At the end of 1997 the Israeli Defense Forces, and their proxies the South Lebanon Army (SLA), remained hopelessly bogged down in a military quagmire that was played out daily in the hills and valleys of Southern Lebanon. More and more Israeli and SLA soldiers fell victim to roadside bombs planted by the Islamic Resistance (IR). No amount of preventive patrolling could reduce the frequency with which these indiscriminate attacks took place, nor could it confine the planting of the devices to the perimeter of the Security Zone. Israel's military actions in Southern Lebanon are costing the country money and lives, with no end in sight. Supporters of Israel's presence argue for more and better support to oust the IR; opponents claim the effort is too costly and call for an end to hostilities. Continuing Israeli presence in Southern Lebanon means the bloodshed goes on. An Israeli pullout would leave the area open to even greater troubles, with the possibility of an Israeli return in the future in even greater numbers. Notes