A few thoughts on the election results

A few quick thoughts:

1. Future is the BIG winner in this round of elections. The numbers speak for themselves! Considering the nature of the movement and its broad objectives, I'm actually quite happy for them and for the country - especially when I take into consideration the MPs they replaced.

2. FPM is the other big winner. It won in Kesrwan and Jbeil despite the efforts of almost every other political player in Lebanon. FPM has to realize this reality and think about the best strategy to move their agenda forward given their current situation. Jumblatt should also tone down his rhetoric because he's beginning to sound like Aoun. My point is that the only two political "groupings" that have a vision for a better future for Lebanon are Future and FPM. These visions are not similar but they complement each other. The best thing for Lebanon is for these two groups to work together. As I mentioned in a previous post, I fear that politics, vendettas and personality clashes may get in the way.

3. Electorally, Amal and Hizballah are in the same situation they were before the elections. It doesn't seem like they've improved or gotten worse off. In fact, it seemed like the South was (electorally) a whole different country that was isolated from all the turbulence and excitement that took place in the rest of Lebanon. One of things I'd like to see soon is increased fluidity in the South. Amal and Hizballah have completely suffocated the region politically.

4. I'm glad to see the LF back in the game. I know some people might be hesitant. But, I'm really happy that an entity that once represented the majority of the Maronites has reentered the political landscape, and will shape it as time passes.

5. Ahmad Fatfat rules! The guy is so cool! Going to LF rallies, talking about Gaegae in Akkar with all confidence. He is outspoken, smart and witty. In my opinion, he is one of those politicians who is PM or even Presidency material. However, the rules of the game probably dictate that he'll never occupy those seats in his lifetime. In my opinion, that is Lebanon's loss. The guy definitely has my vote.

6. I'm glad Elias Atallah made it to parliament. He's no Einstein, but he is passionate and does manage to connect with the shabeb. I'm sure he'll make at least some of the parliamentary sessions more interesting.

7. And finally, I've realized that the one political persona who represents Lebanon's complexity and even its political impotence is Walid Jumblatt - Michael Young articulated that point best in one of his better Op Ed pieces which was published prior to the elections. For all his outspokenness, and gusto, I've also realized that Jumblatt has very little power on the ground. He wanted to get rid of Lahoud, but he was vetoed. He didn't want to deal with Berri in the beginning of the whole "intifada," but it seems like political realities drove him to do otherwise. He wanted desperately for his buddies in Qornet Shehwan to make it, but that didn't fall through. He didn't want Aoun to become a political player, but it happened nonetheless.

With all these thoughts and facts laid out, I have to add that I agree with Doha on one major point: Lebanon is now independent. I think all of us should take a deep breath and look back to see what we've accomplished - it's a whole lot. We should all pat ourselves on our backs and thank God all of this happened during a time when we were not only alive, but old enough to appreciate its significance! I never could have imagined that history would take place during my life time.

I'm definitely happy, and much more hopeful for Lebanon than I was a year ago.