The Security Council decides four things and requests four things, but only authorizes one thing, apparently. And three calls on‘s and three calls upon‘s really make up six calls, by my count.

But seriously, who could fail to adore 1701, what with something for just about everyone in it?

After recalling such and such, the usual preamble, sort of the Security Council’s way of beginning, kinda like, Dear World, How ya been? Listen, the reason I’m writing is …

First things first. Listen, Hezbollah. You started this. Yeah, that’s right. We’re talking to you.

Then a little dance, first leaning on Hezbollah for the unconditional release of the abducted Israeli soldiers. but then also, let’s be fair here, calling for urgently settling the issue of the Lebanese prisoners detained in Israel,

A quick shout out to Lebanon itself. Let’s get this done quickly. But this is neither the time nor the place to even get into the Shebaa farms here. (Goodness, whose idea was it to mention that mess?)

Okay, fifteen-thousand Lebanese troops and then somesuch number of international (later specified as another fifteen-thousand for UNIFIL).

Let’s work on a long-term solution. This is making everybody everywhere a little nervous.

So, therefore: stop fighting.

Wiggle room for Israel here, as the Council calls for a halt to all Hezbollah attacks and a halt to Israel’s offensive military operations.

Lebanon, why don’t you try a little harder. Blue line, meaning Lebanon, try a little harder. Let’s all help Lebanon try a little harder. Maybe a little money to help Lebanon try a little harder.

The United Nations will do A, B, and C. Fifteen-thousand troops for UNIFIL.

Everyone will make sure that nobody is selling arms to anybody in Lebanon. (How did that slip through? That’s a nifty piece of work, Dr. Rice.)

Oh, and by the way, 242 and 338. (Oh, that’s how. Even niftier.)

And, as always, their version of Yours truly, the Council decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

— — — —

In all seriousness, a pretty good job. A surprising effort from this administration.

If it holds.

Although I’m praying that it does, for the greater good of the poor and suffering in the region, if not also to show that diplomacy and the UN can actually succeed.