I just read the Beirut Spring's last blog entry; Mustapha has read my mind as I thought that the loyalist camp is falling apart as well. It is indeed! MP Karami did not only step down from taking on the responsibility of forming a government, but left the Ein El-Tineh gathering altogether. Definitely a sign that the loyalists are scrambling while the Syrian military is rapidly withdrawing its troops.
Why then the deadlock on reaching consensus to form the government early this week? My understanding from all that I read and heard is that loyalist politicians want a reward, a reward for being "loyal." MP Wiam Wahhab two days ago was so blunt he confessed that those who have been loyal should not be left behind and was so rude to even request that there were outstanding funds, of several million Lebanese pounds, that were not disbursed to a group of displaced families (translation: I've been promised a monetary reward, where is it?) Then I read that MP Arslan did not accept the displaced ministerial portfolio, the reason being that the ministry has no funds.
Such accounts make it clear that as the Syrians leave the country, the loyalists are terrified for their privileges and assets. Their rationale for being picky about ministerial positions that will only last perhaps less than a month (as after the elections a new government will be formed)is that in less than a month, they can put just a bit more money in their pockets. God knows...maybe then they'll take a long trip somewhere far away from the shores of Lebanon.
Another issue I wanted to bring forth is MP Franjieh's refusal to assume the Interior ministry portfolio...Who wants to assume the toughest position of the Interior Minister who presides over the entire electoral process this upcoming summer? What a tough job. And of course MP Franjieh would never want to be in such a position. I guess then the ensuing deadlock was partly due to no one else having the guts to step up and assume this position...anyone?
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
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2 comments:
You said :
"Another issue I wanted to bring forth is MP Franjieh's refusal to assume the Interior ministry portfolio...Who wants to assume the toughest position of the Interior Minister who presides over the entire electoral process this upcoming summer? What a tough job. And of course MP Franjieh would never want to be in such a position. "
I don't believe that the problem is presiding the electoral process, although it is a critical issue.
The problem is implementing 1595. Who would dare bringing key figures for investigation in case they refuse?
It is the responsibility of the ministry of interior, and in the absence of a political answer (Frangieh mentioned that he explicitly asked this question in Ain-el-tineh and received no answer), he would have no choice but to comply with the investigation committee, and possibly resort to force.
What are the possible consequences? ... your guess is as good as mine....
That's the big responsibility...
Doha,
Michel Smaha words in yesterday's Assafir come to me as i read your entry:
"The loyalists are overestimated when people say that they have a 'plan' to delay the elections. What they're displaying is simple human behavior: that of trying to postpone one's inevitable death as much as possible"
Mustapha
The Beirut Spring
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