R eferring to the current conflict between Israel and Lebanon as the beginning of a global war is irresponsible.

War is always a choice and a global conflict is not possible without the United States.

We are mortified by the thought other countries looking to tap into American public opinion watch American news networks. It is not surprising when the United States can be perceived as a country of greedy warmongers.

Several times last week, FOX News channel and CNN placed “WWIII?” on their bottom line.

We at the Northern Star do not mean to diminish the seriousness of the current Middle Eastern squabble but instead would like to give diplomacy a chance.

Past wars fought by Israel have been short and have not escalated to greater violence. Potential instigators Syria and Iran would not benefit from a larger scale conflict and consequently will avoid one. Hezbollah is doing damage with the aid of their funding.

Due to unforeseen circumstances in the future, this conflict could widen to Syria and Iran. Then discussion of a global conflict is appropriate.

The prospect of a grueling and potentially power shifting mid-term election in November led some politicians to desperately use these tragic events for the slightest political edge.

Coming down hard on this premature description is necessary because of the potential actions of war hawks.

As the superpower, the U.S. has enough conflict without trying to predict and possibly encourage pre-emptive war.