The funerals grow bigger as the coffins grow smaller. The only static facts are that Israel wants peace and these are the birth pangs for a new middle east!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Chiyah
The funerals grow bigger as the coffins grow smaller. The only static facts are that Israel wants peace and these are the birth pangs for a new middle east!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Forever Loubnan Al-Moukaddas
These are excerpts of what I wrote last year in August of 2005 when I was back in Lebanon. Call it nostalgia mixed with sorrow, mixed with hints of the 2006 summer that was to come....I have nothing new to write and would definitely at the moment defer to how I felt and thought back in the days. My heart is filled with fear and pain for my beloved Loubnan.
Forever, Loubnan Al-Moukaddas.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Lebanon, the small, beautiful country, the larger-than-life country, is too good to be true sometimes. Lebanon is beautiful like a dream. I've talked to many and funnilly enough, many are optimistic, and many are not. Many have bought in to the national reconciliation mantra, and many have become ultra-sectarian, it is but confusing to say which side is winning!
When you don't read the newspapers, Lebanon is the way it is...just Lebanon, the Lebanon we all love. But just when you read the news, it is inevitable to be disturbed. The dark forces in our country are slowly getting emboldened. I hope we can stand in their way. Can we?
Lebanon is weak, a sick-man, susceptible to all the viruses one can think of. Are we able to give it an immunization shot once and for all? I believe, if we can work together. We'll wait and see. But I'll remind myself everyday, that now in order to understand what will happen to our country, we have to keep up with the news around us. So let's keep our eyes open.
Less than 24 hours before I leave this beloved country, Lebanon. I must say that I have decided--this is the place I want to be my home, this is where I want to live. No romanticism, no idealism...it's reality and it becomes clearer the older I get....
Lebanon--it's the fertile ground for change, for opportunities. We should all start planning the return. We should! No doubt! It would be a shame to leave it behind, when it is so thirsty for our minds, for our endless energy, and optimism...I can smell the fresh scent of the Pine Tree from the hills of Bhamdoun-El-Mhatta.
Forever, Loubnan Al-Moukaddas.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
a letter from home
A dear friend sent this e-mail to me earlier today. This war needs to stop now!
Raja habibi,
I miss you a lot and sometimes I sit and think how I missed a fabulous summer with you....
They have been bombing Saida’s Palestinian camp (which is close to my parents) and the situation is not promising at all. They can not get out because of several reasons, mainly because of my father’s condition. He is still too weak to move around and too stubborn to leave.The children had their first fright night this morning when they bombed the camp. Electricity hours are getting less and less, and it is difficult in the evenings when the mosquitoes are around and not able to use insecticide plates (because of lack of electricity).
My sleeping pattern has gone wacky and I have mild depression. A combination of: job -related insecure future; being locked in my friend’s apartment (away from Beirut), transportation is too hard for all because there is little fuel; unable to work and get around (as a result); the war itself (concerns about family's life and father’s well being); seeing what is going on in other towns and areas of Lebanon which is really really sad and sickening....
what can I say?! God is placing us and testing us in another war like situation but this time the responsibilities have shifted in my family.
...
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Lebanon's government - the only way out!
Yesterday was a noteworthy day because the Lebanese government pushed forward a proposal to finally send the Lebanese Army into southern Lebanon with the objective of filling the vacuum that would ensue from an immediate Israeli withdrawal. Although not explicit, the Lebanese government also stated that Hizballah would remove its militia from the Southern border as well (numerous officials claimed that the Lebanese Army would be the only armed presence in the South).
Most people though, missed the more important development that took place yesterday – one that was subtle, but nevertheless fundamental in importance.
The major news of the day, for me at least, was the Lebanese government’s actual act of proposing a solution, as opposed to the solution itself. As if to emphasize that point even more, foreign ministers from all over the region traveled to Beirut, despite the war, and held their conference in the Lebanese Serrail (House of the Lebanese Government). These ministers’ apparently exclusive role was to show support for the Lebanese government, and to support a Lebanese initiative to bring this conflict to an end.
The message was clear, and very much needed: the way out of this mess is through the Lebanese state. Only the Lebanese state can absorb the remnants of Hizballah's military wing and subordinate it. More importantly however, the Lebanese state can only do so if it is given the opportunity, and provided with the needed resources and moral support.
Time is not on its side though. Every extra day the conflict lasts, it loses its legitimacy as a result of its impotence, and its resources are stretched to the point where even its current humanitarian functions become untenable.
I hope those seeking a diplomatic solution in New York remember that reality as they try to arrive at an agreement: the only way out of this mess is the Lebanese state. There is no other choice.
Most people though, missed the more important development that took place yesterday – one that was subtle, but nevertheless fundamental in importance.
The major news of the day, for me at least, was the Lebanese government’s actual act of proposing a solution, as opposed to the solution itself. As if to emphasize that point even more, foreign ministers from all over the region traveled to Beirut, despite the war, and held their conference in the Lebanese Serrail (House of the Lebanese Government). These ministers’ apparently exclusive role was to show support for the Lebanese government, and to support a Lebanese initiative to bring this conflict to an end.
The message was clear, and very much needed: the way out of this mess is through the Lebanese state. Only the Lebanese state can absorb the remnants of Hizballah's military wing and subordinate it. More importantly however, the Lebanese state can only do so if it is given the opportunity, and provided with the needed resources and moral support.
Time is not on its side though. Every extra day the conflict lasts, it loses its legitimacy as a result of its impotence, and its resources are stretched to the point where even its current humanitarian functions become untenable.
I hope those seeking a diplomatic solution in New York remember that reality as they try to arrive at an agreement: the only way out of this mess is the Lebanese state. There is no other choice.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Sending Troops To The South
The Lebanese Government has unanimously agreed to deploy 15,000 Lebanese troops on the southern border once the Israeli Defense Forces leave Lebanon.
The question now is: Is this a trap for the Lebanese Army? Will Hizbullah agree to hand its arms to the Army? Will they fight the Army for their weapons?...
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
The question now is: Is this a trap for the Lebanese Army? Will Hizbullah agree to hand its arms to the Army? Will they fight the Army for their weapons?...
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Our Arabness Is Not Conditional
I couldn't help myself but cry with my Prime Minister Seniora, as he cried too.
As he addressed the emergency Arab Foreign Ministers meeting in Beirut, he choked on the words: "Our Arabness is not conditional. It is not by force, but a choice." (Ouroubatouna laysat mashroota. Innaha laysat bil irgham, la bal bil ikhtiyar)
Very powerful words and very true. How much did my country pay the price for standing by its Arab identity? I believe more than any other Arab country.
To be Arab, we housed the Palestinian Liberation Organization, when other Arab countries expelled them. To be Arab, we got invaded by Israel time and time again and our lands occupied by them for 22 years. To be Arab, we fought each other for 20 years in a bloody civil war. To be Arab, we lived years through Syrian intelligence domination. To be Arab, we housed the last bastion of resistance, Hizbullah, when Jordan, Egypt and Syria, bordering Israel, have never had a shot fired across their borders since 1974. To be Arab, we had to live through years after the Israeli withdrawal from the south not knowing whether the Shebaa Farms are Lebanese or Syrian. To be Arab, we were not given Arab support to send the Lebanese Army to the south. To be Arab, so many more issues were taboo to discuss and resolve.
For the first time, live before the whole world, PM Seniora said these words to the Arab Ministers. He choked, cried, wiped his tears and continued on. Some of the attendants looked embarassed and moved.
It's a choice, a choice we have made to stand by our Arab identity. And it's also a choice we've made to be pluralistic and democratic, a choice to be open and modern, a choice to be a message of coexistence for the whole world.
Israel is a democratic state, but not pluralistic; it's a state for the Jews. And Syria, our other neighbor, is an authoritarian state that subscribes to one creed, Assadist Baathism.
It is a difficult choice we the Lebanese have made: we want to be different; part of the Arab world, yet different, democratic, yet pluralistic. Lebanon: the house of many mansions, and the death toll rises....
Update: It turns out that the Arab Foreign Ministers meeting came up with something more than just a statement - a group of Foreign Ministers are heading to New York to work with Security Council members rallying support for the Lebanese government's seven-point plan that aims at reaching a comprehensive solution to all hostilities.
Update 2: The Lebanese government has ordered in those who served in the Lebanese Army the past 5 years. Is this the first step towards sending the Army to the south?
Update 3: News sources are saying that Syrian Foreign Minister Moallem did not agree with supporting the Arab Foreign Ministers meeting's official statement, which endorses the Lebanese government's 7-point plan and which stressed on ALL Lebanese people's resistance towards Israeli aggression, instead of just hailing Hizbullah's resistance. The 7-point plan includes a provision to turn in the Shebaa Farms to the UN until it's resolved whether it's Syrian or Lebanese territories.
To Moallem: What were you thinking? That you're coming to Lebanon so all could bow to your demands? So you could challenge the 7-point plan and keep some gambling cards up your sleeve?
I should just say that our PM Seniora was decent enough to repel the rumors in his press conference that you left early because you were disgruntled. It turns out that the rumors were true!
And yes the reserves called up will be heading to the south. May God be with them!
Update 4: Shiyyah was hit, a heavily populated area, in the evening, when everyone is huddled home. The footage of the carnage is scary. Rescuers are scrambling around the rubble to save who can be saved. 10 are reported dead and more than 30 wounded.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
As he addressed the emergency Arab Foreign Ministers meeting in Beirut, he choked on the words: "Our Arabness is not conditional. It is not by force, but a choice." (Ouroubatouna laysat mashroota. Innaha laysat bil irgham, la bal bil ikhtiyar)
Very powerful words and very true. How much did my country pay the price for standing by its Arab identity? I believe more than any other Arab country.
To be Arab, we housed the Palestinian Liberation Organization, when other Arab countries expelled them. To be Arab, we got invaded by Israel time and time again and our lands occupied by them for 22 years. To be Arab, we fought each other for 20 years in a bloody civil war. To be Arab, we lived years through Syrian intelligence domination. To be Arab, we housed the last bastion of resistance, Hizbullah, when Jordan, Egypt and Syria, bordering Israel, have never had a shot fired across their borders since 1974. To be Arab, we had to live through years after the Israeli withdrawal from the south not knowing whether the Shebaa Farms are Lebanese or Syrian. To be Arab, we were not given Arab support to send the Lebanese Army to the south. To be Arab, so many more issues were taboo to discuss and resolve.
For the first time, live before the whole world, PM Seniora said these words to the Arab Ministers. He choked, cried, wiped his tears and continued on. Some of the attendants looked embarassed and moved.
It's a choice, a choice we have made to stand by our Arab identity. And it's also a choice we've made to be pluralistic and democratic, a choice to be open and modern, a choice to be a message of coexistence for the whole world.
Israel is a democratic state, but not pluralistic; it's a state for the Jews. And Syria, our other neighbor, is an authoritarian state that subscribes to one creed, Assadist Baathism.
It is a difficult choice we the Lebanese have made: we want to be different; part of the Arab world, yet different, democratic, yet pluralistic. Lebanon: the house of many mansions, and the death toll rises....
Update: It turns out that the Arab Foreign Ministers meeting came up with something more than just a statement - a group of Foreign Ministers are heading to New York to work with Security Council members rallying support for the Lebanese government's seven-point plan that aims at reaching a comprehensive solution to all hostilities.
Update 2: The Lebanese government has ordered in those who served in the Lebanese Army the past 5 years. Is this the first step towards sending the Army to the south?
Update 3: News sources are saying that Syrian Foreign Minister Moallem did not agree with supporting the Arab Foreign Ministers meeting's official statement, which endorses the Lebanese government's 7-point plan and which stressed on ALL Lebanese people's resistance towards Israeli aggression, instead of just hailing Hizbullah's resistance. The 7-point plan includes a provision to turn in the Shebaa Farms to the UN until it's resolved whether it's Syrian or Lebanese territories.
To Moallem: What were you thinking? That you're coming to Lebanon so all could bow to your demands? So you could challenge the 7-point plan and keep some gambling cards up your sleeve?
I should just say that our PM Seniora was decent enough to repel the rumors in his press conference that you left early because you were disgruntled. It turns out that the rumors were true!
And yes the reserves called up will be heading to the south. May God be with them!
Update 4: Shiyyah was hit, a heavily populated area, in the evening, when everyone is huddled home. The footage of the carnage is scary. Rescuers are scrambling around the rubble to save who can be saved. 10 are reported dead and more than 30 wounded.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Two Demonstrations In PARIS
There two demonstrations taking place in PARIS.
Monday, August 7 at 7:00PM next to the Fontaine Des Innocents, sponsored by Amnesty International to urge the international community to pressure for an immediate ceasefire.
Tuesday, August 8 at 7:00PM at the Place de la Bastille, for All Lebanese and friends of the Lebanese in support of Lebanon and a call for an immediate ceasefire without conditions.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Syria speaks up - woohoow!
In a recent press conference, Walid Mouallem, Syrian Foreign Minister said that
Moallem also said that
Syria has just raised the ante. They have, in effect, stated that if the resolution to this conflict does not suit its interest, it is not only ready to continue this war through Hizballah (i.e. morph it into a long-term war of attrition against Israel in Lebanese territory; something they calculate the Israelis desperately want to avoid), but it is willing, and apparently capable of fomenting civil war in Lebanon.
As for Mouallem's little comment concerning a regional war; well, it was just for consumption. You see: the Syrian regime needs to show the Arab street that it is willing to stand up to, and fight the Israelis. It can afford to flutter its wings like that because they know that nobody in this world wants the conflict to expand beyond its current confines (i.e. the confines of that sucker of nation called Lebanon). But guess what? The "Arab street" is stupid enough to buy it!
Oh yeah! The Syrians DEFINITELY have the interests of the Lebanese people at heart! They LOVE the Lebanese people! The sisterly/brotherly/cousinly/etc... Lebanese people!
"If we don't get what we want, we'll foment a new Lebanese civil war because we have Lebanese interests at heart" AWESOME!!!! Now that's what I call LOOOOVE!
the draft U.N. resolution is not “balanced” and is a "recipe for the continuation of the (current) war because 'it is not fair for Lebanon' (i.e. Syria)" and also "civil war" in Lebanon, which 'nobody, nobody, nobody' wants except Israel (i.e. Syria) ...
Moallem also said that
Damascus was ready for regional war and will respond "immediately" to any Israeli attack
Syria has just raised the ante. They have, in effect, stated that if the resolution to this conflict does not suit its interest, it is not only ready to continue this war through Hizballah (i.e. morph it into a long-term war of attrition against Israel in Lebanese territory; something they calculate the Israelis desperately want to avoid), but it is willing, and apparently capable of fomenting civil war in Lebanon.
As for Mouallem's little comment concerning a regional war; well, it was just for consumption. You see: the Syrian regime needs to show the Arab street that it is willing to stand up to, and fight the Israelis. It can afford to flutter its wings like that because they know that nobody in this world wants the conflict to expand beyond its current confines (i.e. the confines of that sucker of nation called Lebanon). But guess what? The "Arab street" is stupid enough to buy it!
Oh yeah! The Syrians DEFINITELY have the interests of the Lebanese people at heart! They LOVE the Lebanese people! The sisterly/brotherly/cousinly/etc... Lebanese people!
"If we don't get what we want, we'll foment a new Lebanese civil war because we have Lebanese interests at heart" AWESOME!!!! Now that's what I call LOOOOVE!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Ballance of "terror" indeed...
Thus far, in this conflict, Hizballah has fired 3000 rockets into Israel with the explicit intention of killing civilians in retaliation for the death of Lebanese civilians - who the Israelis claim were killed unintentionally, as they were merely caught in the cross fire, or mistakenly targetted.
Those 3000 rockets have killed 33 Israeli civilians - as compared to the Lebanese civilian toll, which is quickly climbing up to a thousand deaths, with several times as many injuries.
My question to the high and mighty Hizballah is: whatever happened to the "balance of terror" that you promised would "protect Lebanon from Israeli aggression?"
Two days ago (or yesterday), when I heard Nasrallah "threaten" the Israelis that he would hit Tel Aviv if the Israelis hit Central Beirut, two thoughts came to my mind:
Its proclaimed ability to protect Lebanon from Israel has summed up to nothing more than causing a fraction of the damage to Israel in retaliation. All Hizballah can claim any kind of credit for is its ability to protect itself, and avoid elimination - small consolation to the rest of us.
Those 3000 rockets have killed 33 Israeli civilians - as compared to the Lebanese civilian toll, which is quickly climbing up to a thousand deaths, with several times as many injuries.
My question to the high and mighty Hizballah is: whatever happened to the "balance of terror" that you promised would "protect Lebanon from Israeli aggression?"
Two days ago (or yesterday), when I heard Nasrallah "threaten" the Israelis that he would hit Tel Aviv if the Israelis hit Central Beirut, two thoughts came to my mind:
- This pompous (...) actually believes that the reason the Israelis aren't hitting Central Beirut is because of him and his "detterence capabilities"!!! How delusional can he get???
- The man is brilliant: He knows the Israelis are not going to hit Central Beirut, and he wants to take credit for it - in preparation for the political tug of war that will materialize within Lebanon after the guns fall silent.
Its proclaimed ability to protect Lebanon from Israel has summed up to nothing more than causing a fraction of the damage to Israel in retaliation. All Hizballah can claim any kind of credit for is its ability to protect itself, and avoid elimination - small consolation to the rest of us.
Security Council Resolution Agreed Upon
Finally. France and the US have agreed to the details of a Security Council Resolution to end the current violence between Hizballah and Israel. The Council will meet today to discuss the resolution. The vote will take place on Teusday.
What I know thus far: It calls for a cessassion of hostilities, and gives Israel the right to retaliate if Hizballah attacks.
Something else I know: We are going to witness a major escalation before the Security Council votes on the resolution this Teusday.
Q: Is there a difference between "cease fire" and "cessassion of hostilities?" Or is it just semantics?
A: Apparently, it is not merely semantics. A cessassion of hostilities constitutes a first step in working towards a cease fire. It effectively calls for an end to violence without the official declaration of a cease fire.
Hizballah Responds: Hizballah official just declared (11:39 EST) that the organization will continue fighting as long as Israeli troops remain on Lebanese soil.
What I know thus far: It calls for a cessassion of hostilities, and gives Israel the right to retaliate if Hizballah attacks.
Something else I know: We are going to witness a major escalation before the Security Council votes on the resolution this Teusday.
Q: Is there a difference between "cease fire" and "cessassion of hostilities?" Or is it just semantics?
A: Apparently, it is not merely semantics. A cessassion of hostilities constitutes a first step in working towards a cease fire. It effectively calls for an end to violence without the official declaration of a cease fire.
Hizballah Responds: Hizballah official just declared (11:39 EST) that the organization will continue fighting as long as Israeli troops remain on Lebanese soil.
Vigil in Washington DC
The Lebanese American Community of the Washington Metropolitan Area
In association with
Arab American Associations and Human Rights Activists
Is organizing a
Silent Vigil
In Protest of the Invasion of Lebanon and
In commemoration of the Qana Massacre …one week after
Date: Sunday August 6th
Time: 8:00– 10:00 pm
Location: We will meet in Farragut Square Park at K Street and Connecticut Ave, NW – across the street from Farragut North Metro Station. Then at sunset, we will walk as a group to the White House with lighted candles where the vigil will end at 10 PM.
The purpose of the Vigil is:
- To demand an immediate cease fire in Lebanon
- To mourn and express outrage at the loss of innocent civilian lives in Lebanon
- To condemn the internal displacement of one third of the population of Lebanon
- To deplore the systematic destruction of the country
What you can do:
- Please come in large numbers; women, men and children
- Spread the word!
- Bring American and Lebanese flags
- Wear black or white
Friday, August 04, 2006
Bridges Close To Home Destroyed
Woke up to hear devestating news. Israeli warplanes shattered bridges linking the north with Beirut.
Fidar Bridge in Jbeil (Byblos)
The Casino Bridge and Ghazir Bridge in Jounieh-Maameltein
Madfoun Bridge in Batroun
Five people died and many are wounded. A 23-year old guy, whom my family knows, died as he was driving back home from his work in Beirut.
As a result of the shelling, empty fields in Adma burned. Of course, that's only a fraction of the shelling that's going on around in the country.
I called home. There is fear to travel long distances now. And when civilians rush to the banks for money, they're not allowed to retrieve dollars, just liras. You can't even retrieve 1,000 dollars now.
Everyday brings in something new, yet another twist to the bloody plot. And the question in my head is why are the Israeli warplanes going to "non-combat" areas? Why are they further isolating the Lebanese from each other and from the outside world? The Lebanese people do not deserve all that, they don't.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Fidar Bridge in Jbeil (Byblos)
The Casino Bridge and Ghazir Bridge in Jounieh-Maameltein
Madfoun Bridge in Batroun
Five people died and many are wounded. A 23-year old guy, whom my family knows, died as he was driving back home from his work in Beirut.
As a result of the shelling, empty fields in Adma burned. Of course, that's only a fraction of the shelling that's going on around in the country.
I called home. There is fear to travel long distances now. And when civilians rush to the banks for money, they're not allowed to retrieve dollars, just liras. You can't even retrieve 1,000 dollars now.
Everyday brings in something new, yet another twist to the bloody plot. And the question in my head is why are the Israeli warplanes going to "non-combat" areas? Why are they further isolating the Lebanese from each other and from the outside world? The Lebanese people do not deserve all that, they don't.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Back to the good ol' days
Ohhhh I am so thrilled!
Apparently, the Europeans have been talking to Syria all along! Our "brothers" in Damascus watch Lebanon burn and drool like an animal infected with rabies! All they see is an opportunity to return back to Lebanese soil and impose their suffocating rule.
AFP reports that Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said, after a meeting with Assad and his clique that
Apparently, the Europeans have been talking to Syria all along! Our "brothers" in Damascus watch Lebanon burn and drool like an animal infected with rabies! All they see is an opportunity to return back to Lebanese soil and impose their suffocating rule.
AFP reports that Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said, after a meeting with Assad and his clique that
"The Syrian authorities are going to exercise all their influence over Hezbollah and over the various actors" in the conflict...
However, he told reporters, Syrian leaders want a "change in the circumstances and the political-military context in which Lebanon lives."
"Syria wants to be part of the solution. Syria doesn't want to be part of the problem."
So, Syria wants to "be part of the solution," eh? And it wants "a change in the circumstances and the political-military context in which Lebanon lives," as well.
Yay for Lebanon! We're all going back to good al' days of Assad posters in Beirut's streets, nobody saying anything bad about anybody Syrian, and losing control of our fates. Yay!!!
Let me start practicing: "I love Syria" ... "I love Bashar" ... "I love Hafez" ... "I love Bassel" ...
Thank you International Community. Thank you Israel. Thank you Nasrallah. Thank you all.
Where are we going?
The Israelis say that they need a couple of weeks to wrap up their operations. Once they're done, they'll leave a destroyed Lebanon behind them, over a thousand individuals who no longer live among us on this planet, a Hizaballah that is weaker militarily but politically untouchable!
Sometimes I wonder how stupid people in leadership positions can be - and how obsessed over certain issues they become. For Israelis today, the obsession is: we cannot leave without a "decisive victory" over Hizballah. "Whatever the cost, we NEED a decisive victory." We need it because we don’t want “the savages” to perceive us as wimps. Does it not occur to these people that the cost of teaching “the savages” a lesson may actually outweigh the benefits???
Yesterday, according to the Washington Post, Lebanese Acting Foreign Minister Tarek Mitri said that he doubts his government would agree to invite a European-led intervention force into southern Lebanon, citing fierce opposition from Hezbollah and its key foreign backers, Syria and Iran. Mitri also said that “no solution” to the current violence in Lebanon can be found without the participation of Syria and Iran in the search for a political settlement.
Does that man sound like he is in a politically strong position? Does he sound like he has the upper hand in his battle to stamp out Syrian and Iranian influence inside of Lebanon?
You tell me!
So what did the Israelis accomplish over the last two weeks? 1) They killed around a thousand Lebanese, 2) they flattened entire neighborhoods, villages and towns resulting in over 750,000 displaced people 3) they crippled Lebanon's infrastructure - taking the country back to the damn stone age, 4) and last but not least, they destroyed the first and only proudly secular, liberal political and social movement in the entire Middle East. A movement that effectively stood up to fundamentalists, and at the very least, looked them eye-to-eye and contained them.
I am very aware that Israelis visit this site. So my message to those visitors is that you not only destroyed the dreams of an entire generation of Lebanese (i.e. my own, and probably my children's). But, you guys and your government just shot yourselves in the foot! And I don't mean merely with one shot. No! I mean, you guys got an M-16 rifle, put it on full automatic and shot both your feet to smithereens.
Your reckless “shock-and-awe” military campaign ultimately turned a political-military organization that you hate into the Arab World’s hero; and in doing so, you have only increased the influence of your arch-nemesis, Iran. Ultimately, the biggest losers are the Lebanese people, and the hope they manifested in a region characterized overwhelmingly by hopelessness and depression.
Whoohooo! Great Job Folks!
Sometimes I wonder how stupid people in leadership positions can be - and how obsessed over certain issues they become. For Israelis today, the obsession is: we cannot leave without a "decisive victory" over Hizballah. "Whatever the cost, we NEED a decisive victory." We need it because we don’t want “the savages” to perceive us as wimps. Does it not occur to these people that the cost of teaching “the savages” a lesson may actually outweigh the benefits???
Yesterday, according to the Washington Post, Lebanese Acting Foreign Minister Tarek Mitri said that he doubts his government would agree to invite a European-led intervention force into southern Lebanon, citing fierce opposition from Hezbollah and its key foreign backers, Syria and Iran. Mitri also said that “no solution” to the current violence in Lebanon can be found without the participation of Syria and Iran in the search for a political settlement.
Does that man sound like he is in a politically strong position? Does he sound like he has the upper hand in his battle to stamp out Syrian and Iranian influence inside of Lebanon?
You tell me!
So what did the Israelis accomplish over the last two weeks? 1) They killed around a thousand Lebanese, 2) they flattened entire neighborhoods, villages and towns resulting in over 750,000 displaced people 3) they crippled Lebanon's infrastructure - taking the country back to the damn stone age, 4) and last but not least, they destroyed the first and only proudly secular, liberal political and social movement in the entire Middle East. A movement that effectively stood up to fundamentalists, and at the very least, looked them eye-to-eye and contained them.
I am very aware that Israelis visit this site. So my message to those visitors is that you not only destroyed the dreams of an entire generation of Lebanese (i.e. my own, and probably my children's). But, you guys and your government just shot yourselves in the foot! And I don't mean merely with one shot. No! I mean, you guys got an M-16 rifle, put it on full automatic and shot both your feet to smithereens.
Your reckless “shock-and-awe” military campaign ultimately turned a political-military organization that you hate into the Arab World’s hero; and in doing so, you have only increased the influence of your arch-nemesis, Iran. Ultimately, the biggest losers are the Lebanese people, and the hope they manifested in a region characterized overwhelmingly by hopelessness and depression.
Whoohooo! Great Job Folks!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
In Walid Jumblatt's Words
The Financial Times ran a story today about Lebanon based on an interview they conducted with Walid Jumblatt, one of the more prominent leaders of Lebanon's Cedar Revolution. I'd like to thank Lebanonwire for bringing the story to my attention.
Here is a selection of what I thought to be the most important sections of a very bleak outlook for Lebanon's future:
Here is a selection of what I thought to be the most important sections of a very bleak outlook for Lebanon's future:
...the conflict between Israel and Hizbollah guerrillas had dealt a fatal blow to Lebanese hopes of a strong independent state, free of Iranian and Syrian influence.
[Walid Jumblatt] accused [Hizballah] of working to an Iranian and Syrian timetable when it kidnapped two Israeli soldiers on July 12, triggering a devastating Israeli retaliation.
But he said that like many Lebanese he had to support the Shia movement in its resistance against “brutal Israeli aggression”....
“After the 12 July, Lebanon is now unfortunately being entrenched solidly into the Syrian-Iranian axis,” he said. “The hopes of a stable, prosperous Lebanon where we could attract investments is over for now. It is a fatal blow for confidence.”
...
Last year [Jumblatt] emerged as one of the Syrian regime’s fiercest opponents in an alliance of groups that came together following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and led a coalition government following the elections.At that time, [he] held out hope that a new wave of democratic activism was sweeping the Arab world.
But on Tuesday he offered a bleak and outspoken assessment of the prospects for Lebanon.
He said among Syrian-backed politicians there was already talk of forming an emergency government to replace Prime Minister Fouad Siniora’s coalition. He said he feared that an “organised mob” might be used to force the government’s resignation.
There was also little prospect that Hizbollah, having emerged as a champion in the Arab and Muslim world, would be willing now to incorporate its armed wing under the Lebanese state apparatus....
...
“We will be just a weak state next to a very strong militia. Our government will be like the government of Abu Mazen (Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas) next to Hamas or maybe worse like the government of [Nouri al] Maliki in Iraq.”
“All American policy in the Middle East is at stake,” he continued, “because their failure in Palestine, their failure in Iraq and now this failure in Lebanon will lead to a new Arab world where the so called radical Arabs will profit.
“This is the new Middle East. Not the new Middle East of Ms [US secretary of state Condoleezza] Rice. Darkness everywhere.”
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
A forgotten anniversary
Today,
The Army's main battle tanks are M 48 Pattons and Russian T-54/55s. These antiques date back to the 1950s. The M113 armored personnel carrier is by far the Army's most visible vehicle. Most of these machines belong to the first generation of M113s: some are even said to have been used during the Vietnam War.
As for air "power," well, you tell me exactly what twenty something UH-1 Hueys constitute, and I'll make sure to post that on this entry. I must say though, listening to those relics fly overhead is quite an ordeal. The Hueys' main base of operations is the
Today's Lebanese Army is very much a product of the Syrian occupation, which only came to an end less than two years ago. The Syrians basically built an army that could be characterized as a police force on steroids. All it did, and could do, was maintain internal stability.
Whenever political tensions were high, or if there was, for some reason, a spike in criminal activity, the Army would flex its muscles by increasing patrols, deploying some of its hardware so that they were visible to the public, and add one more hurdle to the myriad of hurdles drivers faced on
As for protecting
I hope that in the new
Monday, July 31, 2006
Lost
I wonder what Lebanon and the region will look like after this protracted calamity is over. How long will the IDF generals need, and how much destruction will they sow, in order to "save face?" It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who the real winner of this conflict is thus far.
On the ground Hizballah has repelled Israeli incursions. On the airwaves, they're winning the propaganda war - in Lebanon, the Arab world and almost everywhere else on this planet. At this point in time, I truly believe that Israel lies in an intractable bind: whatever it does, Hizballah will win.
If Israel cannot even claim some sort of victory on the ground (however vague such a victory may be), the IDF will suffer utter humiliation, and thus have to deal with the short and long term consequences of such a defeat. If, on the other hand, Israel continues its offensive in search of that elusive victory, Hizballah's stature will only grow in prominence both in Lebanon and the entire region.
The fact the generals simply can't swallow is that it really does not matter how much of Hizballah's military capability they eliminate. As long as Hizballah retains its legitimacy, it will merely regroup and probably grow even stronger with time. And all it takes to reinforce that legitimacy is a massacre such as the one that transpired in Qana yesterday. As I wrote earlier in this entry, the military outcome of this war no longer matters: Hizballah has won - it is not going anywhere, and its losses are merely temporary.
The exit strategy now rests on diplomatic efforts to find some sort of "comprehensive solution" that includes the Shebaa farms, prisoner exchanges, deployment of a joint UN-Lebanese Army force in the South of Lebanon, etc.... Unfortunately, it appears that the Israelis do not want to exit at this point in time. Moreover, who knows if Hizballah will even play along.
Again, I go back to the question I asked at the beginning of this entry: how will Lebanon and its environment look like when all this destruction comes to an end? Will a cease fire be reached in two days, two weeks, two months, or (god forbid) two years? I guess we'll have to ask the Israeli generals since the ball appears to be in their court.
On the ground Hizballah has repelled Israeli incursions. On the airwaves, they're winning the propaganda war - in Lebanon, the Arab world and almost everywhere else on this planet. At this point in time, I truly believe that Israel lies in an intractable bind: whatever it does, Hizballah will win.
If Israel cannot even claim some sort of victory on the ground (however vague such a victory may be), the IDF will suffer utter humiliation, and thus have to deal with the short and long term consequences of such a defeat. If, on the other hand, Israel continues its offensive in search of that elusive victory, Hizballah's stature will only grow in prominence both in Lebanon and the entire region.
The fact the generals simply can't swallow is that it really does not matter how much of Hizballah's military capability they eliminate. As long as Hizballah retains its legitimacy, it will merely regroup and probably grow even stronger with time. And all it takes to reinforce that legitimacy is a massacre such as the one that transpired in Qana yesterday. As I wrote earlier in this entry, the military outcome of this war no longer matters: Hizballah has won - it is not going anywhere, and its losses are merely temporary.
The exit strategy now rests on diplomatic efforts to find some sort of "comprehensive solution" that includes the Shebaa farms, prisoner exchanges, deployment of a joint UN-Lebanese Army force in the South of Lebanon, etc.... Unfortunately, it appears that the Israelis do not want to exit at this point in time. Moreover, who knows if Hizballah will even play along.
Again, I go back to the question I asked at the beginning of this entry: how will Lebanon and its environment look like when all this destruction comes to an end? Will a cease fire be reached in two days, two weeks, two months, or (god forbid) two years? I guess we'll have to ask the Israeli generals since the ball appears to be in their court.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
An Exodus of Dreams
Yet another massacre in Qana. 57 dead among them 27 children...and counting.
And if this is the story in the south, then the rest of Lebanon has many shattered dreams to gather and rebuild.
Many bygone and shattered dreams. This is what war does. Israel's war on Lebanon has impacted all of Lebanon and all of the Lebanese.
As there are fighters facing up to the Israeli war machine, there are also youth issuing their passports to head out, head out to the unknown, to save the day.
I'll recount some stories, close to home:
Ahmad was getting ready to enter college. He just finished high school. He helps in his family's business: a fashion retail store. His parents brought in a large shipment this summer; it was forecasted to be a busy summer indeed and their business was doing great. Until the war started and the country was blockaded by Israeli warships and the country isolated.
Ahmad had to do something, to help his parents pay back for the shipment purchased. He's leaving for the first time to the UAE to work at a restaurant. He needs to send the money back to his parents to save them from dire consequences.
Ahmad is leaving, when his parents never wished him to leave and could die if he does. No college for now, the dreams are postponed, put on hold.
Farah is married to someone who works in the cell phone industry. Since the cell phone transmittors were severely hit by Israeli warplanes last week, her husband is almost out of his job. No substantial income for now. Her husband renewed her passport and issued one for his baby son. She's leaving for a month to be with her family in a neighboring country, to reduce the pressure off of her husband and until he figures out a strategy to come back strong.
Abu Hassan, a grandfather, who is staying back in Lebanon, though all of his children live abroad. He's comforted by being close to where he buried his wife whom he loved and loves dearly. Now his children are calling him everyday so he could leave the country. The blockade will lead to medicine shortages and he needs his medicines on a daily basis. He's resisting, saying that it's all fine and things will get better, but his children do not want to lose yet another parent. And despite him carrying an American passport, he still did not agree to taking the ferry boat to Cyprus. But now his son is organizing his exit. I can understand his reluctance to leave; leaving behind memories and the house he raised his children in.
Abdallah lives abroad, has lived abroad for 30 years. After the Cedar Revolution he had hope for his country, a chance to retire in Lebanon, in a country that after the exit of the Syrian influence had hope of flourishing at last. He stopped reading the newspapers when the national dialogue dragged and completely stopped watching TV after the war on Lebanon.
In 1996 when Lebanon was flourishing and rebuilding itself, he returned with his family for a chance of taking part in his country's renewal. He left after 10 months, after Israel's Grapes of Wrath war on Lebanon and the Qana massacre. All the potential investors he was courting took their money out. He returned to where he came from, shattered dreams and a destiny to be always away. Perhaps this hope has been demolished completely now. He has asked his daughter to speed his immigration papers to the U.S.
These are some stories, not the universe of stories, but they are real stories.
The Lebanese are tired of war. My brother told me today that the Lebanese are not willing anymore to pay LL5,000 per a gallon of gas in the name of resistance. The northeners might not be fighting amongst their southern nationals, but they're housing the displaced and paying the electricity and water bills for the southerners. And this is not just something new.
All of Lebanon pays the price for war. Israel will not achieve much through its agression. Military solutions are old and tired solutions. They take away lives, shatter the dreams and make out of civilized people aggressors.
If PM Seniora does not quickly and swiftly move forward with blanketing the country with state sovereignty, then Lebanon will head to civil war and the exodus of dreams will continue.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
And if this is the story in the south, then the rest of Lebanon has many shattered dreams to gather and rebuild.
Many bygone and shattered dreams. This is what war does. Israel's war on Lebanon has impacted all of Lebanon and all of the Lebanese.
As there are fighters facing up to the Israeli war machine, there are also youth issuing their passports to head out, head out to the unknown, to save the day.
I'll recount some stories, close to home:
Ahmad was getting ready to enter college. He just finished high school. He helps in his family's business: a fashion retail store. His parents brought in a large shipment this summer; it was forecasted to be a busy summer indeed and their business was doing great. Until the war started and the country was blockaded by Israeli warships and the country isolated.
Ahmad had to do something, to help his parents pay back for the shipment purchased. He's leaving for the first time to the UAE to work at a restaurant. He needs to send the money back to his parents to save them from dire consequences.
Ahmad is leaving, when his parents never wished him to leave and could die if he does. No college for now, the dreams are postponed, put on hold.
Farah is married to someone who works in the cell phone industry. Since the cell phone transmittors were severely hit by Israeli warplanes last week, her husband is almost out of his job. No substantial income for now. Her husband renewed her passport and issued one for his baby son. She's leaving for a month to be with her family in a neighboring country, to reduce the pressure off of her husband and until he figures out a strategy to come back strong.
Abu Hassan, a grandfather, who is staying back in Lebanon, though all of his children live abroad. He's comforted by being close to where he buried his wife whom he loved and loves dearly. Now his children are calling him everyday so he could leave the country. The blockade will lead to medicine shortages and he needs his medicines on a daily basis. He's resisting, saying that it's all fine and things will get better, but his children do not want to lose yet another parent. And despite him carrying an American passport, he still did not agree to taking the ferry boat to Cyprus. But now his son is organizing his exit. I can understand his reluctance to leave; leaving behind memories and the house he raised his children in.
Abdallah lives abroad, has lived abroad for 30 years. After the Cedar Revolution he had hope for his country, a chance to retire in Lebanon, in a country that after the exit of the Syrian influence had hope of flourishing at last. He stopped reading the newspapers when the national dialogue dragged and completely stopped watching TV after the war on Lebanon.
In 1996 when Lebanon was flourishing and rebuilding itself, he returned with his family for a chance of taking part in his country's renewal. He left after 10 months, after Israel's Grapes of Wrath war on Lebanon and the Qana massacre. All the potential investors he was courting took their money out. He returned to where he came from, shattered dreams and a destiny to be always away. Perhaps this hope has been demolished completely now. He has asked his daughter to speed his immigration papers to the U.S.
These are some stories, not the universe of stories, but they are real stories.
The Lebanese are tired of war. My brother told me today that the Lebanese are not willing anymore to pay LL5,000 per a gallon of gas in the name of resistance. The northeners might not be fighting amongst their southern nationals, but they're housing the displaced and paying the electricity and water bills for the southerners. And this is not just something new.
All of Lebanon pays the price for war. Israel will not achieve much through its agression. Military solutions are old and tired solutions. They take away lives, shatter the dreams and make out of civilized people aggressors.
If PM Seniora does not quickly and swiftly move forward with blanketing the country with state sovereignty, then Lebanon will head to civil war and the exodus of dreams will continue.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Thursday, July 27, 2006
A Show Of Unity: Be There!
The event has been cancelled. We will let you know when it will be rescheduled.
************************************************************
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Humanitarian Appeal for Lebanon
A Gathering For Unity & Support
You are Cordially invited to attend an open house to show unity
and solidarity and to support the humanitarian relief efforts for
Lebanon in this national crisis
on Monday July 31,2006
from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.
Residence of the Embassy of Lebanon
2841 McGill Terrace N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
This Event is in Coordination with:
(in alphabetical order)
Al Hewar Center
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)
American Druze Society / Charitable Affairs
American Foundation for St. George Hospital Inc.
American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL)
AUB Alumni Association of North America - Greater Washington Chapter
Arab American Institute (AAI)
Council on American-Islamic Relations
International Orthodox Christian Charities
Lebanese Free Patriotic Movement
National US Arab Chamber of Commerce
(in alphabetical order)
Al Hewar Center
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)
American Druze Society / Charitable Affairs
American Foundation for St. George Hospital Inc.
American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL)
AUB Alumni Association of North America - Greater Washington Chapter
Arab American Institute (AAI)
Council on American-Islamic Relations
International Orthodox Christian Charities
Lebanese Free Patriotic Movement
National US Arab Chamber of Commerce
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
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