I found this site with many civil war photos. Some are must-see, some are good reminders, others are ok. I think some captions are wrong. One such caption is that of a supposed Amal checkpoint, with a human skull hanging on a wooden log. Judging by the flag, I do not think this is an Amal checkpoint. Others are the captions designating some fighters as members of certain militias. Anyway, check and see:
http://www.cedarland.org/warpics.html
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Friday, May 12, 2006
Politics: The Same Everywhere!
"In politics, there are no right answers, only a continuing flow of compromises among groups, resulting in a changing, cloudy and ambiguous series of public decisions where appetite and ambition compete openly with knowledge and wisdom."
Doesn't that sound like a description of politics in Lebanon? But not only in Lebanon! This piece of "wisdom" was told by Former Senator Alan Simpson (R-Wyoming) at the National Press Club yesterday, describing humorously the current state of politics in the U.S.
Politics is the same everywhere!
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Doesn't that sound like a description of politics in Lebanon? But not only in Lebanon! This piece of "wisdom" was told by Former Senator Alan Simpson (R-Wyoming) at the National Press Club yesterday, describing humorously the current state of politics in the U.S.
Politics is the same everywhere!
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Thursday, May 11, 2006
The Chinese have invaded the Middle East!!!!
Well... not really, but I've been itching for the opportunity to convey this bit of information to you for a couple of days now.
According to Fareed Zakaria, "There are 6,000 Chinese soldiers in Sudan guarding the continuous, uninterrupted flow of oil from Sudan to China." (Zakaria, Fareed, "The Age of Petrostates," The Brown Journal of World Affairs, Volume XII, Issue II, Winter/Spring 2006, Pg. 17)
6,000 CHINESE soldiers... In Sudan?!?! Why haven't we heard al Jazeera broadcasters ranting against this new invasion of sacred Arab/Muslim soil??? Why haven't the Imams begun screaming for Jihad against these kuffar?
hmmm...
Considering these developments, I'm begining wonder when the Indians are gonna start sending their troops to the region to protect their flow of oil!!!
Such a pathetic region!
According to Fareed Zakaria, "There are 6,000 Chinese soldiers in Sudan guarding the continuous, uninterrupted flow of oil from Sudan to China." (Zakaria, Fareed, "The Age of Petrostates," The Brown Journal of World Affairs, Volume XII, Issue II, Winter/Spring 2006, Pg. 17)
6,000 CHINESE soldiers... In Sudan?!?! Why haven't we heard al Jazeera broadcasters ranting against this new invasion of sacred Arab/Muslim soil??? Why haven't the Imams begun screaming for Jihad against these kuffar?
hmmm...
Considering these developments, I'm begining wonder when the Indians are gonna start sending their troops to the region to protect their flow of oil!!!
Such a pathetic region!
Universities' Organizational Force Missing!
An interesting article by Al-Balad daily wrote about how universities and university students were not a major organizationl force taking part in yesterday's demonstrations. The article ends with a thought on how in France last month, universities were behind the government backing down on a law that would loosen restrictions on hiring and firing French youth. There was something missing yesterday, indeed.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Slogans Out Of Your Mind!
Let me give you a glimpse of some of the slogans from today's demonstration:
"Ya General ma ti3tal ham, 3indak shi3a btishrab dam" (General, don't worry, you have Shiites who drink blood!)
"Allah, Nasrallah, w Aoun w Bass" (God, Nasrallah, and Aoun, only!)
"Ya Geagea, sabrak sabrak, il-Dahye badda tibhash abrak" (Geagea, have patience, the Dahieh will dig out your grave!)
"Il Shi3a w Aoun mittif'een, khalliyon yti'oo il hasoodeen" (The Shiites and Aoun agree, let the ill wishers die of envy!)
"Saad id-Din Harami" (Saad Hariri is a thief!)
That's what I have for now. Aoun has taken a dark turn and I doubt his followers will forge through with that. But we'll see.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
"Ya General ma ti3tal ham, 3indak shi3a btishrab dam" (General, don't worry, you have Shiites who drink blood!)
"Allah, Nasrallah, w Aoun w Bass" (God, Nasrallah, and Aoun, only!)
"Ya Geagea, sabrak sabrak, il-Dahye badda tibhash abrak" (Geagea, have patience, the Dahieh will dig out your grave!)
"Il Shi3a w Aoun mittif'een, khalliyon yti'oo il hasoodeen" (The Shiites and Aoun agree, let the ill wishers die of envy!)
"Saad id-Din Harami" (Saad Hariri is a thief!)
That's what I have for now. Aoun has taken a dark turn and I doubt his followers will forge through with that. But we'll see.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
A Crippling Force
I think for those March 14ers, Naseer Al-As'ad summed it up nicely in his editorial piece today.
He asked the March 14 bloc to act as a team; we used to boast that the March 14 bloc is a loose umbrella bloc and not a homogenous party. But now as the March 14ers are getting squeezed further into a corner by a quickly-mobilizing force, the bloc needs more unity and requires a commanding, strategic force. He urged the March 14 bloc to act as a majority that can change the "face of the state" (wajh al-dawla) through its parliamentary force and through its government mandate, by having a clear message and clearly-defined goals.
It has quickly become apparent that Aoun and Hizbullah/Amal have concocted a strategy for turning the table and reversing the roles in the national dialogue. And that's why Al-As'ad went to assert that perhaps the May 16 national dialogue meeting will take place, but it is sure to be the last one.
Hizbullah takes part in the government and its ministers handle important services portfolios, such as the energy/electricity, agriculture, and labor. How come no one is asking these ministers why nothing is moving forward in their ministries? I thought they are accountable for their portfolios. Why is Hizbullah taking part in a demonstration that at its heart is calling for the fall of the government, when itself is part of that government? Al-As'ad writes that the aim is to create a public outcry that would eventually call for the fall of the government and new parliamentary elections.
So...if Hizbullah and Aoun cannot get what they want on the negotiating table, they will take it down to the streets. And so they fulfilled their promise.
And where does this leave us? Where do we go from here? Is the call for the March 14ers to act as a team means to use the majority rules to their maximum? Is consensus as a decision-making mechanism effective in our country, does it get us somewhere or nowhere? Is the solution going down to the streets (Geagea saying that March 14 came about as a result of March 8)?...
I see no solutions. I see a crippled government with its half (HA/Amal) engaging in anti-government activity, shooting itself in the foot. I can safely say that HA has failed in its first attempt at taking part in governing. It quickly criticizes, still living in the past when it used to be always in the opposition.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
He asked the March 14 bloc to act as a team; we used to boast that the March 14 bloc is a loose umbrella bloc and not a homogenous party. But now as the March 14ers are getting squeezed further into a corner by a quickly-mobilizing force, the bloc needs more unity and requires a commanding, strategic force. He urged the March 14 bloc to act as a majority that can change the "face of the state" (wajh al-dawla) through its parliamentary force and through its government mandate, by having a clear message and clearly-defined goals.
It has quickly become apparent that Aoun and Hizbullah/Amal have concocted a strategy for turning the table and reversing the roles in the national dialogue. And that's why Al-As'ad went to assert that perhaps the May 16 national dialogue meeting will take place, but it is sure to be the last one.
Hizbullah takes part in the government and its ministers handle important services portfolios, such as the energy/electricity, agriculture, and labor. How come no one is asking these ministers why nothing is moving forward in their ministries? I thought they are accountable for their portfolios. Why is Hizbullah taking part in a demonstration that at its heart is calling for the fall of the government, when itself is part of that government? Al-As'ad writes that the aim is to create a public outcry that would eventually call for the fall of the government and new parliamentary elections.
So...if Hizbullah and Aoun cannot get what they want on the negotiating table, they will take it down to the streets. And so they fulfilled their promise.
And where does this leave us? Where do we go from here? Is the call for the March 14ers to act as a team means to use the majority rules to their maximum? Is consensus as a decision-making mechanism effective in our country, does it get us somewhere or nowhere? Is the solution going down to the streets (Geagea saying that March 14 came about as a result of March 8)?...
I see no solutions. I see a crippled government with its half (HA/Amal) engaging in anti-government activity, shooting itself in the foot. I can safely say that HA has failed in its first attempt at taking part in governing. It quickly criticizes, still living in the past when it used to be always in the opposition.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
The law of communicating vessels
During his London visit, PM Fouad Seniora had to address diplomats, businessmen, students and UK government officials. I had the opportunity to address 2 of his talks, one at the London School of Economics, and the second at Chatham House (the royal institute for international affairs). Although both speeches had common points, the LSE talk focused on the currently debated economic reforms, while the RIIA talk emphasized regional and domestic political challenges. The content of the talks did not present any groundbreaking announcements, however some points are perhaps worth highlighting.
Although both speeches tackled different issues, they both strongly stressed on (and ended with) the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Seniora used the analogy of the 'law of communicating vessels' to express the idea that anything that takes place in Palestine affects the rest of the region, the Arab world and the muslim world. He talked about the 'great injustice' and the 'great crime' that has been committed against the Palestinian people. He spoke of the humiliation and anger and helplessness felt everyday by 1.4 billion muslims, and which fuels ongoing tensions in Iraq, Palestine, and the region. Solve the Palestinian problem ('the mother of all the problems in the region and perhaps the mother of all solutions') he said, and most of the problems faced by the countries in the Middle East and Muslim countries will disappear...We , as Lebanese/ Arabs, no doubt understand the crucial role that the Palestinian issue plays in regional politics, and the extensive repercussions it has. Nevertheless, I couldn't but wish that he had emphasized more stronlgy domestic factors, or at least ended with domestic factors, rather than regional ones, which cannot be greatly helped by Lebanon.
Just to recount an anecdote: the Israeli ambassador to London was present at the RIIA talk, and following Seniora's insistance on Israel's responsibilities and the Shebaa farms, he sarcastically asked the PM whether he truly believed that Nasrallah would be satisfied with the Israeli withdrawal from Shebaa and would disarm, or whether, Nasrallah being a 'creative politician', it was not more likely that Hezballah would find other excuses to evade disarmement such as Iran, political prisoners, etc. To which Seniora appropriately replied that Hezballah was not an issue in this matter, and that the Shebaa farms were Lebanese territory, and that Israel should therefore de facto withdraw, regardless of Hezballah's stance. (some clapping in the audience).
Another 'challenge' mentionned was Lahoud's presidency...nothing new on that front. As for the economic reform program, it includes a mix of higher revenue (through higher taxes and privatization plans) and management of expenditures (focusing on reducing the fiscal deficit and debt servicing). These reforms are the usual ones likely to be adopted by developing countries, and seem reasonably feasible (let's hope the devil is not in the detail). Seniora's view was that 'it is not the government's business to be in business' -ie let the private sector do the job, except for limited state intervention in certain sectors like the social sector.
The National Dialogue was mentionned as an indicator that the government did not want to impose anything on anyone, and that negotiation is the favoured path forward. Unfortunately it has become increasingly clear that what is supposed to be a constructive dialogue seems in fact to be another instance of politicians going round in circles.
Seniora's purpose was to seek the UK's support (its support of the government and its efforts for reforms, its support for Israeli withdrawal from the Shebaa farms) and to get the international community's vote of confidence, to translate into real financial support at the International's donor conference. Although essentially aimed at the international community, Seniora's visit and his speeches came accross as heartfelt, or at least as genuinely intentioned. Seniora and Lebanon may have won this round....all we can do now is wait and see.
By Reem A.
Although both speeches tackled different issues, they both strongly stressed on (and ended with) the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Seniora used the analogy of the 'law of communicating vessels' to express the idea that anything that takes place in Palestine affects the rest of the region, the Arab world and the muslim world. He talked about the 'great injustice' and the 'great crime' that has been committed against the Palestinian people. He spoke of the humiliation and anger and helplessness felt everyday by 1.4 billion muslims, and which fuels ongoing tensions in Iraq, Palestine, and the region. Solve the Palestinian problem ('the mother of all the problems in the region and perhaps the mother of all solutions') he said, and most of the problems faced by the countries in the Middle East and Muslim countries will disappear...We , as Lebanese/ Arabs, no doubt understand the crucial role that the Palestinian issue plays in regional politics, and the extensive repercussions it has. Nevertheless, I couldn't but wish that he had emphasized more stronlgy domestic factors, or at least ended with domestic factors, rather than regional ones, which cannot be greatly helped by Lebanon.
Just to recount an anecdote: the Israeli ambassador to London was present at the RIIA talk, and following Seniora's insistance on Israel's responsibilities and the Shebaa farms, he sarcastically asked the PM whether he truly believed that Nasrallah would be satisfied with the Israeli withdrawal from Shebaa and would disarm, or whether, Nasrallah being a 'creative politician', it was not more likely that Hezballah would find other excuses to evade disarmement such as Iran, political prisoners, etc. To which Seniora appropriately replied that Hezballah was not an issue in this matter, and that the Shebaa farms were Lebanese territory, and that Israel should therefore de facto withdraw, regardless of Hezballah's stance. (some clapping in the audience).
Another 'challenge' mentionned was Lahoud's presidency...nothing new on that front. As for the economic reform program, it includes a mix of higher revenue (through higher taxes and privatization plans) and management of expenditures (focusing on reducing the fiscal deficit and debt servicing). These reforms are the usual ones likely to be adopted by developing countries, and seem reasonably feasible (let's hope the devil is not in the detail). Seniora's view was that 'it is not the government's business to be in business' -ie let the private sector do the job, except for limited state intervention in certain sectors like the social sector.
The National Dialogue was mentionned as an indicator that the government did not want to impose anything on anyone, and that negotiation is the favoured path forward. Unfortunately it has become increasingly clear that what is supposed to be a constructive dialogue seems in fact to be another instance of politicians going round in circles.
Seniora's purpose was to seek the UK's support (its support of the government and its efforts for reforms, its support for Israeli withdrawal from the Shebaa farms) and to get the international community's vote of confidence, to translate into real financial support at the International's donor conference. Although essentially aimed at the international community, Seniora's visit and his speeches came accross as heartfelt, or at least as genuinely intentioned. Seniora and Lebanon may have won this round....all we can do now is wait and see.
By Reem A.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Ahmadenijad proclaims the death of Liberalism - Run!!!
My favorite days of the week are when the Ahmadenijads and Bin Ladins of this world, all-knowingly proclaim the "defeat/end/collapse/etc... of democratic and liberal systems."
Wow. defeat? Defeated by what? By a theocratic state that has contributed nothing to this world except angst and repression? Or by a sexually repressed and frustrated man who lives his life in caves?
The Iranian regime is saved from the world's wrath, not because of its inherent strength... but rather because of the inherent divisiveness of the international community. Bin Laden, will die and leave nothing behind except the legacy of a deranged idiot.
Even the so-called nuclear technology that "Iranians" are developing has basically been bought and paid for from the Russians. It is so hard to listen to the Supreme Idiot in Tehran proclaim his country's "technological triumphs" when all he has to show for them are obsolete and purchased technologies, as well as the remnants of the Shah's economic/military legacy.
Death of liberalism and democracy indeed! I wish I could proclaim the death of the "Islamic revolution," (whatever that means) and of "political Islam," except, I can't.... Both these entities were never alive to begin with!
Wow. defeat? Defeated by what? By a theocratic state that has contributed nothing to this world except angst and repression? Or by a sexually repressed and frustrated man who lives his life in caves?
The Iranian regime is saved from the world's wrath, not because of its inherent strength... but rather because of the inherent divisiveness of the international community. Bin Laden, will die and leave nothing behind except the legacy of a deranged idiot.
Even the so-called nuclear technology that "Iranians" are developing has basically been bought and paid for from the Russians. It is so hard to listen to the Supreme Idiot in Tehran proclaim his country's "technological triumphs" when all he has to show for them are obsolete and purchased technologies, as well as the remnants of the Shah's economic/military legacy.
Death of liberalism and democracy indeed! I wish I could proclaim the death of the "Islamic revolution," (whatever that means) and of "political Islam," except, I can't.... Both these entities were never alive to begin with!
"Egyptian" Protesters in DC : 6
Including myself!
four were Americans from the International Socialist Organization,
one was an Egpytian who works with a nonprofit organization in Egypt and is currently in DC for some reason.
I used to think that the turn-outs to Lebanese events were low!!! Egyptians, it seems, have better things to do. I feel a bit saddened and proud at the same time.
four were Americans from the International Socialist Organization,
one was an Egpytian who works with a nonprofit organization in Egypt and is currently in DC for some reason.
I used to think that the turn-outs to Lebanese events were low!!! Egyptians, it seems, have better things to do. I feel a bit saddened and proud at the same time.
Suffocating In A Pool Of Oppressors
Can someone tell me how in anyone's mind the March 14 and March 8 and free-standing Aoun will return to the national dialogue table on the 16th of May?
The national dialogue politicians thought that they can fool us by postponing their so-called final meeting to May 16, when in reality they failed miserably to agree on anything whatsoever. The national dialogue meetings only showed the depth of the ideological divide between the two contending political groups. And now we see all this semblance of consensus fall apart with tomorrow's mass demonstrations.
We are further fooled with things that we read in the news like that Berri's bloc is still contemplating whether to join the demonstrations tomorrow, when Berri himself went for a visit to Damascus on Sunday. And what kills me most is that someone from the March 14 bloc, MP Butros Harb, a presidential aspirant, was reported saying that he sees nothing wrong with Berri's visit, that it is paving the way for PM Seniora. Further, and Abu Kais pointed it out in his latest post, MP Saad Hariri expressed his appreciation for Berri, when he is the Mr. X in Mehlis's report, cursing the late Rafiq Hariri and promising Ghazali to enflame the streets with demonstrations to topple Hariri's government.
To add more fuel to the flames, Jumblatt is touring the Arab world, as Arab leaders press on him the importance of Lebanon's stability. What does that mean? It means that pushing to topple the Assad regime in neighboring Syria should be swept under the carpet and that publicizing meetings with the Muslim Brotherhood, Khaddam, and other Syrian opposition groups should be halted.
It's interesting how when we read the words "Lebanon's stability", we are immediately reminded of the Syrian era. I get the shivers when I read these words, not because I don't want Lebanon's stability, but because these words carry negative connotations of a certain status quo that is gloomy. A status quo that amounts to Lebanon becoming all that many don't want it to become: back to being pro-Assad's Syria, pro-Ahmadinejad's Iran, anti-Western, and a bastion for parochialism, religiosity, and sectarianism.
But why be so surprised? After all, Lebanon is trapped in the midst of a pool of oppressors.
Have we just turned back time?
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
The national dialogue politicians thought that they can fool us by postponing their so-called final meeting to May 16, when in reality they failed miserably to agree on anything whatsoever. The national dialogue meetings only showed the depth of the ideological divide between the two contending political groups. And now we see all this semblance of consensus fall apart with tomorrow's mass demonstrations.
We are further fooled with things that we read in the news like that Berri's bloc is still contemplating whether to join the demonstrations tomorrow, when Berri himself went for a visit to Damascus on Sunday. And what kills me most is that someone from the March 14 bloc, MP Butros Harb, a presidential aspirant, was reported saying that he sees nothing wrong with Berri's visit, that it is paving the way for PM Seniora. Further, and Abu Kais pointed it out in his latest post, MP Saad Hariri expressed his appreciation for Berri, when he is the Mr. X in Mehlis's report, cursing the late Rafiq Hariri and promising Ghazali to enflame the streets with demonstrations to topple Hariri's government.
To add more fuel to the flames, Jumblatt is touring the Arab world, as Arab leaders press on him the importance of Lebanon's stability. What does that mean? It means that pushing to topple the Assad regime in neighboring Syria should be swept under the carpet and that publicizing meetings with the Muslim Brotherhood, Khaddam, and other Syrian opposition groups should be halted.
It's interesting how when we read the words "Lebanon's stability", we are immediately reminded of the Syrian era. I get the shivers when I read these words, not because I don't want Lebanon's stability, but because these words carry negative connotations of a certain status quo that is gloomy. A status quo that amounts to Lebanon becoming all that many don't want it to become: back to being pro-Assad's Syria, pro-Ahmadinejad's Iran, anti-Western, and a bastion for parochialism, religiosity, and sectarianism.
But why be so surprised? After all, Lebanon is trapped in the midst of a pool of oppressors.
Have we just turned back time?
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Monday, May 08, 2006
Blogger Arrested in Egypt
Dear readers and fellow bloggers,
a blogger in Egypt has been arrested. His name is Alaa, and he is not only among the most popular bloggers in that country, but he has also set up an aggregator similar to Open Lebanon that includes almost all of the Egyptian blogs.
Alaa was peacefully demonstrating for the independence of Egypt's judiciary with around twenty other people when the Egyptian "police" swarmed down on them. He is now detained and is probably going to be unfairly tried in the very courts he was protesting to support.
Blogger Mustapha has contributed to the campaign to free Alaa by creating banners like the one you now see on this blog. I expect everyone who would like to see a democratic and free middle east contribute to this campaign as well.
Visit the sand monkey's blog for ways you can help, and for regular updates. The reality is that Egypt is our neighbor - and one of the most powerful countries in the region. A democratic Egyptian regime is a regime that does not support bashar el assad because it fears for its own existence.
So do what you can do to support one of the most influential bloggers in the region - who, by the way, calls for democracy and liberalism - just like the rest of us.
Update: Those of you who live and/or work in the Washington DC area, please attend a vigil in front of the Egyptian Embassy. Where? 3521 International Ct NW, Washington DC 20008. When? Tomorrow (Tuesday) at 12:30 PM. See you there!
a blogger in Egypt has been arrested. His name is Alaa, and he is not only among the most popular bloggers in that country, but he has also set up an aggregator similar to Open Lebanon that includes almost all of the Egyptian blogs.
Alaa was peacefully demonstrating for the independence of Egypt's judiciary with around twenty other people when the Egyptian "police" swarmed down on them. He is now detained and is probably going to be unfairly tried in the very courts he was protesting to support.
Blogger Mustapha has contributed to the campaign to free Alaa by creating banners like the one you now see on this blog. I expect everyone who would like to see a democratic and free middle east contribute to this campaign as well.
Visit the sand monkey's blog for ways you can help, and for regular updates. The reality is that Egypt is our neighbor - and one of the most powerful countries in the region. A democratic Egyptian regime is a regime that does not support bashar el assad because it fears for its own existence.
So do what you can do to support one of the most influential bloggers in the region - who, by the way, calls for democracy and liberalism - just like the rest of us.
Update: Those of you who live and/or work in the Washington DC area, please attend a vigil in front of the Egyptian Embassy. Where? 3521 International Ct NW, Washington DC 20008. When? Tomorrow (Tuesday) at 12:30 PM. See you there!
Ready To Fight!
A peace sign or bam, bam, bam, guns?!
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Sunday, May 07, 2006
"Maybe it's the contrast of making something beautiful out of something so ugly and destructive"
Going through my daily round of news (important) and blogs (not so important but addictive), i found a blog by Leila El-Haddad, a freelance journalist living in the Gaza Strip. I have found articles of hers posted on the Guardian Unlimited and Al-Jazeera (English version) and i have to say that I enjoy all of them very much.
She brings a new dimension to my list of blogs, and its great to read a little further than what is usually written in most newspapers here about the political situation in Palestine. More is always good.
One article (link below) of hers carries a personal touch, focusing on a family living in Israel's buffer zone. She even includes a little conversation with a young family member, which intrigued me quite a bit.
So, below is a link to the article i just recently read and a link to her blog. Check it out, you might like it.
Her article
Her blog
Enjoy!
She brings a new dimension to my list of blogs, and its great to read a little further than what is usually written in most newspapers here about the political situation in Palestine. More is always good.
One article (link below) of hers carries a personal touch, focusing on a family living in Israel's buffer zone. She even includes a little conversation with a young family member, which intrigued me quite a bit.
So, below is a link to the article i just recently read and a link to her blog. Check it out, you might like it.
Her article
Her blog
Enjoy!
Saturday, May 06, 2006
An Empty Statement: Don't Kill The Momentum!
The March 14 blocs (or shall we say, February 14) shook things up yesterday when they revived the role of the Parliament and voted on two legislations, garnering some votes from even outside their blocs. I believe that the majority should have resorted to the role of the Parliament early on; not only is the Parliament a "transparent" institution, but it also takes us away from simple fiery speeches and "media wars" to real action.
That aside, building on this victory, all of the March 14 forces met yesterday evening in the Bristol Hotel. However, and the Al-Nahar daily pointed it out, the statement ensuing from the gathering fell short of what is aspired by the people; it did not spell out any strategy for moving forward from here...it simply stated that the players within the gathering have discussed specific decisions which will be translated and implemented in the national dialogue meetings, in Parliament and the Cabinet, and on the popular level.
So...now these decisions are a secret? I was just talking about how the Lebanese are "thirsty' for transparency. Long gone the days when the Bristol gatherings spelled out the next moves and got everyone mobilized and prepared...
Moreover, what surprised me the most was when the statement read that the government's initiatives and papers (perhaps alluding to the economic reform paper) used by many factions as a political tool is not but a compilation of general ideas up for negotiations. (afkar awwaliyya 'amma matrooha lil niqash). Really?! All these important meetings taking place in the Cabinet to discuss strategies to solve the electricity, energy, economy, and other issues are just general ideas?
I believe that criticism comes when you care and my criticism of the Bristol gathering statement comes as a result of anticipating concrete and tangible steps that would get us out of the political rut that Lebanon is in right now, of reviving the role that the Bristol gathering played at one point not long ago.
We are so close to May 10, a day of large street movements organized by labor unions and sponsored now by all the pro-Syrian parties. What does the Bristol gathering have planned for that day, we are yet to learn...
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
That aside, building on this victory, all of the March 14 forces met yesterday evening in the Bristol Hotel. However, and the Al-Nahar daily pointed it out, the statement ensuing from the gathering fell short of what is aspired by the people; it did not spell out any strategy for moving forward from here...it simply stated that the players within the gathering have discussed specific decisions which will be translated and implemented in the national dialogue meetings, in Parliament and the Cabinet, and on the popular level.
So...now these decisions are a secret? I was just talking about how the Lebanese are "thirsty' for transparency. Long gone the days when the Bristol gatherings spelled out the next moves and got everyone mobilized and prepared...
Moreover, what surprised me the most was when the statement read that the government's initiatives and papers (perhaps alluding to the economic reform paper) used by many factions as a political tool is not but a compilation of general ideas up for negotiations. (afkar awwaliyya 'amma matrooha lil niqash). Really?! All these important meetings taking place in the Cabinet to discuss strategies to solve the electricity, energy, economy, and other issues are just general ideas?
I believe that criticism comes when you care and my criticism of the Bristol gathering statement comes as a result of anticipating concrete and tangible steps that would get us out of the political rut that Lebanon is in right now, of reviving the role that the Bristol gathering played at one point not long ago.
We are so close to May 10, a day of large street movements organized by labor unions and sponsored now by all the pro-Syrian parties. What does the Bristol gathering have planned for that day, we are yet to learn...
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Friday, May 05, 2006
A Plate Full of News
What can I say: in less than one day, we get a lot of news ground to cover.
Two prominent legislations were passed in Parliament yesterday, in a successful show of the parliamentary majority's clout, one was a law that organizes the affairs of the Druze community and the other bill was on "rescusitating" the role of the Constitutional Council.
We must give credit where credit is due: the fact that Aoun's bloc attended the parliamentary session shows that the bloc's MPs believe in participating in the process of political deliberation which is a right and a duty given to MPs by the people, despite Aoun's absence and their rejection of passing these two laws. And the same goes for Amal's bloc. Such move comes in contrast with Hizbullah's bloc which did not attend at all.
However, on Tayyar's website a headline reads as follows: The Parliamentary Majority Won the "Laws" Battle Over the Carcass of Consensual Democracy ('الأكثرية' ربحت معركة القانونين على جثة الديمقراطية التوافقية ) in a show of solidarity with President Lahoud's rejection of the two laws as requiring consensus agreement in the Parliament and not majority rule. FPM is indeed confusing. I thought Aoun is all about majority rules and talks numbers and poll results (70%, etc.) Plus, it is in the Parliament's bylaws that decisions are reached by majority vote.
On another point, Al-Nahar daily published a piece by Ibrahim Bayram which provided insider information on the four rounds of talks between Hariri-Nasrallah. Bayram revealed that Hariri proposed Nasib Lahoud as a presidential candidate; however Nasrallah voiced his disapproval of any candidate affiliated to the March 14 spirit, even though Nassib is a former MP and holds no political role, like that of Butros Harb or Nayla Moawwad, which represents the March 14 coalition.
And for those criticizing PM Seniora for his "accomodationist" stands, yesterday he asked Hizbullah, in response to Nasrallah's fiery speech which rendered the Syrian berms on the Bekaa border as a fabrication, "What does it matter if the berms were erected 5 years ago or five days ago? Isn't this Lebanese territory?"
Further, Geagea escalated the discourse on LBC's Kalam Innass by saying , "Yes, we are calling for Hizbullah's disarmament. Are we insulting someone's faith by saying that?"
And finally, Fortune magazine released an article with an in-depth investigation of the Madina Bank scandal. The article proposes that the late Hariri was assassinated before he was able to reveal the scandal implicating President Lahoud and his family, Syrian President Assad and his family, and tens of other influential intelligence officers.
Analysis of these news items will follow suit.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Two prominent legislations were passed in Parliament yesterday, in a successful show of the parliamentary majority's clout, one was a law that organizes the affairs of the Druze community and the other bill was on "rescusitating" the role of the Constitutional Council.
We must give credit where credit is due: the fact that Aoun's bloc attended the parliamentary session shows that the bloc's MPs believe in participating in the process of political deliberation which is a right and a duty given to MPs by the people, despite Aoun's absence and their rejection of passing these two laws. And the same goes for Amal's bloc. Such move comes in contrast with Hizbullah's bloc which did not attend at all.
However, on Tayyar's website a headline reads as follows: The Parliamentary Majority Won the "Laws" Battle Over the Carcass of Consensual Democracy ('الأكثرية' ربحت معركة القانونين على جثة الديمقراطية التوافقية ) in a show of solidarity with President Lahoud's rejection of the two laws as requiring consensus agreement in the Parliament and not majority rule. FPM is indeed confusing. I thought Aoun is all about majority rules and talks numbers and poll results (70%, etc.) Plus, it is in the Parliament's bylaws that decisions are reached by majority vote.
On another point, Al-Nahar daily published a piece by Ibrahim Bayram which provided insider information on the four rounds of talks between Hariri-Nasrallah. Bayram revealed that Hariri proposed Nasib Lahoud as a presidential candidate; however Nasrallah voiced his disapproval of any candidate affiliated to the March 14 spirit, even though Nassib is a former MP and holds no political role, like that of Butros Harb or Nayla Moawwad, which represents the March 14 coalition.
And for those criticizing PM Seniora for his "accomodationist" stands, yesterday he asked Hizbullah, in response to Nasrallah's fiery speech which rendered the Syrian berms on the Bekaa border as a fabrication, "What does it matter if the berms were erected 5 years ago or five days ago? Isn't this Lebanese territory?"
Further, Geagea escalated the discourse on LBC's Kalam Innass by saying , "Yes, we are calling for Hizbullah's disarmament. Are we insulting someone's faith by saying that?"
And finally, Fortune magazine released an article with an in-depth investigation of the Madina Bank scandal. The article proposes that the late Hariri was assassinated before he was able to reveal the scandal implicating President Lahoud and his family, Syrian President Assad and his family, and tens of other influential intelligence officers.
Analysis of these news items will follow suit.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Lebanon looses again, and as usual, priorities are all messed up!!!
Today, I read a particularly disturbing article on the Daily Star. According to a report, it now appears that one of the few things Lebanese used to be proud of is no more!
Recent evidence suggests that "Lebanese students are falling behind in the key subjects of mathematics and science," according to a report by the World Bank. The country participated in the TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Society) 2003 assessment and the results make disturbing reading.
Five domains in Math and Science were tested and not only did students in Lebanon perform significantly below the international average in the subjects as a whole, but they did not perform higher than average in any of the 10 domains.
Furthermore, Lebanon was outperformed by all the other countries of the region in science. Still more disconcerting is that when achievement is divided into five levels - advanced, high, intermediate, low and below the lowest level - almost no students reached the advanced level in either subject.
In science, 52 percent were below the lowest level and in math 32 percent. This indicates that even the highest quality schools in Lebanon are not producing students who meet international standards.
You know... I used to explain away Lebanon's ridiculous teaching methods (rote learning, lack of creativity, etc...) by saying, "heck... at least the system produces students with good math and science skills." Now though, it appears that even in Math and Science, we suck!
Akh... it's such a shame! Education is going to be another "before the war" lament that I'm going to convey to my grand kids!
Me in 50 years: "You know kids, before the Civil War, Lebanon was the banking center of the Middle East... Lebanon was also referred to by some as the 'Paris of the Middle East'... And, before that damned war, Lebanese were some of the brightest people in the region...."
Grand children: So Grand pa... how did we become such idiots?
Me in 50 years: Well children ... what can I say? We needed to fight Israeli injustice, occupation, colonization, expansionism, etc... and American imperialism, capitalism, corporatism, materialism, etc... and European chauvinism, secularism, liberalism, internationalism, etc ...
Everything else was just trivial ...
The education system, the economy, healthcare, etc... all these issues were not even worth discussion! We had to deal with what really mattered: Geopolitics! And more importantly, we needed to protect our culture from foreign influences! And no matter how dumb we got, the Iranians and the Saudis would send us some oil money to keep us alive.
Besides ... why reform an education system that worked well in the 60s and 70s? Why bother change it with the times? We even got all this money to make ourselves smarter... and rather than waste it in fixing a system that obviously worked, we invested it in advanced research and development! We were such geniuses!!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Energy: most prominent issue in American Politics
By the way... I just wanted to convey to you an experience I had here in the US.
For the past three days in a row, on my way to school/work and back, I tuned on to C-SPAN Radio and NPR. C-SPAN basically covers Hearings, and other events in the US Congress, as well as other developments related to the US Government in gerenal. NPR is the acronym for the National Public Radio - the US version of the BBC.
What was striking, and what I'd like to convey here, is that over the past three days, in relatively random times, and almost without exception, both stations were covering developments and events related to energy, and oil in particular! Republicans, Democrats, Think Tanks, Talk Show Hosts, etc.... Almost every body who's anybody is the DC Area is talking about energy these days.
For the past three days in a row, on my way to school/work and back, I tuned on to C-SPAN Radio and NPR. C-SPAN basically covers Hearings, and other events in the US Congress, as well as other developments related to the US Government in gerenal. NPR is the acronym for the National Public Radio - the US version of the BBC.
What was striking, and what I'd like to convey here, is that over the past three days, in relatively random times, and almost without exception, both stations were covering developments and events related to energy, and oil in particular! Republicans, Democrats, Think Tanks, Talk Show Hosts, etc.... Almost every body who's anybody is the DC Area is talking about energy these days.
The kind of discourse I want to hear!!! And the next steps I would take!
Yesterday, the acting Interior Minister, Ahmad Fatfat issued a formal request to the Syrian authorities to remove Syrian Army units from positions that are one to four kilometers inside of Lebanese territory.
He should have also said: "We do not want to live with another "Security Zone" for the next 10 to 20 years."
Of course, nothing will come of this statement. Fatfat is known to be the loose cannon in the Hariri camp, and they do appear to provide him with some leeway to speak his mind. The frail Saudis are threatened by any signs of increased instability in the region, and the last thing they want is escalation on the Lebanon-Syria front. The Hariris have no choice but to oblige - or lose their income!
What would I have done if I was in control? Well... let me tell you what I would have done.
Do any of you remember that one international incident between Morocco and Spain that revolved around contested islands in the Mediteranean? Morocco basically sent troops to set up camp and create a de facto reality, and then Spain sent its own troops in retaliation. Ultimately, the Spanish troops "arrested" the Moroccans and sent them back home.
Well, if I was in Fatfat or Elias el Murr's shoes, I would do the same. I'd look for a unit of the Lebanese Army that is sitting around, doing nothing. Then I'd send them to that Syrian outpost to arrest the Syrians who have manned it.
Whatever the outcome of that move, I think Lebanon would win. If the Syrians fight back, then the Army unit would retreat. If the unit is able to complete its mission, then all the better.
The point is that the Lebanese government would have taken the initiative to bring the border demarcation issue back into prominence. Furthermore, if the Army sustains pressure on Bashar's regime by repeating this exercise in the different locations of Lebanon where "Syrian outposts" exist, then maybe the Syrians will get tired, and oblige to our demands. The Saudis may be weak, but so is Bashar. The last thing he wants, is to be in the limelight. He's happy living in obscurity in his Damascus cave.
Again, we don't need to have a strong military. We won't be invading Syria. All we'll be doing is asserting Lebanese sovereignty. And in the process adding fuel to the flame that Bashar is sitting on at the moment!
Frankly, Lebanon has nothing to lose; and this political/military move would hit two birds with one stone - both as a worthy end in and of itself and as a means to pressure an adversary.
"We have asked the governor of the Bekaa (in eastern Lebanon), Antoine Soleiman, to promptly engage in contacts with the governor of the suburbs of Damascus to ask him ... to remove the sand berms, which have all been placed on Lebanese territory," AFPWhat tickled me the most was Ahmad Fatfat's following comment regarding the Syrian transgression,
Go Fatfat!!!!"If these sand berms, which were probably meant to fight smuggling on the border, are necessary, then they should be erected on the border or inside Syrian territory,"
"The problem is that they are on Lebanese territory, and we do not want, after some time, to be a facing a 'new Shebaa Farms'" AFP
He should have also said: "We do not want to live with another "Security Zone" for the next 10 to 20 years."
Of course, nothing will come of this statement. Fatfat is known to be the loose cannon in the Hariri camp, and they do appear to provide him with some leeway to speak his mind. The frail Saudis are threatened by any signs of increased instability in the region, and the last thing they want is escalation on the Lebanon-Syria front. The Hariris have no choice but to oblige - or lose their income!
What would I have done if I was in control? Well... let me tell you what I would have done.
Do any of you remember that one international incident between Morocco and Spain that revolved around contested islands in the Mediteranean? Morocco basically sent troops to set up camp and create a de facto reality, and then Spain sent its own troops in retaliation. Ultimately, the Spanish troops "arrested" the Moroccans and sent them back home.
Well, if I was in Fatfat or Elias el Murr's shoes, I would do the same. I'd look for a unit of the Lebanese Army that is sitting around, doing nothing. Then I'd send them to that Syrian outpost to arrest the Syrians who have manned it.
Whatever the outcome of that move, I think Lebanon would win. If the Syrians fight back, then the Army unit would retreat. If the unit is able to complete its mission, then all the better.
The point is that the Lebanese government would have taken the initiative to bring the border demarcation issue back into prominence. Furthermore, if the Army sustains pressure on Bashar's regime by repeating this exercise in the different locations of Lebanon where "Syrian outposts" exist, then maybe the Syrians will get tired, and oblige to our demands. The Saudis may be weak, but so is Bashar. The last thing he wants, is to be in the limelight. He's happy living in obscurity in his Damascus cave.
Again, we don't need to have a strong military. We won't be invading Syria. All we'll be doing is asserting Lebanese sovereignty. And in the process adding fuel to the flame that Bashar is sitting on at the moment!
Frankly, Lebanon has nothing to lose; and this political/military move would hit two birds with one stone - both as a worthy end in and of itself and as a means to pressure an adversary.
Monday, May 01, 2006
The Forgotten Lebanese Youth
May 1st, 2006: Where are we from the suffocating unemployment epidemic in our country?
Even today, on Labor Day, we will see the March 8 and March 14 groups gathering in separate venues to preach and/or rant about justice and equality. On every single issue, politics and empty slogans get their fair share of representation.
Would anyone bother to ask about percentages and numbers? If we are to ask these questions, I believe that everyone in the political sphere in our country will get an F. Because, there is nothing being done to date to solve the biggest and most entrenched problem in our country, which is unemployment.
Unemployment leads to apathy and emptiness, apathy leads to a fatalistic outlook on life, which in turn leads to youth that carry polarized and extremist world views…and of course we’ll witness from the comfort of our couches, a race to arms and confrontation.
The enthusiasm harnessed from youth on the eve of March 14, which was conveniently used by politicians, has been easily transformed from a peaceful enthusiasm to a monstrous enthusiasm to conquer, subdue, and win over.
And those young Lebanese who do not have an appetite for conquering, subduing, and wining over, have been packing their bags and leaving the country in search of better prospects, while their parents bid them farewell with a smile, happy that their children are out of the danger zone.
Beirut I, Aoun’s aspirations, Lahoud, Hizbullah’s arms, the Shebaa Farms, the Hariri investigation, Syria, Israel, Iran, the debt, the national dialogue, the Maronite representation crisis, the Shiite-Sunni rift….and nowhere do we read, see, or hear about a comprehensive strategy for workforce development and employment.
Let’s start first with those forgotten Lebanese youth who still live in Lebanon, and then those living abroad can return and bring their brains and/or money along.
But when I write "Let's", who is "us"? Does the "us" have any power in Lebanon at the moment? Perhaps instead of going around the country collecting signatures to impeach President Lahoud, a campaign that turned out to be useless and futile at best, Lebanese journalists, politicians, and wives of politicians should have toured the country to collect signatures for a petition that reads:
"AS A LEBANESE CITIZEN, I DEMAND FROM MY STATE BASIC JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE, JOB PLACEMENT SERVICES, AND JOB TRAINING TO ASSUME A JOB...IN MY COUNTRY."
(Note: And for those who ask, I'm not in any shape or form advocating replacing market mechanisms, but advocating for a more "facilitator" role on the part of the state, within a public-private partnership framework, to help move the country and its people forward. Just think how simple it could be to install computers with internet access in some remote towns in Lebanon and provide access to Lebanese with a country-wide employer database, a job bank of sorts, to help facilitate job searches, and in turn, employers would be benefitting from that service as well by being matched with a pool of Lebanese applicants.)
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Even today, on Labor Day, we will see the March 8 and March 14 groups gathering in separate venues to preach and/or rant about justice and equality. On every single issue, politics and empty slogans get their fair share of representation.
Would anyone bother to ask about percentages and numbers? If we are to ask these questions, I believe that everyone in the political sphere in our country will get an F. Because, there is nothing being done to date to solve the biggest and most entrenched problem in our country, which is unemployment.
Unemployment leads to apathy and emptiness, apathy leads to a fatalistic outlook on life, which in turn leads to youth that carry polarized and extremist world views…and of course we’ll witness from the comfort of our couches, a race to arms and confrontation.
The enthusiasm harnessed from youth on the eve of March 14, which was conveniently used by politicians, has been easily transformed from a peaceful enthusiasm to a monstrous enthusiasm to conquer, subdue, and win over.
And those young Lebanese who do not have an appetite for conquering, subduing, and wining over, have been packing their bags and leaving the country in search of better prospects, while their parents bid them farewell with a smile, happy that their children are out of the danger zone.
Beirut I, Aoun’s aspirations, Lahoud, Hizbullah’s arms, the Shebaa Farms, the Hariri investigation, Syria, Israel, Iran, the debt, the national dialogue, the Maronite representation crisis, the Shiite-Sunni rift….and nowhere do we read, see, or hear about a comprehensive strategy for workforce development and employment.
Let’s start first with those forgotten Lebanese youth who still live in Lebanon, and then those living abroad can return and bring their brains and/or money along.
But when I write "Let's", who is "us"? Does the "us" have any power in Lebanon at the moment? Perhaps instead of going around the country collecting signatures to impeach President Lahoud, a campaign that turned out to be useless and futile at best, Lebanese journalists, politicians, and wives of politicians should have toured the country to collect signatures for a petition that reads:
"AS A LEBANESE CITIZEN, I DEMAND FROM MY STATE BASIC JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE, JOB PLACEMENT SERVICES, AND JOB TRAINING TO ASSUME A JOB...IN MY COUNTRY."
(Note: And for those who ask, I'm not in any shape or form advocating replacing market mechanisms, but advocating for a more "facilitator" role on the part of the state, within a public-private partnership framework, to help move the country and its people forward. Just think how simple it could be to install computers with internet access in some remote towns in Lebanon and provide access to Lebanese with a country-wide employer database, a job bank of sorts, to help facilitate job searches, and in turn, employers would be benefitting from that service as well by being matched with a pool of Lebanese applicants.)
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Are the Hiwar sessions the beginnings of a Lebanese Senate?
A comment by an anonymous commenter on my last entry regarding the impotence of the Lebanese Parliament raised the very interesting prospect that the Hiwar sessions may be the impetus needed to finally create the Lebanese Senate. In her or his own words,
I agree with this assessment, but I do have some worries - especially considering the way the Hiwar sessions have played out.
A lot of Lebanese (some even on this blog) openly question the benefits of a Confessional Senate and a Deconfessional Chamber of Deputies because they argue that the Chamber will simply revert to a rubber-stamp body. The real politics, they argue, will play out in the Senate, and the Chamber's significance will be parallel to that of the AUB student government.
The Hiwar sessions have reinforced that fear. Not only have they completely overshadowed Parliament, but the sessions have replaced Parliament and its institutions altogether. Ask yourselves: when was the last time you heard of MP Mosbah el Ahdab? This despite his relatively prominent role in the March 14 movement. What about Samir Franjieh?
If their fate is what awaits a parliament that shares political space with the Lebanese Senate, then to hell with the Senate. We may as well live with one legislative body without the distraction created by another rubber stamp body.
On the other hand, the potential of a Senate simply cannot be ignored. The following are some words of advice that need to be taken to heart especially considering the way politics have played out over the past year.
"If implemented correctly," unanimity will not be the prerequisite to passing laws or voting for Presidents in the Senate. This ridiculous notion that we all have to come to agreement on certain "strategic," "life or death" issues is ridiculous!
Minorities can be protected by laws, not by manipulating, or altogether disposing of Democratic institutions. The Senate must work on a majority-minority basis, as opposed to unanimity, which merely leads to the grid-lock we have become all-to-familiar with today.
In fact, this notion that we need unanimity is one of the most significant successes of Hizballah over the past year.
I wonder what they mean by "consequences!" This type of behavior cannot continue in Lebanon.
In fact, the dilemma of "who is Lebanese or what constitutes Lebanese interests" can be answered in a very simple fashion. A politician behaves in Lebanon's interests when she or he accepts the output of its political institutions. In other words, if you loose a political battle you fought (fair and square) under existing rules, you must accept defeat and move on. If you win, good for you.
No cause ought to be "holier" than the institutions because it is the institutions that manifest the idea of Lebanon in the realm of reality! Only then will a Senate work.
The Taif Agreement called for the creation of a Senate, and the de-confessionalisation of the chamber of deputies.
I think this hiwar would make an excellent Senate, if properly implemented. Not only will it give the religious communities some participation in politics, it will also eliminate the resistance to de-confessionalising the Parliament.
I agree with this assessment, but I do have some worries - especially considering the way the Hiwar sessions have played out.
A lot of Lebanese (some even on this blog) openly question the benefits of a Confessional Senate and a Deconfessional Chamber of Deputies because they argue that the Chamber will simply revert to a rubber-stamp body. The real politics, they argue, will play out in the Senate, and the Chamber's significance will be parallel to that of the AUB student government.
The Hiwar sessions have reinforced that fear. Not only have they completely overshadowed Parliament, but the sessions have replaced Parliament and its institutions altogether. Ask yourselves: when was the last time you heard of MP Mosbah el Ahdab? This despite his relatively prominent role in the March 14 movement. What about Samir Franjieh?
If their fate is what awaits a parliament that shares political space with the Lebanese Senate, then to hell with the Senate. We may as well live with one legislative body without the distraction created by another rubber stamp body.
On the other hand, the potential of a Senate simply cannot be ignored. The following are some words of advice that need to be taken to heart especially considering the way politics have played out over the past year.
"If implemented correctly," unanimity will not be the prerequisite to passing laws or voting for Presidents in the Senate. This ridiculous notion that we all have to come to agreement on certain "strategic," "life or death" issues is ridiculous!
Minorities can be protected by laws, not by manipulating, or altogether disposing of Democratic institutions. The Senate must work on a majority-minority basis, as opposed to unanimity, which merely leads to the grid-lock we have become all-to-familiar with today.
In fact, this notion that we need unanimity is one of the most significant successes of Hizballah over the past year.
...The majority can go ahead and excercise its rights, but it will have to deal with the consequences...
I wonder what they mean by "consequences!" This type of behavior cannot continue in Lebanon.
In fact, the dilemma of "who is Lebanese or what constitutes Lebanese interests" can be answered in a very simple fashion. A politician behaves in Lebanon's interests when she or he accepts the output of its political institutions. In other words, if you loose a political battle you fought (fair and square) under existing rules, you must accept defeat and move on. If you win, good for you.
No cause ought to be "holier" than the institutions because it is the institutions that manifest the idea of Lebanon in the realm of reality! Only then will a Senate work.
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