While many of us are thinking about near-trivial day-to-day things like what DVD to hire, or how to make our frequent flyer points go farther, in other less peaceful parts of the world, they’re worrying about just getting through the day alive.

Tony Issa [warning: graphic photos], normally a Melbourne native, is in Lebanon right now, and writes of events there, condemning both sides:

More bombs are falling across Lebanon, more innocent civilians are getting killed. It’s amazing that Israel’s mission was to crush Hizballah, but instead they’re deliberately massacring innocent civilians, leaving Hizballah untouched. Is it because they don’t know where Hizballah is or because Israel is just naturally a ruthless, callous, vicious country that enjoys bathing in the blood of innocent victims?
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As for Hizballah, they have declared a war on behalf of Lebanon. A war LEBANON DID NOT WANT! And it’s mainly Shiites that are getting slaughtered. Over 100 are dead on this side of the border, as opposed to probably 20 Israelis. NASRALLAH you are not WINNING!

I can’t help but have the utmost sympathy for the ordinary Lebanese and Israelis getting caught up in the fighting. Seems to me both sides are fanning the flames, with help from their friends, while the G8, UN and EU appear to be sitting around doing nothing.