clung to his clothing. That is probably a smart precaution to take. I am sure there are dozens of Israeli missiles with his name on them. Perhaps his face also. You can never be too careful when you are a murderous terrorist leader.