Fatah Al Islam’s Options

Now that the women and children have been evacuated from the camp, the remaining members of Fateh Al Islam have a tough choice to make.

The Army played their cards well. A combination of carrots (promises of fair trials + sparing the women and children) and sticks (420kg bombs) have convinced the remaining dead-enders who most probably had a hand in massacring the soldiers 3 months ago that they have a limited choice: Being executed, being bombed or suicide bombing.

The Army should find a way to convince them that these are not their only options, or they’ll all choose the last one and take the lives of dozens of Lebanese soldiers along with them. (Now that their hands are not tied by their families anymore)

Perhaps promises of “leniency in return for cooperation” would send the wrong signals, but they could be worth it if they save the lives of our young soldiers.