Our resolute European allies continue to dither about assembling a United Nations force to enter Southern Lebanon. The Italians are in the lead at the moment with an offer of 3,000 troops. France has bravely upped its proposed contingent from 200 to 400. Like skittish bachelors, Spain and Turkey have yet to commit, awaiting more details about the rules of engagement. It’s not yet clear if Finland’s 250 troops will leave their skis at home. The only mechanized units on the table were placed there by the likes of Bangladesh and Malaysia — which don’t recognize Israel’s government in the first place, and are also slightly below the top of the list of the world’s great tank armies.

Not to be frivolous, but the entire affair reminds me of the old Life cereal commercial. “You gonna try it? No, I’m not gonna try it. Let’s get Mikey!” Who is Mikey in this scenario?