Hezbollah's Victory

Or, was it?
A lot of people cheered up for Hezbollah, upon receiving the latest cease fire resolution from the UN Security Council, and the subsequent withdrawal of the Israeli army from south Lebanon. They claimed victory, even some of those Lebanese people, returning to their demolished homes and villages. So much happiness and relief.
I hate to spoil anyone's joy, but by all measures, there wasn't any victory for Hezbollah. At most, Hezbollah attained a success, limited as it may be, to certain areas. Of which, it was successful in maintaining structure and discipline, despite the Israeli attempts to break it down. And it maintained striking power, in the face of the Israeli army. However, such accomplishments do not rise to the level of victory. When defending your home, you don't claim victory just because you survived, if the home is there no more.
People may have a good reason to be happy. But why should it be the wrong reason?
Is it psychological warfare, employed by Hezbullah? It may serve them very well, but I fail to see how it could benefit the Arab masses.
Such widespread reaction from people is very revealing about the state of the Arabic mind. I'm afraid that this continues to indicate that the Arab world is not heading in the right direction. Freedom from illusions, and dealing with mere facts are prerequisites to any progress.

The Example I look up to

He had the truth. He told the truth.
He was looked down upon, ridiculed, and hurt.
He was secluded, with his family, in the mountains. They were denied food, goods, and contacts.
His companions were oppressed, tortured, and killed.
That was very miserable, I'd think. But also familiar. I see people like this every day on TV. People I so identify with.
But see, he was not miserable. He didn't order retaliation. He didn't ask his companions to kill the aggressors, nor to suicide bomb the heck out of them.
So why should I? Why should I condone people doing this?
I won't.
Peace be upon him.

The start of Ramadan

Last Friday prayer, at the Downtown Islamic Center in Chicago, the Khateeb talked about the different ways in which the start of the month of Ramadan is determined. He mentioned that there are three ways that Muslims use to determine the beginning of the lunar month. Thus, according to each of these methods, the start of Ramadan this year can be either Saturday 09/23, Sunday 09/24, or Monday 09/25.
It is the first time, as far as I can recall, that I hear that the start of Ramadan can be one of three days. This situation could have resulted, I guess, from the position taken by the Fiqh Council of North America this year.

Some elaboration might be needed. According to the Khateeb, the three ways to determine the start of Ramadan are:

1. The new moon is seen anywhere in the Country you live in.
2. The new moon is seen anywhere in the world.
3. The new moon is known to be born.

I don't understand how using these methods can result in three different days. And it seems to me that the third method has to include the visibility of the moon by some means. I admit though that I didn't read the full material posted on the ISNA website. But I wonder, if the purpose is to unite Muslims, whether the Fiqh Council's position is a step in the right direction.