Mikati must Dismiss the FPM Histrionics

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By Ghassan Karam

Old habits die hard, actually at times they never die. This is a good thing if the habit in question is that of integrity, high ethical standards, intellectual curiosity and creative thinking. But it is a bad when the characteristic in question is that of being addicted to superficiality, megalomania and a squeaky wheel. Lebanon is cursed by having one of political heavyweights behave like a Dean of the latter group, a group that is addicted to obstructionism, nepotism superficiality and bluster.  General Michele Aoun has exemplified the role of being the squeaky wheel of Lebanese politics, the wheel that needs to be oiled in order to stop the aural damage and lessen the demagoguery.

The self proclaimed saver of the Christians and the most principled of the Lebanese politicians prevented the formation of the present cabinet for weeks by constantly raising peripheral issues and meaningless objections. Then all of a sudden he forgot about all the issues that he had objected to and consented to the cabinet formation essentially unchanged. What is it that had changed? Was it orders from Damascus and/or Tehran? We will never know for sure but that is the most likely explanation.

As if the above sophomoric behavior is not enough, yesterday the General instructs his cabinet ministers not to attend a regularly scheduled cabinet meeting and hints that his parliamentary bloc might resign from the cabinet if it dares approve honouring Lebanons’ obligations to the STL. What is strange about this issue is that the Premiere, Mr. Mikati, has always insisted that his cabinet is committed to fulfilling all the international obligations of the country. If everyone, the world over, has known about this for months then why did mon General not know about it? Is it because he was asked to join the cabinet when he did and now he is being asked to quit? There is no other explanation.

Mr. Mikati should dismiss the childish behavior of the FPM and carry on doing the peoples’ business. Lebanon can hardly afford a cabinetary vacuum at this moment. But that would not be enough. Mr. Mikati has an obligation to govern as the effective Lebanese independent politician that he promised us to be. He should use his bully pulpit to lobby for policies that benefit the Lebanese citizen and should shame the ideologues and obstructionists into supporting policies that are guided by the national interest no more and no less. That includes but is not limited to favouring policies that will stand up to dictators and to threats from reactionary regimes built on fear and brutality.

This cabinet has thus far failed to be effective and has failed to govern. Its major problem is the lack of harmony between its members and in particular between the FPM and everybody else. The Premiere has the duty to form a cabinet in his image and not to conform to the whimsical wants of a group of ministers that are focused on histrionics and grabbing headlines. There is a popular folkloric tale in Lebanon about Jeha who broke the spout of the only clean water reservoir in the village so as to be noticed. That is nothing else but a need to be noticed, an ego full of misplaced hubris. Such an individual “habitually infuses inordinate emotion and self-dramatization into interpersonal and social persona”. That simply means that The General is “over the top”, he has become nothing else but a caricature , a person who is in love with himself. Lebanon needs better politicians and Mr. Mikati should bring the General back to earth by ignoring him.

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Comments

138 responses to “Mikati must Dismiss the FPM Histrionics”

  1. LEBANON101 Avatar

    its not like our so called “government” does anything anyway . let them quite we are better off without them . that way we can really say we have no government , its not like we have one now anyway

    1. 5thDrawer Avatar

      Belgium ran along quite nicely without a government for almost a year due to a deadlock in votes. The reason was that local and regional governments and the federal system actually function AND the people know their jobs. No-one had a problem, no-one screamed stupid threats, and the country worked along happily waiting for the next possible time of elections.
      Probably saved a bit of money too.

      1. 5thdrawer,
                     I do not want to quibble with you but the fact is that Belgium did NOT run nicely . It was so inefficient that it aggravated their fiscal problem and forced a downgrade by the rating agencies.

        1. 5thDrawer Avatar

          Hi Gassan. 🙂  My Belgian friend thought it was going well … hehehe … perhaps she enjoyed the squirming.
          But I suppose the banks didn’t like it … and as people are, we don’t like when someone isn’t ‘running’ us somehow … but really you must admit, the 2 ‘sects’ (Walloon and Flemish) which compose Belgium ‘sides’ were not hauling out the swords and armour of ancient times and doing battle in the streets.
          I suppose I should have noted one interesting thing about their ‘system’ (which still had electricity and clean water).
          EVERYONE is required to vote !  There are fines for those who do not. And every effort is made to help people to do it.
          Wow …

      2. Charlieladd Avatar
        Charlieladd

        5thDrawer,
        It’s going to be a looooong time before we reach the civility of the Belgians. Oh I know some of us Lebanese  think we are most civilized but I have problems with that. See, I am really depressed now my friend.

        1. 5thDrawer Avatar

          Well Charlie … depression is an evil thing in itself. 😉  But recognizing that you are is good. You’re not too far gone yet. 🙂
            We either work on the problems, or simply walk away from them. (Actually going for a walk is multi-beneficial.)
          We should realize nothing can be done about some things on this planet or about life. Death is part of nature. Natural ‘order’ on the planet produces earthquakes, volcanos, floods and great winds – as well as scenes of wondrously pleasing beauty. We tend to see those as tragedies only when they result in human death … we invented words which describe our own feelings about the events.
          I am sure the ‘Zen’ philosophy of the Japanese helps them in the aftermath of that Tsunami. They work on what they can – together. All humans suffer together, and they recognize that. Try reading a book on Zen – such as ‘Zen and The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance’ … quite easy to read and good.
          The question to be answered is, having seen what human folly in building too close or even below water levels has produced (and in that I contemplate the nuclear power as well), will they adjust for a possibly less tragic future? Because, natural events will always be with us.
          Now … back to your problem … and what depresses you … the huge question of why humans continue to create tragedy for themselves all the time by fighting among themselves for bits of an inevitably changing landscape … and knowing their time on the planet is rather short and inevitably finite why they don’t work together to make the it best experience for all …. hmmm. It IS a curiosity isn’t it? 
          Ok … I’m out for a walk. Coming ??  🙂

      3. Charlieladd Avatar
        Charlieladd

        5thDrawer
        I’ve walked out of Lebanon a long time ago, and I am still walking. But every now and then I stop and look back like I am doing now. Maybe I shouldn’t. 
        I have read your recommendation. It’s a good read.

    2. Lebanon101
                       We would like to have an efficient government to take care of the problems that are being faced by the citizens don’t we? In that case an infficient government is better than no government at all, if this was the only option.

  2. LEBANON101 Avatar

    its not like our so called “government” does anything anyway . let them quite we are better off without them . that way we can really say we have no government , its not like we have one now anyway

  3.  Avatar

    its not like our so called “government” does anything anyway . let them quite we are better off without them . that way we can really say we have no government , its not like we have one now anyway

    1.  Avatar

      Belgium ran along quite nicely without a government for almost a year due to a deadlock in votes. The reason was that local and regional governments and the federal system actually function AND the people know their jobs. No-one had a problem, no-one screamed stupid threats, and the country worked along happily waiting for the next possible time of elections.
      Probably saved a bit of money too.

      1. 5thdrawer,
                     I do not want to quibble with you but the fact is that Belgium did NOT run nicely . It was so inefficient that it aggravated their fiscal problem and forced a downgrade by the rating agencies.

        1.  Avatar

          Hi Gassan. 🙂  My Belgian friend thought it was going well … hehehe … perhaps she enjoyed the squirming.
          But I suppose the banks didn’t like it … and as people are, we don’t like when someone isn’t ‘running’ us somehow … but really you must admit, the 2 ‘sects’ (Walloon and Flemish) which compose Belgium ‘sides’ were not hauling out the swords and armour of ancient times and doing battle in the streets.
          I suppose I should have noted one interesting thing about their ‘system’ (which still had electricity and clean water).
          EVERYONE is required to vote !  There are fines for those who do not. And every effort is made to help people to do it.
          Wow …

      2.  Avatar

        5thDrawer,
        It’s going to be a looooong time before we reach the civility of the Belgians. Oh I know some of us Lebanese  think we are most civilized but I have problems with that. See, I am really depressed now my friend.

        1.  Avatar

          Well Charlie … depression is an evil thing in itself. 😉  But recognizing that you are is good. You’re not too far gone yet. 🙂
            We either work on the problems, or simply walk away from them. (Actually going for a walk is multi-beneficial.)
          We should realize nothing can be done about some things on this planet or about life. Death is part of nature. Natural ‘order’ on the planet produces earthquakes, volcanos, floods and great winds – as well as scenes of wondrously pleasing beauty. We tend to see those as tragedies only when they result in human death … we invented words which describe our own feelings about the events.
          I am sure the ‘Zen’ philosophy of the Japanese helps them in the aftermath of that Tsunami. They work on what they can – together. All humans suffer together, and they recognize that. Try reading a book on Zen – such as ‘Zen and The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance’ … quite easy to read and good.
          The question to be answered is, having seen what human folly in building too close or even below water levels has produced (and in that I contemplate the nuclear power as well), will they adjust for a possibly less tragic future? Because, natural events will always be with us.
          Now … back to your problem … and what depresses you … the huge question of why humans continue to create tragedy for themselves all the time by fighting among themselves for bits of an inevitably changing landscape … and knowing their time on the planet is rather short and inevitably finite why they don’t work together to make the it best experience for all …. hmmm. It IS a curiosity isn’t it? 
          Ok … I’m out for a walk. Coming ??  🙂

      3.  Avatar

        5thDrawer
        I’ve walked out of Lebanon a long time ago, and I am still walking. But every now and then I stop and look back like I am doing now. Maybe I shouldn’t. 
        I have read your recommendation. It’s a good read.

    2. Lebanon101
                       We would like to have an efficient government to take care of the problems that are being faced by the citizens don’t we? In that case an infficient government is better than no government at all, if this was the only option.

  4. The truth is this government which is composed of  pro March 8 elements has failed to govern because each faction representing within this government has a contradictory interests and vision, and this has become evident on all outstanding issues not only the funding of STL.

    Nevertheless, I would still think that this government would continue in spite of all the divergences and political rifts that we are all seeing.

    Interestingly enough, this exposes the terminal crisis of ruling Bourgeoisie irrespective of whether it is March 14 or March 8.

    1. Sebouh,
                  Any government whether a socialist, a capitalist or any other combination will not govern if its structure is not harmonious. History is full of examples of government of every imaginable kind that have failed to govern.

      1. This is true, one of the esential issues in Lebanon is that there is a lack of harmony both within and between all parties and this has created an environment impossible to govern.

        1. 5thDrawer Avatar

          The harmony you seek Sebouh is one of ‘commonality of thought’ about how a society (a country) should function for ALL it’s citizens, in as much of a beneficially humane and economic manner as possible for them, no matter what religion or creed they follow – within a framework of law which protects individual and citizen rights FIRST.
          If ‘the people’ themselves cannot make the shift away from ‘belief’ that a single simple man – appointed to represent them in their religious feelings – should also be the one to create the laws which dictate to everyone in the country, there will never be harmony. Or good government. Or peace.

        2. The million $ question is how to change the system in a short period of time. Any suggestions from people on this Site?

        3. 5thDrawer Avatar

          Well Rafic .. as Egypt is discovering, making instant changes is impossible. But if a government is willing to explore the possibilities, then they could go to the people with referendum questions which are short and uncomplicated, and try hard to make sure everyone gets to check the boxes of their choice – ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
          And then .. of course .. have a ‘cabinet’ willing to respect results, so they would work together toward what the people want to see.

      2. This is true, one of the esential issues in Lebanon is that there is a lack of harmony both within and between all parties and this has created an environment impossible to govern.

  5. The truth is this government which is composed of  pro March 8 elements has failed to govern because each faction representing within this government has a contradictory interests and vision, and this has become evident on all outstanding issues not only the funding of STL.

    Nevertheless, I would still think that this government would continue in spite of all the divergences and political rifts that we are all seeing.

    Interestingly enough, this exposes the terminal crisis of ruling Bourgeoisie irrespective of whether it is March 14 or March 8.

  6.  Avatar

    The truth is this government which is composed of  pro March 8 elements has failed to govern because each faction representing within this government has a contradictory interests and vision, and this has become evident on all outstanding issues not only the funding of STL.

    Nevertheless, I would still think that this government would continue in spite of all the divergences and political rifts that we are all seeing.

    Interestingly enough, this exposes the terminal crisis of ruling Bourgeoisie irrespective of whether it is March 14 or March 8.

    1. Sebouh,
                  Any government whether a socialist, a capitalist or any other combination will not govern if its structure is not harmonious. History is full of examples of government of every imaginable kind that have failed to govern.

      1.  Avatar

        This is true, one of the esential issues in Lebanon is that there is a lack of harmony both within and between all parties and this has created an environment impossible to govern.

        1.  Avatar

          The harmony you seek Sebouh is one of ‘commonality of thought’ about how a society (a country) should function for ALL it’s citizens, in as much of a beneficially humane and economic manner as possible for them, no matter what religion or creed they follow – within a framework of law which protects individual and citizen rights FIRST.
          If ‘the people’ themselves cannot make the shift away from ‘belief’ that a single simple man – appointed to represent them in their religious feelings – should also be the one to create the laws which dictate to everyone in the country, there will never be harmony. Or good government. Or peace.

        2.  Avatar

          The million $ question is how to change the system in a short period of time. Any suggestions from people on this Site?

        3.  Avatar

          Well Rafic .. as Egypt is discovering, making instant changes is impossible. But if a government is willing to explore the possibilities, then they could go to the people with referendum questions which are short and uncomplicated, and try hard to make sure everyone gets to check the boxes of their choice – ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
          And then .. of course .. have a cabinet willing to respect results, so they would work together toward what the people want to see.

  7. antar2011 Avatar

    i bet libnan1 will just about produce another poem worshipping this histrionic!

    but again Aoun has always been like that but what’s the excuse for his supporters?

    don’t they really know the contradictions this crazy old man is doing concernig the Assad regime at least?

    what a sorry state lebanese are in, this govt is the worst in lebanese history but the vacuum it will leave is going to be also real bad….

    1. antar2011,
                    The realistic choice is not between two ideals but between two lesser evils. I would rather stay with the current set up rather than make matters worse by creating a vacuum.

      1. 5thDrawer Avatar

        Yes Gassan .. realistic change cannot happen instantly and needs time to be effective. BUT there IS desire for change.
         If ‘the people’ are allowed to vote on who they think will effect the changes desired – even if not always correctly informed – and that result is squashed each time by senseless rhetoric or by a gun and nothing good happens ‘for’ them, then perhaps the revolutionary shot at idealism becomes (too often) the only way.

        1. antar2011 Avatar

          agree but whoever the candidates are, the election or the voting thingy is in yet another year. in the meantimes it’s either a syrian regime backed govt or a vacuum.

          btw which choice is the lesser of the two evils?

      2. antar2011 Avatar

        Ghassan i do think that this govt if it lasts will be very similar to the vaccum…if it is not already.

    2. antar2011,
                    The realistic choice is not between two ideals but between two lesser evils. I would rather stay with the current set up rather than make matters worse by creating a vacuum.

  8.  Avatar

    i bet libnan1 will just about produce another poem worshipping this histrionic!

    but again Aoun has always been like that but what’s the excuse for his supporters?

    don’t they really know the contradictions this crazy old man is doing concernig the Assad regime?

    what a sorry state lebanese are in, this govt is the worst in lebanese history but the vacuum it will leave is going to be also real bad….

    1. antar2011,
                    The realistic choice is not between two ideals but between two lesser evils. I would rather stay with the current set up rather than make matters worse by creating a vacuum.

      1.  Avatar

        Yes Gassan .. realistic change cannot happen instantly and needs time to be effective. BUT there IS desire for change.
         If ‘the people’ are allowed to vote on who they think will effect the changes desired – even if not always correctly informed – and that result is squashed each time by senseless rhetoric or by a gun and nothing good happens ‘for’ them, then perhaps the revolutionary shot at idealism becomes (too often) the only way.

        1.  Avatar

          agree but whoever the candidates are, the election or the voting thingy is in yet another year. in the meantimes it’s either a syrian regime backed govt or a vacuum.

          btw which choice is the lesser of the two evils?

      2.  Avatar

        Ghassan i do think that this govt if it lasts will be very similar to the vaccum…if it is not already.

  9. 5thDrawer Avatar

    HUGE egos …. and a belief that knowing how to do one thing (perhaps well) makes a person capable of doing everything.
    And then, when eventually failing (as mere human will), to blame it all on ‘God’.
    And even worse … someone else’s God.
    As if there’s logic ….

  10.  Avatar

    HUGE egos …. and a belief that knowing how to do one thing (perhaps well) makes a person capable of doing everything.
    And then, when eventually failing (as mere human will), to blame it all on ‘God’.
    And even worse … someone else’s God.

  11. Ghassan,
     
    You seem like an educated man and I follow your posts and articles I dont agree with what you have to say on
    most topics cause I believe march 14 and all there politicians are traitors to Lebanon,but I just wanna ask you this
    you seem pro march 14 and I would like to ask you why,for example when March 14 was in power how come you didnt
    write a similar artlcle bout the Lebanese Forces,they have much more atrocities commited and cause much more harm
    to Lebanon than FPM ,you make comments bout aoun taking orders from damascus and tehran,why cant we ask
    the same bout Geagea did he take orders from Israel,KSA,US,France etc, the rally that took place yesterday in Tripoli
    you think that unites the nation,you think that makes us want to be one,or does that cause more hatred and cause more
    tension,notice March 8 is not coming out with a rally nor have they ever come out with a rally to put down March 14,
    to me its clear who wants to avoid civil strife and who wants to promote it,its clear to see Mohamed Kabbara,Khaled Daher,Samir Geagea,Saniora,Soaid,etc want HA to attack them so they can again claim they are being
    victimized by HA and they are using there weapons internally just like so called “May 7”, my whole point is this,
    its fine you dont like HA or march 8th i honestly respect that,but all I want to know what has March 14 and there
    leaders shown you that makes you feel safe under there rule,and finally whats ur views on Hassan Nasrallah,
    his history,accomplishments,mistakes etc,,,Ive always wondered what your views of him over all were…Thanks
    for your time Ghassan, peace to you and your family.

    1. Ghassan Karam Avatar
      Ghassan Karam

      Michael,
                 My answer to your legitimate question is very simple. I have been a very vocal critic of many of the March 14 leaders and of the group. If you go back to the archives I think that you will find out that I might have been the first person to ask Sa’ad Hariri to resign his premiership and to quit politics. I was also very critical of Saniora, Jumblatt and I never take Geagea and the Phalange seriously.
                 I will spare you the details but I wish pox on both houses since I do believe that Lebanon needs a major radical revolution in its political structure.
                I do plead guilty to one thing though, I do find the March 14 crowd to be guided more by a purely Lebanese interest than the other side.

      1. Ghassan,
         
        Thank you for your reply and clarifying your stances,but I must ask when HA fought for the south and freed them from occupation was it not Lebanese land that was occupied and did not Lebanese sons die for there mother land, when Lebanon was attacked on 2006 was it not Lebanese sons that fought and died for its mother land,when Hassan nasarallahs son died did he not die for the Lebanese mother land,When HA defended the lebanese churches in the south were they not defending the Lebanse mother land,if HA was looking to dominate the country do they not have the miltiary capablilites to do so,and could they have not used may 7 as a reason to justify the complete take over of the country,but no instead they gave every post they took back to the lebanese army and returned all prisoners unharmed to the army,if HA was as evil as the other camp keeps talking bout than why didnt they attack tripoli yesterday during the rally against it,if HA is behind all the assasinations please tell me why are geagea,daher,alloush,soaid and all the others that live just to bash HA still alive, the reason i bring this all up is because u said march 14 is more for lebanese interest than march 8,at least when bombs were falling on lebanon the boys of the south were fighting while the boys from the north were dancing,so obvioulsy Ghassan we differ on what we would define as Lebanese interest…Good Day to you sir.

        1. Michael,
                      I do not believe that we differ much on what is Lebanese interest but we do have a completely different understanding on what is modernity and what does the rule of law mean.

        2. 5thDrawer Avatar

          Dancing ?? Everyone in the country was sweating their asses off hoping it would settle down and not reach them !! Especially the women and children … who NO-ONE seems to consider in any of this.
          IF they did something you consider good at that time, why are they not moving forward with the rest of the world and doing something FOR Lebanon now – instead of trying to frighten all the women and kids again?
          Is it something about the ‘Fear of God’?  Well, good day to THAT, sir !

        3. Michael, you speak of Hezbollah as though they are perfect little saints others have turned on for no good reason?
          A few points I would like to point out

          1) There is a big difference between liberating the South & getting the Israelis out of the south. While getting the Israelis out is self explanatory, liberating the south implies that the supreme and only power in the south is the Lebanese state. Even today Lebanese army cannot enter certain areas, not just in the south but all over Lebanon.

          2) Lebanon, the south, Nabatiye or Bint Jbail are not 100%shia, yet not only is Hezbollah 100% shia you must also be shia that support Khomeini and his authority aka “wilayat al fiqr”. I hate to say it but the SLA bastards could saythe exact same thing, we were lebanese liberating out land(PLO), we dies etc….Therefore this is no more a Lebanese resistance than the SLA who’s loyalty to Israel was just like Hezbollahs loyalty to Iran and the parallels continue into the areas of organised crime especially Drug trade, theft, kidnap & murder. The main difference is that we know what the SLA did we still dont know everything that Hezbollah has done!

          3) Interesting you mention Tripoli, as there have been many people captured in Tripoli, especially with heavy weapons (120mm mortars) and specialist weapons (silencers) that all say these are mukawama weapons when they are captured, then are let go by the authorities! Nasrallah is not a miracle worker, it takes more than the “snap” of fingers to get something done especially the takeover of a city like Tripoli, even the syrians could not take it that easily!

          4) May 7, this is the event that turned me against Hezbollah and I was not even in Lebanon at the time, before this I genuinely considered them a resistance and believed west was out to get them. But it was this action that lead me to research Hezbollah and from here in understood their true character. Clearly you are uninformed of the dozens that died at the hands of Hezb and its allies during these few days. The more it is challenged the more Hezbollah has revealed in true face!

          5) But lets put all this aside, lets believe their narrative, why is a “resistance” that supposedly believes in the dignity and rights of people(after all, this is what turned them against the Israelis that treated them like crap), why are they siding so strongly even sending men to support the Assad regime that is doing to the Syrian people what the Israelis did to the south and worse??? Do you know not even they Israelis have killed as many Syrians as Assad regime has killed Syrians???

          6) Do you know on may 7, people were bused in from north with nothing, not even sticks! dozens of men told go defend Beirut, even people from Tarik jdide were BEGGING for arms, nothing, thanks to, Stupid naivete of Hariri, the 29 year Syrian occupation and the years of proxy rule only one side had weapons, the other had a mere fraction of the weapons, something negligible! Bab al tibbaneh was very similar very few arms while Bathists were sniping even up to Mina! you cannot compare one side that has been privileged for decades against a side that has been deprived and oppressed.

          Good news is that soon Hezbollah will be destroyed, not by Israelis, or by west, but by Lebanese & everything it has done to target and exploit the Lebanese will explode in their face!
          SLA make some room Hezbollah Is coming to join you

        4. 5thDrawer Avatar

          Tripoli attacks Michael? (Tripoli Star)
          “In the north of the country, Tripoli MP Mohammad Kabbara said his office in the northern city was shot at just hours ahead of a rally organized by the party. Kabbara said the gunfire attack at 4 a.m. Sunday damaged the property, but no one was injured. He said security authorities have opened an investigation.”
          Also reports of an unexploded bomb being found later in the day; and gunfire at that time as well … generally not reported on, but heard by residents.

        5. Charlieladd Avatar
          Charlieladd

          Michael,
          Reading Ziad’s post, it is obvious to  me that HA having won the war (of liberation that is), went on through their actions to lose the peace.

  12. Ghassan,
     
    You seem like an educated man and I follow your posts and articles I dont agree with what you have to say on
    most topics cause I believe march 14 and all there politicians are traitors to Lebanon,but I just wanna ask you this
    you seem pro march 14 and I would like to ask you why,for example when March 14 was in power how come you didnt
    write a similar artlcle bout the Lebanese Forces,they have much more atrocities commited and cause much more harm
    to Lebanon than FPM ,you make comments bout aoun taking orders from damascus and tehran,why cant we ask
    the same bout Geagea did he take orders from Israel,KSA,US,France etc, the rally that took place yesterday in Tripoli
    you think that unites the nation,you think that makes us want to be one,or does that cause more hatred and cause more
    tension,notice March 8 is not coming out with a rally nor have they ever come out with a rally to put down March 14,
    to me its clear who wants to avoid civil strife and who wants to promote it,its clear to see Mohamed Kabbara,Khaled Daher,Samir Geagea,Saniora,Soaid,etc want HA to attack them so they can again claim they are being
    victimized by HA and they are using there weapons internally just like so called “May 7”, my whole point is this,
    its fine you dont like HA or march 8th i honestly respect that,but all I want to know what has March 14 and there
    leaders shown you that makes you feel safe under there rule,and finally whats ur views on Hassan Nasrallah,
    his history,accomplishments,mistakes etc,,,Ive always wondered what your views of him over all were…Thanks
    for your time Ghassan, peace to you and your family.

    1. Michael,
                 My answer to your legitimate question is very simple. I have been a very vocal critic of many of the March 14 leaders and of the group. If you go back to the archives I think that you will find out that I might have been the first person to ask Sa’ad Hariri to resign his premiership and to quit politics. I was also very critical of Saniora, Jumblatt and I never take Geagea and the Phalange seriously.
                 I will spare you the details but I wish pox on both houses since I do believe that Lebanon needs a major radical revolution in its political structure.
                I do plead guilty to one thing though, I do find the March 14 crowd to be guided more by a purely Lebanese interest than the other side.

      1. Ghassan,
         
        Thank you for your reply and clarifying your stances,but I must ask when HA fought for the south and freed them from occupation was it not Lebanese land that was occupied and did not Lebanese sons die for there mother land, when Lebanon was attacked on 2006 was it not Lebanese sons that fought and died for its mother land,when Hassan nasarallahs son died did he not die for the Lebanese mother land,When HA defended the lebanese churches in the south were they not defending the Lebanse mother land,if HA was looking to dominate the country do they not have the miltiary capablilites to do so,and could they have not used may 7 as a reason to justify the complete take over of the country,but no instead they gave every post they took back to the lebanese army and returned all prisoners unharmed to the army,if HA was as evil as the other camp keeps talking bout than why didnt they attack tripoli yesterday during the rally against it,if HA is behind all the assasinations please tell me why are geagea,daher,alloush,soaid and all the others that live just to bash HA still alive, the reason i bring this all up is because u said march 14 is more for lebanese interest than march 8,at least when bombs were falling on lebanon the boys of the south were fighting while the boys from the north were dancing,so obvioulsy Ghassan we differ on what we would define as Lebanese interest…Good Day to you sir.

        1. Michael,
                      I do not believe that we differ much on what is Lebanese interest but we do have a completely different understanding on what is modernity and what does the rule of law mean.

        2.  Avatar

          Dancing ?? Everyone in the country was sweating their asses off hoping it would settle down and not reach them !! Especially the women and children … who no-one seems to consider in any of this.
          IF they did something you consider good at that time, why are they not moving forward with the rest of the world and doing something FOR Lebanon now – instead of trying to frighten all the women and kids again?
          Is it something about the ‘Fear of God’?  Well, good day to THAT, sir !

        3.  Avatar

          Michael, you speak of Hezbollah as though they are perfect little saints others have turned on for no good reason?
          Three points I would like to point out

          1) There is a big difference between liberating the South & getting the Israelis out of the south. While getting the Israelis out is self explanatory, liberating the south implies that the supreme and only power in the south is the Lebanese state. Even today Lebanese army cannot enter certain areas, not just in the south but all over Lebanon.

          2) Lebanon, the south, Nabatiye or Bint Jbail are not 100%shia, yet not only is Hezbollah 100% shia you must also be shia that support Khomeini and his authority aka “wilayat al fiqr”. I hate to say it but the SLA bastards could saythe exact same thing, we were lebanese liberating out land(PLO), we dies etc….Therefore this is no more a Lebanese resistance than the SLA who’s loyalty to Israel was just like Hezbollahs loyalty to Iran and the parallels continue into the areas of organised crime especially Drug trade, theft, kidnap & murder. The main difference is that we know what the SLA did we still dont know everything that Hezbollah has done!

          3) A lebanese resistane

        4.  Avatar

          Tripoli attacks Michael? (Tripoli Star)
          “In the north of the country, Tripoli MP Mohammad Kabbara said his office in the northern city was shot at just hours ahead of a rally organized by the party. Kabbara said the gunfire attack at 4 a.m. Sunday damaged the property, but no one was injured. He said security authorities have opened an investigation.”
          Also reports of an unexploded bomb being found later in the day; and gunfire at that time as well … generally not reported on, but heard by residents.

        5.  Avatar

          Michael,
          Reading Ziad’s post, it is obvious to  me that HA having won the war (of liberation that is), went on through their actions to lose the peace.

        6.  Avatar

          Michael,
          Reading Ziad’s post, it is obvious to  me that HA having won the war (of liberation that is), went on through their actions to lose the peace.

  13. prophettt Avatar

    Ghassan,
    Not to defend Mikati, Aoun, or any of the components of this government, but to be fair, Mikati is heading a coalition government instead of a single party government. Considering the political system that we are stuck with, No one is capable of forming a homogeneous cabinet where a one party wins an election and rules according to a political platform that defines such party or a prime minster.
    To be fair, Mikati has yet to abandon any of the promises that He made; He may not be able to deliver all of his promises, but As far as I know, He is still within his cabinet platform of which He and his cabinet received the vote of confidence by the parliament. We can debate his cabinet platform and criticize it all day long. You may want to criticize his decision to be part of a coalition of parties of which He is the weakest, but not his performance since His position does not give him the power to lead, but rather negotiate with his own allies.
    From day one, no one expected this cabinet to create miracles, and no Lebanese cabinet ever did. At lease the man is tackling issues, and fighting with his own partners to make things happen, Hariri, on the other hand, spent most of his short term traveling.
    As for Aoun; He is what he is, and the man has his base and no one can dismiss these facts. I’m sure people have their own opinions regarding other Lebanese politicians, and none of them are angles. If anything, the whole political leadership of the country needs to be dismissed from the political seen altogether.
    That being said, I expect this cabinet to stay in place, unless Mikati feels that Assad is on the way out, and He decided to cut his losses and bailout. He can be a caretaker for as long as it takes, since no one can from a cabinet until the next parliamentary election.

  14.  Avatar

    Ghassan,

    Not to defend Mikati, Aoun, or any of the components of this
    government, but to be fair, Mikati is heading a coalition government instead of
    a single party government. Considering the political system that we are stuck
    with, No one is capable of forming a homogeneous cabinet where a one party wins
    an election and rules according to a political platform that defines such party
    or a prime minster.

    To be fair, Mikati has yet to abandon any of the promises
    that He made; He may not be able to deliver all of his promises, but As far as
    I know, He is still within his cabinet platform of which He and his cabinet received
    the vote of confidence by the parliament. We can debate his cabinet platform
    and criticize it all day long. You may want to criticize his decision to be
    part of a coalition of parties of which He is the weakest, but not his performance
    since His position does not give him the power to lead, but rather negotiate
    with his own allies.

    From day one, no one expected this cabinet to create miracles,
    and no Lebanese cabinet ever did. At lease the man is tackling issues, and
    fighting with his own partners to make things happen, Hariri, on the other
    hand, spent most of his short term traveling.

    As for Aoun; He is what he is, and the man has his base and
    no one can dismiss these facts. I’m sure people have their own opinions
    regarding other Lebanese politicians, and none of   them
    are angles. If anything, the whole political leadership of the country needs to
    be dismissed from the political seen altogether.

    That being said, I expect this cabinet to stay in place, unless
    Mikati feels that Assad is on the way out, and He decided to cut his losses and
    bailout. He can be a caretaker for as long as it takes, since no one can from a
    cabinet until the next parliamentary election.

    1. prophettt
                  In a sense that is what I am saying. I expected him to repeat his very productive role as head of a small cabinet the first time around but he chose not to. He is still the only game in town considering the alternative of a vacuum at these difficult time but I wish that he will be more forceful in dealing with all the members of the cabinet. He has to be more equal than others if the cabinet is to function.

      1.  Avatar

        Ghassan,
         You should not have expected Mikati to copycat his first performance as a neutral prime minister. It was a different time,and his acceptance by all parties was more of a need for all of them,and therefore everyone cooperated with him. He took the lead effectively because everyone needed  stability so that election can take a place.An election of which He decided not to nominate himself,thus He was seen as a no threat to anyone.But now He is as much of a player as his opponants and his partners in his cabinet.

      2.  Avatar

        Ghassan,
         You should not have expected Mikati to copycat his first performance as a neutral prime minister. It was a different time,and his acceptance by all parties was more of a need for all of them,and therefore everyone cooperated with him. He took the lead effectively because everyone needed  stability so that election can take a place.An election of which He decided not to nominate himself,thus He was seen as a no threat to anyone.But now He is as much of a player as his opponants and his partners in his cabinet.

    2.  Avatar

      Most Lebanese politicians are pompous self righteous fools. However the frequency, intensity and consistency of obstructionism & delay employed by Aoun puts him well ahead of the pack. (at least he is king of something, )

      A coalition government is a cabinet of a parliamentary government in which several political parties cooperate. It implies that the political parties are independent and not subordinate to each other, we know this is not the case. 
      This government has been selected by Hezbollah to serve Hezbollah. This applies especially to Aoun & Mikati. 
      BTW this is supposed to be a centralist government according to Hassan Nasralah.

      As far as Hassan Nasralah is concerned he is the only one entitled to an opinion, any divergence in view however slight constitutes insubordination or even treason. In accepting Hezbollah’s offer, Mikati has accepted to work within a mechanism that that strictly forbids him from taking any initiative.

      Mikati is a lame duck in the truest sense of the word, he has no autonomy, he is bound by the script handed to him by Raad. This is why he will never utter a single syllable out of place, especially against Nasralah’s buddy Aoun.

      I hope electricity is not dealt with like 3G network!

      1.  Avatar

        ZiadH,
        Thank you for your reply;However I don’t see the relevance of your reply to my comment except for your attempt to define coalition cabinets. If cooperation between parties that agree to form a majority in order to from a cabinet is considered an submission by one party or another,then it should not happen. Every party has its own interests and political platform, yet parties usually find  enough common interests among each other  and  enough intensives to cooperate into forming a coalition cabinets,or a national unity cabinet. It is not unusual for those interests to clash at one point,and coalitions ,or national unity governments collapse.It is part of the political game whether we like it or not.
        It is also not uncommon for the stronger and most represented party of any coalition to dominate the coalition and its policies. Again, it is, unfortunately,  part of political life, whether we approve of it or not. We have seen this happen in many countries throughout history,and there should be no reason for Lebanese to be shocked as if this only happens in Lebanon. Our rotten political and sectarian system makes   it worse for either a coalition government or a national unity government to function  effectively,and indeed this rotten system makes it hard for any government  to function at all.
        This has been the case before one can blame this leader or that party. Lebanon never functioned as a state since it became independent,and never will as long as the sectarian and feudal system is in place. The blame can be laid on Aoun and HA or Hariri now,but history tells us that same issues were taking place before any of these people and their parties were born,and they will continue to do so unless the entire political system is overhauled,and a new  democratic,and secular system is put in place

        1.  Avatar

          Prophettt,
          Thank you for response,

          My reply to your initial comment was meant to illustrate one central point, that is PM Mikati willingly entered into a government where he had neither authority nor autonomy i.e. he accepted a role that would effectively make him a lame Duck from day 1. 
           
          I am highly sceptical that PM Mikati Believed for one minute that he was capable of changing Hezbollahs mind, which is the implicit understanding if one is to believe his platform. I am referring in particular to his supposed reason of preventing chaos in the country and staying out of conflict with the world especially the west. 

          Lets also remember that this cabinet was formed only by 4 votes, that is 3% of parliment, in such circumstance it is not uncommon for the deciders jumblat + PM Mikati &CO to have a proportionally larger say, look no further then the current Australian Coalition government between Labor and Greens. Despite this neither PM MIkati or Jumblat had their opinion respected, discussion of proportional representation (Jumblat) and 

      2.  Avatar

        ZiadH,
        From the outset, it seems to be true that Mikati , heading a coalition cabinet of which his block is not the largest would be a lame duck, and that He needs to negotiate more with his partners to get things done, than with the opposition. The lack of alternative available to the new majority makes Mikati’s position much stronger than it seems. HA, and Aoun’s position were well known to Mikati and to the public before the cabinet was formed, so was Mikati’s positions. The fact that He accepted this responsibility is worth giving him credit for.
        Just about every coalition government is a conventional one. The only reason coalition governments are formed is the inability of one single party to form a cabinet on its own. Compromises are made among all parties in order to find enough incentives to make such a coalition. Simply speaking, it is a necessity rather than an option, especially when you are dealing with a sectarian system which requires a person from a particular sect to head a particular position. We have seen this happen when a president is chosen to be elected many times. Even when Hariri had the majority, He had to compromise and bring is Shiia ministers who are accepted by the majority of Shiia.
        I don’t agree with any of these practices, but I’m just giving you an assessment of the way I read things.
        As sad as this is, it’s the reality of our rotten sectarian system. This system has to go, and a new modern, civil, secular and democratic system is a must.
        We‘re talking about Mikati’s dilemma now, and the future generations will be talking about another PM or president or a speaker’s dilemma.
        Thank You.

        1.  Avatar

          Prophettt,
          I understand your frustration with the system and general state of affairs,  I will be as direct as possible.
             

        2.  Avatar

          One reason the Greeks went down a notch or two … too many self-absorbed ‘parties’.
          A parliamentary system doesn’t require appointed ‘heads’.

      3.  Avatar

        ZiadH, I appreciate your determination and your willing-less to fight for your what you believe in.
        The position of Prime minster is not supposed to be that of a king. There is an institution called council of minsters, and the Premier is just the head of such institution. Decisions are made by the council as an institution, and not by the prime minster himself. He is supposed to have the leadership, and sets policies at the table. TAIEF agreement set this rule, not me.
        Have you not noticed that neither the president nor the premier has any absolute power?
        Balance of power is what the Taief agreement put in place, as of the sectarian system was not bad enough .lol
        As for incentives, power and position of power is attractive to Mikati and everyone else. Mikati‘s main reason for accepting the premier’s position, is to solidify his power in his home base of Tripoli. Don’t forget that All Lebanese politicians have tribal mentality.

      4.  Avatar

        They lost the pole …. or someone used it for firewood.

    3.  Avatar

      Most Lebanese politicians are pompous self righteous fools. However the frequency, intensity and consistency of obstructionism & delay employed by Aoun puts him well ahead of the pack. (at least he is king of something, )

      A coalition government is a cabinet of a parliamentary government in which several political parties cooperate. It implies that the political parties are independent and not subordinate to each other, we know this is not the case. 
      This government has been selected by Hezbollah to serve Hezbollah. This applies especially to Aoun & Mikati. 
      BTW this is supposed to be a centralist government according to Hassan Nasralah.

      As far as Hassan Nasralah is concerned he is the only one entitled to an opinion, any divergence in view however slight constitutes insubordination or even treason. In accepting Hezbollah’s offer, Mikati has accepted to work within a mechanism that that strictly forbids him from taking any initiative.

      Mikati is a lame duck in the truest sense of the word, he has no autonomy, he is bound by the script handed to him by Raad. This is why he will never utter a single syllable out of place, especially against Nasralah’s buddy Aoun.

      I hope electricity is not dealt with like 3G network!

  15. Rafic,
           In a democracy, even though it is not a vibrant one, the best way to achieve change is through the ballot box. Individual citizens must treat the right to vote seriously and must vote only for those that they believe have the national interest in mind. We have to learn to cast a vote for ideas and not blood ties or religious affiliation.

    1. You know Prof. Karam  and i know it how the mind set of most voters are and i do not see any time soon that mentality will change. I went overseas more then 40 years ago to get my education, and to be honest the mentality has gotten worst , people are more polarised more hate and i do not see any cohesivness.

      1. Rafic,
               Unfortunately on a purely personal level, I happen to agree with you. Many of my fellow citizens cannot get themselves to embrace an idea instead of a personal attribute.

      2. Mr.Rafic, You have raised a very good point. Due to the tribal nature of our society many so called Zaims in Lebanon indirectly force their followers  in a coercive way especially during times of elections to select list of candidates who are considered loyal and fathful to him.

        The idea of total allegiance to the Zaim or secterian party leader creates the classic case of herding in Lebanon, and this undermines the significance of elections as a tool for change.

      3. Mr.Rafic, You have raised a very good point. Due to the tribal nature of our society many so called Zaims in Lebanon indirectly force their followers  in a coercive way especially during times of elections to select list of candidates who are considered loyal and fathful to him.

        The idea of total allegiance to the Zaim or secterian party leader creates the classic case of herding in Lebanon, and this undermines the significance of elections as a tool for change.

      4. I also agree with you concerning the deep polarization among the people along sectarian lines. The other thing is that the youth of Lebanon today are still continuing with the same destructive mentality of previous generation.

         Moreover, the system can only be defeated through a collective action and sadly this is not evident with the youth today who are divided along March 14 and March 8 camps.
        Alternative groups are very weak and are unable to challenge the dominant political and ecnomic forces who have controled Lebanon ever since the creation of modern Lebanon in 1943.

      5. Mr.Rafic, You have raised a very good point. Due to the tribal nature of our society many so called Zaims in Lebanon indirectly force their followers in a rather coercive way especially during times of elections to select candidates who are often loyal and faithful to them.
        The idea of total allegiance to the Zaim or any sectarian party leader creates the classic case of Herding behavior in Lebanon, and this undermines the significance of elections as a tool for change.

        1. Mr. Sebouh I said this before and I say it again , in order to change the mind set of Lebanese it will take at least one generation or two if we start today. The children that are growing up in elementary schools should be thought to have allegiance to Lebanon and the flag first and foremost till at least high school but the problem is when in home those children parents will say shit about this and that religion and parties and the kids grow up listening to this garbage and themselves become bigots thus the cycle of hate prevails unless the kid is so smart and can sort things out, also all faiths and parties should mingle as much as possible and may be a charismatic leader forms a non sectarian party with a big following will revolutionize the mind set of the young generation. One thing every body should understand about existing God or not people are all equal, the ones that are better if they are contributing positively toward the society with their education money or scientific and technological endeavor.

  16. Rafic,
           In a democracy, even though it is not a vibrant one, the best way to achieve change is through the ballot box. Individual citizens must treat the right to vote seriously and must vote only for those that they believe have the national interest in mind. We have to learn to cast a vote for ideas and not blood ties or religious affiliation.

    1.  Avatar

      You know Prof. Karam  and i know it how the mind set of most voters are and i do not see any time soon that mentality will change. I went overseas more then 40 years ago to get my education, and to be honest the mentality has gotten worst , people are more polarised more hate and i do not see any cohesivness.

      1. Rafic,
               Unfortunately on a purely personal level, I happen to agree with you. Many of my fellow citizens cannot get themselves to embrace an idea instead of a personal attribute.

      2.  Avatar

        Mr.Rafic, You have raised a very good point. Due to the tribal nature of our society many so called Zaims in Lebanon indirectly force their followers  in a coercive way especially during times of elections to select list of candidates who are considered loyal and fathful to him.

        The idea of total allegiance to the Zaim or secterian party leader creates the classic case of herding in Lebanon, and this undermines the significance of elections as a tool for change.

      3.  Avatar

        I also agree with you concerning the deep polarization among the people along sectarian lines. The other thing is that the youth of Lebanon today are still continuing with the same destructive mentality of previous generation.

         Moreover, the system can only be defeated through a collective action and sadly this is not evident with the youth today who are divided along March 14 and March 8 camps.
        Alternative groups are very weak and are unable to challenge the dominant political and ecnomic forces who have controled Lebanon ever since the creation of modern Lebanon in 1943.

      4.  Avatar

        Mr.Rafic, You have raised a very good point. Due to the tribal nature of our society many so called Zaims in Lebanon indirectly force their followers in a rather coercive way especially during times of elections to select candidates who are often loyal and faithful to them.
        The idea of total allegiance to the Zaim or any sectarian party leader creates the classic case of Herding behavior in Lebanon, and this undermines the significance of elections as a tool for change.

        1.  Avatar

          Mr. Sebouh I said this before and I say it again , in order to change the mind set of Lebanese it will take at least one generation or two if we start today. The children that are growing up in elementary schools should be thought to have allegiance to Lebanon and the flag first and foremost till at least high school but the problem is when in home those children parents will say shit about this and that religion and parties and the kids grow up listening to this garbage and themselves become bigots thus the cycle of hate prevails unless the kid is so smart and can sort things out, also all faiths and parties should mingle as much as possible and may be a charismatic leader forms a non sectarian party with a big following will revolutionize the mind set of the young generation. One thing every body should understand about existing God or not people are all equal, the ones that are better if they are contributing positively toward the society with their education money or scientific and technological endeavor.

  17. beyondreason1022 Avatar
    beyondreason1022

    Mikati should go HOME! this is his best action to preserve his dignity that he still have; He failed.. he promised to form technocratic government and ended forming an autocratic government that is disable to do anything that was promised, and he continues to promise …..

    1. beyondreason,
                          I understand what you are saying since this was my initial reaction. But then upon reflection I concluded that Lebanon will be better served with an ineffective Mikati cabinet rather than a caretaker one.

  18.  Avatar

    Mikati should go HOME! this is his best action to preserve his dignity that he still have; He failed.. he promised to form technocratic government and ended forming an autocratic government that is disable to do anything that was promised, and he continue to promise …..

    1. beyondreason,
                          I understand what you are saying since this was my initial reaction. But then upon reflection I concluded that Lebanon will be better served with an ineffective Mikati cabinet rather than a caretaker one.

  19. Ghassan ,
       I substitute my usual poem with a reply this time…:) I like ONE sentence in your article “Old habits die hard, actually at times they never die” that is exactly what I’m about to explain breifly
     Aoun is not a self proclaimed leader of the Christian, he is elected by vast majority of the Christians. He represents more than 70% of Lebanese Christians. His accomplishments speak for itself and I hope his Old habits don’t die at all
    1.He happened to be the only Christian Leader that worked and continue to work for Lebanon.
    2.He commanded an army to liberate Lebanon from occupation of foreign armies and their proxies without success because fellow Lebanese were supporting the occupiers back then until they lost their leader who promised them the promise land (more power grab)
    3. He aligned the Lebanese Christians with their fellow Lebanese Shite who happened to be the liberators of the South. With that they formed the most honest Lebanese group  that had proven with their action the love to Lebanon. What did the others do? Kill innocent citizens based on their religious believes and destroy the country. Now tell me who has more intentions for a peaceful Lebanon!!!!
    4. Aoun left to France to fight another day and as promised he came back to accomplish what he promised. 
    5. Aoun supports the STL but let the billionaires pay for it NOT the ordinary Lebanese who needs electricity and water.

    What did the Hariris and the rest do?
    1. They supported the occupying forces (PLO, Syria and maybe Israel during the 2006 war) to get what power they craved. They got some and now they don’t know what to do with it, as you say “Old habits die hard, actually at times they never die”
    2. They borrowed massive sum of money at first to pay off the Syrians and then to build Harriri land (downtown Beirut) so their homo friends have a place to play and the rest of Lebanon was ignored. In return the middle class got burdened with the debt, inflation skyrocketing  and standard of living is declining. 
    And on on I hope their habits die but I doubt it.

    1. liban1,
              It is rather interesting that your response is more of an attck on March 14 and Hariri as if they are the only alternative to An HA cabinet .Surprise, they are not.
              Don’t you think that it will be better to concentrate on the future rather than the past. My interest is in a future that is democratic, that guarantees personal freedom in all fields, that is secular , that respects the environment and that is socially just. By definition such a future cannot coexist with backward thinking religious dinosaurs who have no respect for the rule of law, the concept of state sovereignty and independence. This future demands a radical changein our political structure and our politicians as well.

      1. Ghassan,
          Yes we should concentrate on the future. In the quest of finding future leaders, one needs to read their resumes. I assume you send out your resume when you apply for a job. My listing the past was a reply to your “old habits die hard” saying and to Aoun being a self proclaimed leader. There is nothing wrong religion if people respect their religion and its teaching. Aoun and his block are the biggest advocates of the things you mentioned about social justice. They want to improve electricity, water, roads and health care for all while the others are blinded by the so called STL. 

    2. MeYosemite Avatar

      For point 5: It is the people who fund the court, otherwise there is a conflict of interest. Aoun being jealous in the matter for being exiled in France while Hariri building his fortune? And getting back at him now? Whether you like Harriri or not, Bashir Gemayel or not, Rashid Karami or not and all the rest, when a Prime Minister is blown up, the aggression is against the people not only the victim. Nonetheless I would agree on the money laundering, but that has nothing to do with justice. We don’t trade crimes for crimes, that would be a caveman thinking.

      1. 5thDrawer Avatar

        The caveman seems to have survived here unfortunately.
        And in blowing up one retired PM, they killed 20-odd others, and injured in various ways 200 others – some for life. Then tried to eliminate all who investigated. No respect for any Lebanese life … a mother walking a baby or an old man struggling with his last days.
        The desire of ‘the people’ to know ‘who’ was sent to the ICC – under a contract – as Lebanon’s ‘law’ couldn’t do it. And the representatives of ‘the people’ agreed to pay their SHARE – as the rest of the UN-world pays the other half of the costs.
        Only the criminally-insane criminal would not honour the contract.

      2. No Aoun is not jealous and is not getting back at him because of his fortune … look what his fortune brought him, nothing. His fortune could not buy him one day. Aoun is trying to reverse the damage he was instrumental in orchestrating to the Lebanese state through the Taif. My point is exactly what you mentioned, how come the Lebanese state when Harriri was a PM did not care about the killing of Bashir, Mosa el sader and the rest of the Lebanese leaders . Now he is gone (God bless his sole) we have to care about his killing…. !!!!! I’m stating this because I don’t think his killing should not be investigated. Franky I think his killing was a conspiracy on the resistance.
        If you are looking for justice, yes let the government investigate where the $50 billion of peoples money was spent by the Hariris. I’m sure they will find few billions stolen that can be refunded and then the Lebanese people will be willing to pay to the so called STL. 

        1. 5thDrawer Avatar

          Establish SOME justice Libnan1, and perhaps more will come. But it can’t be served on the dead. Only noted in histories and used as a guide for a more just future – if any want that.

        2. Your absolute allegiance to Aoun forbid your mind to see other solution which can rally the christian and our muslim brothers. It is good if once you can critize your Hero ( Aoun ) instead of defending him all the time at the cost of your objectivity. My challenge to you: find something you disagree with Aoun. That will be the beginning of a new way of thinking closer to the interest of our nation not Saint-Michel Aoun…

        3. MeYosemite Avatar

          Justice happens and will get better when people are behind it, not sabotaging it.

        4. MeYosemite Avatar

          If aounists wants to pursue the billions they can simply sue Harriri. No need to tear the country down to make a point.

        5. @MeYosemite:disqus It is the peoples money remember NOT only the Aounist money.

        6. @marc, I know you might not believe this but I don’t have allegiance to Aoun. I have criticized him before on few things (read my previous posts) but overall you are right I support his views because his main intention is free and strong Lebanon. He might piss off some but overall he is working for the people. Check out his agenda electricity, water and health care for all not only for the Aounist. What the others do? services for their own constituents and the rest of the country suffers. I try to be objective even with my poems …:) 

        7. 5thDrawer Avatar

          Actually Liban1 … that was better than the poems. 😉

  20.  Avatar

    Ghassan ,
       I substitute my usual poem with a reply this time…:) I like ONE sentence in your article “Old habits die hard, actually at times they never die” that is exactly what I’m about to explain breifly
     Aoun is not a self proclaimed leader of the Christian, he is elected by vast majority of the Christians. He represents more than 70% of Lebanese Christians. His accomplishments speak for itself and I hope his Old habits don’t die at all
    1.He happened to be the only Christian Leader that worked and continue to work for Lebanon.
    2.He commanded an army to liberate Lebanon from occupation of foreign armies and their proxies without success because fellow Lebanese were supporting the occupiers back then until they lost their leader who promised them the promise land (more power grab)
    3. He aligned the Lebanese Christians with their fellow Lebanese Shite who happened to be the liberators of the South. With that they formed the most honest Lebanese group  that had proven with their action the love to Lebanon. What did the others do? Kill innocent citizens based on their religious believes and destroy the country. Now tell me who has more intentions for a peaceful Lebanon!!!!
    4. Aoun left to France to fight another day and as promised he came back to accomplish what he promised. 
    5. Aoun supports the STL but let the billionaires pay for it NOT the ordinary Lebanese who needs electricity and water.

    What did the Hariris and the rest do?
    1. They supported the occupying forces (PLO, Syria and maybe Israel during the 2006 war) to get what power they craved. They got some and now they don’t know what to do with it, as you say “Old habits die hard, actually at times they never die”
    2. They borrowed massive sum of money at first to pay off the Syrians and then to build Harriri land (downtown Beirut) so their homo friends have a place to play and the rest of Lebanon was ignored. In return the middle class got burdened with the debt, inflation skyrocketing  and standard of living is declining. 
    And on on I hope their habits die but I doubt it.

    1. liban1,
              It is rather interesting that your response is more of an attck on March 14 and Hariri as if they are the only alternative to An HA cabinet .Surprise, they are not.
              Don’t you think that it will be better to concentrate on the future rather than the past. My interest is in a future that is democratic, that guarantees personal freedom in all fields, that is secular , that respects the environment and that is socially just. By definition such a future cannot coexist with backward thinking religious dinosaurs who have no respect for the rule of law, the concept of state sovereignty and independence. This future demands a radical changein our political structure and our politicians as well.

      1.  Avatar

        Ghassan,
          Yes we should concentrate on the future. In the quest of finding future leaders, one needs to read their resumes. I assume you send out your resume when you apply for a job. My listing the past was a reply to your “old habits die hard” saying and to Aoun being a self proclaimed leader. There is nothing wrong religion if people respect their religion and its teaching. Aoun and his block are the biggest advocates of the things you mentioned about social justice. They want to improve electricity, water, roads and health care for all while the others are blinded by the so called STL. 

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      For point 5: It is the people who fund the court, otherwise there is a conflict of interest. Aoun being jealous in the matter for being exiled in France while Hariri building his fortune? And getting back at him now? Whether you like Harriri or not, Bashir Gemayel or not, Rashid Karami or not and all the rest, when a Prime Minister is blown up, the aggression is against the people not only the victim. Nonetheless I would agree on the money laundering, but that has nothing to do with justice. We don’t trade crimes for crimes, that would be a caveman thinking.

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        The caveman seems to have survived here unfortunately.
        And in blowing up one retired PM, they killed 20-odd others, and injured in various ways 200 others – some for life. Then tried to eliminate all who investigated. No respect for any Lebanese life … a mother walking a baby or an old man struggling with his last days.
        The desire of ‘the people’ to know ‘who’ was sent to the ICC – under a contract – as Lebanon’s ‘law’ couldn’t do it. And the representatives of ‘the people’ agreed to pay their SHARE – as the rest of the UN-world pays the other half of the costs.
        Only the criminally-insane criminal would not honour the contract.

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        No Aoun is not jealous and is not getting back at him because of his fortune … look what his fortune brought him, nothing. His fortune could not buy him one day. Aoun is trying to reverse the damage he was instrumental in orchestrating to the Lebanese state through the Taif. My point is exactly what you mentioned, how come the Lebanese state when Harriri was a PM did not care about the killing of Bashir, Mosa el sader and the rest of the Lebanese leaders . Now he is gone (God bless his sole) we have to care about his killing…. !!!!! I’m stating this because I don’t think his killing should not be investigated. Franky I think his killing was a conspiracy on the resistance.
        If you are looking for justice, yes let the government investigate where the $50 billion of peoples money was spent by the Hariris. I’m sure they will find few billions stolen that can be refunded and then the Lebanese people will be willing to pay to the so called STL. 

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          Establish SOME justice Libnan1, and perhaps more will come. But it can’t be served on the dead. Only noted in histories and used as a guide for a more just future – if any want that.

        2. Your absolute allegiance to Aoun forbid your mind to see other solution which can rally the christian and our muslim brothers. It is good if once you can critize your Hero ( Aoun ) instead of defending him all the time at the cost of your objectivity. My challenge to you: find something you disagree with Aoun. That will be the beginning of a new way of thinking closer to the interest of our nation not Saint-Michel Aoun…

        3. Your absolute allegiance to Aoun forbid your mind to see other solution which can rally the christian and our muslim brothers. It is good if once you can critize your Hero ( Aoun ) instead of defending him all the time at the cost of your objectivity. My challenge to you: find something you disagree with Aoun. That will be the beginning of a new way of thinking closer to the interest of our nation not Saint-Michel Aoun…

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          Justice happens and will get better when people are behind it, not sabotaging it.

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          If aounists wants to pursue the billions they can simply sue Harriri. No need to tear the country down to make a point.

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          @MeYosemite:disqus It is the peoples money remember NOT only the Aounist money.

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          @marc, I know you might not believe this but I don’t have allegiance to Aoun. I have criticized him before on few things (read my previous posts) but overall you are right I support his views because his main intention is free and strong Lebanon. He might piss off some but overall he is working for the people. Check out his agenda electricity, water and health care for all not only for the Aounist. What the others do? services for their own constituents and the rest of the country suffers. I try to be objective even with my poems …:) 

        8.  Avatar

          @marc, I know you might not believe this but I don’t have allegiance to Aoun. I have criticized him before on few things (read my previous posts) but overall you are right I support his views because his main intention is free and strong Lebanon. He might piss off some but overall he is working for the people. Check out his agenda electricity, water and health care for all not only for the Aounist. What the others do? services for their own constituents and the rest of the country suffers. I try to be objective even with my poems …:) 

        9.  Avatar

          @marc, I know you might not believe this but I don’t have allegiance to Aoun. I have criticized him before on few things (read my previous posts) but overall you are right I support his views because his main intention is free and strong Lebanon. He might piss off some but overall he is working for the people. Check out his agenda electricity, water and health care for all not only for the Aounist. What the others do? services for their own constituents and the rest of the country suffers. I try to be objective even with my poems …:) 

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          Actually Liban1 … that was better than the poems. 😉

  21. MeYosemite Avatar

    Mikati knew he as no decision power, what was his goal? put his name in record books, as being PM twice with the shortest time?

  22.  Avatar

    Mikati knew he as no decision power, what was his goal? put his name in record books, as being PM twice with the shortest time?

  23.  Avatar

    Mikati knew he as no decision power, what was his goal? put his name in record books, as being PM twice with the shortest time?

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