The positive side of the deal

The Italian daily La Repubblica sees a positive side to the deal between Israel and Hezbollah: "The rejoicing of Hezbollah is justified; it was with them and not with the government in Lebanon that the exchange of prisoners was negotiated. On the one hand this is a bad sign because it highlights the weakness of the state, but on the other it is a good sign because it indicates willingness to conduct dialogue. This diplomatic turn of events defuses the threat of a new civil war and brings Syria back into play. Nicolas Sarkozy can congratulate himself on having achieved this. ... Even the West's government headquarters, which insist on calling the Shi'ites terrorists, have expressed relief at the inclusion of Hezbollah in the government. ... This is a step toward stabilisation that even Israel, which is ... paying a high price, welcomes."

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