I fail to understand the logic behind holding massive provocative rallies to remember the death of Hariri. Why can’t tomorrow be a somber moment to remember the man rather than turning the event into a massive political event that may only inflame the already combustible situation? This government has nothing to gain and everything to lose by following such tactics.

The debris have not been cleared yet, but…………

Startfor Concludes:
“The politically motivated attack likely is connected to the Syrian intelligence apparatus, which aims to instigate violent clashes between Lebanon’s heavily armed factions in order to justify a Syrian intervention. Most of the victims were Greek Orthodox”.

That is what you can call objective reporting and in-depth analysis!!!

Ehsani2, they do not care about Lebanon they want to start a civilwar.

This is the most important part which could indicate the need to have a new election law.could that mean that Gemeyel is now supporting Aoun.

“Previous Lebanese institutions have failed. Our current institutions have failed. We need new institutions and a new political formula so everyone feels they are fairly represented,” Gemayel said.

Dear Ehsani2,

some people don’t understand why a secularist, anti-Islamist regime would ally itself with anti-secularist, Islamist regimes/movements.

The world is a complex place, ya khayya.

As for tomorrow – I truly don’t believe that you don’t understand why tomorrow’s commemorations will be organized in the way that they are. Maybe you should spend some time in Beirut … 😉

Gemayel is, at this point, the only Maronite figure that could be acceptable to a large majority of Lebanese across the political spectrum. Aoun’s time is over and Suleiman failed to act like a statesman during the past months. Geagea was never a candidate for the post.

–MSK

http://www.aqoul.com

Two bombs in two places at the same time ,It sounds like Alqaida light.

MSK,

I made my comment precisely because I have spent too much time in Beirut during my lifetime!

Ehsan2,
I see your point. tragic remembrances are normally expressed with a one or two minute silence. except in the ME where people have to go all out and make a day of it unless there is an another motive.

Thanks MSK for the reply to EHSANI which is very brief and yet straignt to the point.
EHSANI, if you’ve spent a great part of your life in Beirut, then you should know very well that you cannot easily intimidate the Lebanese into silence. This is the difference that you perhaps alluded to in a previous post between Lebanese and Syrian identities.
Basically, the Lebanese need to remind themselves, The Syrian regime and the world that a horrible terrorist crime has been committed in their city and the killers need to be punished.
The criminal Syrian regime needs to remind the Lebanese and the world of its ability to intimidate. Do you think that such intimidation will (or should) work?
I suggest you stick to your habit of not commenting on Lebanese issues and thanks once again.

So now that Pierre has been assasinated Sami Gemayel is next in line? I guess keeping your hold on power is really more important than anything, including your children’s well-being.

Josh now quotes none other than IRNA (Islamic Republic News Agency) that Amr Moussa went to Damascus to convince Bashar to come to AL summit in Riyad next March. Yes of course. Amr Moussa is fond of seeing Bashar turning into the black sheep of the meeting. I guess Mouallim is used to it from last summer’s Beirut meeting! So he may as well go instead! Besides is Bashar so stupid to embark on such a trip where he may not have much say in matters relating to his own personal safety? Stupid as he may be. I’d say he is not that stupid.
Josh the meeting was supposed to be in Damascus. It was moved to Riyad. Do you get the hint?

MSK,

Amin Gemayel in the early 80’s threatened Damascus that it could be the target of US bombs the size of VW Beetles from the American fleet in the Lebanese waters at the time (during the Israeli invasion).

Then few months later, he visited Damascus and apologized and told Hafez that he will be good boy.

Then, he turned rather anti-Syria again

I don’t know if he is someone the Syrians can do business with.

Although I agree that the Christians do not want a no-name representative (the next president) who can be manipulated easily by the more powerful current Sunni Prime Minsiter (Saudi Arabia and the Hariri money behind him).

But if a Salim Hoss is picked for the post of prime minister, then the Christians will not be threatened by him and might accept a new name for presidnet, someone neutral on Syria hopefully, not pro and not against.

Gibran,

Can you explain this part please?

Josh the meeting was supposed to be in Damascus. It was moved to Riyad. Do you get the hint?

Gibran,

Don’t be stupid. You clearly did not get my point. I did not make my comment to indicate that the Lebanese should/not be intimidated. I am not exactly a fan of Syria’s conduct in Lebanon.

Regardless of today’s bombing, I still don’t see the logic of mobilizing 2 million people to as you put it:

“Show that he Lebanese need to remind themselves, The Syrian regime and the world that a horrible terrorist crime has been committed in their city and the killers need to be punished.
The criminal Syrian regime needs to remind the Lebanese and the world of its ability to intimidate. Do you think that such intimidation will (or should) work?”

If the goal is to launch the international tribunal and to avoid any clashes that may disrupt the launch of the formal proceedings, then I think that tomorrow’s tactic is ill conceived.

If, on the other hand, you want to show the world what you wrote above, then great: Go for it.

Lastly, as for you suggestions that I should not comment on anything to do with Lebanese issues, are you sure you want to hear my rebuttal?

I think it is best that I finish my note the way I started it:

Gibran,

Don’t be stupid.

Dear Alex,

I wasn’t talking about “someone who the Syrians can do business with”, I was talking about a Maronite who is acceptable to the vast majority of LEBANESE factions. Gemayel isn’t hardcore anti-Syrian, as you noted, but in any case I think we should get rid of the notion that the president of Lebanon’s most important asset is that “he is someone the Syrians can do business with”, don’t you think?

I have no idea who the next PM might be. There aren’t any elections scheduled for a few years. Fouad Seniora IS the PM, maa heek?

–MSK

http://www.aqoul.com

EHSANI,
How about I tell you the same thing? Don’t be stupid.

MSK,

Theoretically, of course Syria should not have a vote on choices for Lebanon’s president. But … take Canada and the U.S. for example … Elections in Canada are free .. no one consults the U.S. in advance. However, candidates for the prime minister’s job who are clearly anti American disappear very quickly at the beginning of election campaigns. No interest from the party, no funding from Business, ridicule from the press.

Why? because the majority of the Canadian people who are usually not big fans of the United States and its economic or foreign policies (Canadians are lefties in general) realize that Canada can not function properly without at least moderate support from the United States. recently, the country took a serious move towards supporting America at the UN … this meant supporting Israel as well. Montreal has 10% Arab population … it does not matter. America wins… Canada now votes at the UN for Israel’s security needs, and it mostly ignores Palestinian human rights issues.

So, Lebanon should be more independent from Syrian wishes, I totally agree (and from American, French, Saudi and Israeli wishes too, right?) … but those in Lebanon who think they can function and prosper while maintaining their recent 180 degree move away from Syria, might want to look at the Canadian experience .. since Pierre Trudeau’s charismatic leadership that occasionally challenged the American neighbors and gave many Canadians a sense of pride, Canada decided that its interests are clearly in aligning itself with the big neighbor… economically and politically.

Gibran, You disagree I know (Syria is not the US you would say, but it does not matter I will reply… look at the map anyway)… time will tell.

Right, Alex, you mobster. Because the US kill and bomb Canadians and their elected representatives.

Idiot.

Dear Alex,

the US occupation of Canada was when again? Oh, yeah, NEVER.

How many Canadian politicians were killed by the US? Hmmm, NONE, actually. (And re: Lebanese killed by Syria, I am limiting myself to the 20th century. ;))

When did the US take up a “two countries, one people” approach towards Canada? Hang on, let me check … NEVER again.

Apples & oranges. Seriously.

Lebanon’s No 1 issue right now is national reconciliation and agreement on a future course, not making sure that the Ba’th dictatorship is happy.

And, as I’d already said, Geagea was never a candidate for the presidency.

–MSK

http://www.aqoul.com

People has tendency to push the other side to the edge, to test them,and see how much they can endure,do not forget that Hassan Nassrallah does not like confrontation with other lebanese faction,he (a month ago) elevated the tension, when that led to confrontations, he backed off, that was a retreat, now they want to test him,and cause him to retreat again.

Gibran,

Because the US will make few things much more difficult for Canada economically… that works.

When anyone proves Syria killed Hariri and Gibran Toueini and the others after, then we will discuss your way of looking at things.

In the mean time try to control your anger … if everyone got angry based on speculations then there will be no civilization. You guys in Lebanon are civilized right? try to teach the barbaric Syrian readers of this blog a lesson with your wisdom. We will be impressed… calling people Mobsters is nothing but illogical uncontrollable anger. I wouldn’t care to comment on it if it was Gibran alone who is angry … but a significant part of Lebanon is driven by pure anger and need to revenge Syria’s presence in Lebanon … if you do not get over the past there will be no good for your country … not because Syria will kill anyone, but because you will kill each other and Syrai and other countries will not do anything to help you.

Are you talking to me Alex? I can barely hear you regurgitating!

Dear MSK,

I’m sorry if I am not impressed at all with the moral argument of “how many Lebanese politicians did Syria supposedly (probably) kill in the 70’s and 80’s.

You know how many Syrian workers were killed by angry Lebanese demonstrators?

You know how many Lebanese civilians died because the Americans wanted to block the SC resolution that would stop Israel’s bombardment of Innocent civilians?

You know how many Syrian soldiers died when Syria at the beginning genuinely worked to protect the Lebanese Christians from Junblat’s father and from other wonderful Lebanese war lords? Do I assume that you would have prefered if Syria did not interfere at all at the time? no other country was willing to send over 10,000 troops except Syria. Would that have been more “proper”?

You know how many Iraqis died because this American Administration insisted on doing the Iraq war? … over 100,000 sounds to me like more worthy of an investigation that 5-15 Lebanese politicians … let me borrow an American term: If (and it is IF) Syria was the one behind those assassinations … that was very “surgical” compared to the way Israel and the US are conducting their business, no? … and Syria is outside the area of operations (Lebanon) not like the US which is inside Iraq.

Let us start with what we know, not what we assume we know … let us start by putting president Bush and his whole team on trial, then follow it with Prime minster Olmert … then when anyone can find any proof that Syria killed Hariri and few other politicians, then let us put those Syrians on trial next.

Enough this circus. Do you now realize why I, and Rime Allaf and most other Syrians have had it with the Lebanese, Americans, the Chiracs, and the “moderate Arabs” …

The big picture is: Syria saved a million Iraqi refugees, America caused the deathe of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis.

But instead we spend all out time discussing ways to punish Syria for SUPPOSEDLY ordering the assassination of one politician.

The Syrians will be fine. It’s idiotic, criminal mobsters like you and the regime you support that are the problem.

And seek therapy, Alex. You clearly need it.

And who the hell are you or Rime Allaf!? Apologists for killers? And trust me, the entire world has had it with you criminal murderers too. You insane mobster.

Habibi Gibran,

Believe me, when I reply to you, I am not really talking to you. I am talking to those who are reading your arguments and I am answering it for them to read both points of view and decide which one makes sense to them .. maybe a combination of both.

You realize I do not reply to my favorite intellectual “G” … he has no arguments for me to comment on. But you do present some semi-serious arguments, and I often reply.

By the way Rime Allaf is a regime critic … you will agree with many of her views on the regime. But thanks to mentality like yours, she is now not impressed with your people anymore than she is impressed by the Syrian regime.

Dear Alex,

I herewith retroactively delete the “killing people” part:

“Dear Alex,

the US occupation of Canada was when again? Oh, yeah, NEVER.

When did the US take up a “two countries, one people” approach towards Canada? Hang on, let me check … NEVER again.

Apples & oranges. Seriously.

Lebanon’s No 1 issue right now is national reconciliation and agreement on a future course, not making sure that the Ba’th dictatorship is happy.

And, as I’d already said, Geagea was never a candidate for the presidency.

–MSK

http://www.aqoul.com”

But one question: why did you concentrate on that ONE issue? I tried to show you how Lebanon/Syria is really nowhere near Canada/US. That was it.

Lebanese just don’t feel towards Syria the way Canadians feel towards the US, and Syria hasn’t acted/isn’t acting towards Lebanon the way that the US has/is acting towards Canada.

Apples and oranges.

Are Lebanese attitudes towards Syria justified? Some are, some aren’t. Are Syrian attitudes towards Lebanon justified? Again, some are and some aren’t.

But they are real. And we have to deal with reality.

Period.

The issue here wasn’t about what the US did or didn’t do during the Summer War or what Israel did or didn’t do over the past decades or what the US did or didn’t do in Iraq.

You know for a fact that I don’t defend the US or Israeli administrations. I probably know much better about Israeli- and US-inflicted death and pain than you do. I’ve been to the WestBank and Gaza, to Southern Lebanon, and I’ve worked with Iraqi colleagues in Iraqi media for the past 2 years. So what’s your point?

Why do you feel the need to deflect from the very clear issue – Lebanon/Syria vs. Canada/US – onto other issues? C’mon, nobody will ever rival Abu Ammar’s “But who is the REAL terrorist???” ploy.

–MSK

http://www.aqoul.com

Iraqi government closes border crossings with Syria and Iran for several days. Security is main concern. Opens embassy in KSA – No further comments

زيباري يفتتح السفارة العراقية في السعودية
الحكومة العراقية تقرر إغلاق الحدود مع سوريا وإيران لعدة أيام

بغداد – وكالات
قررت الحكومة العراقية الثلاثاء 13-7-2007 أنها قررت إغلاق المنافذ الحدودية مع سوريا وإيران لمدة 72 ساعة في إطار خطتها الجديدة لأمن بغداد. وقال اللواء عبود كمبر قائد عمليات بغداد, الذي تلا على التلفزيون العراقي بيانا من رئاسة مجلس الوزراء، إنه تقرر إغلاق المنافذ الحدودية مع هذين البلدين

Dear MSK,

Don’t worry, I know you (390 references on google!) 🙂

As for your other points, I did not answer them because I got tired from typing… I have lots of arguments, but I will pick a few:

1) Did Syria ever Annex Lebanon? … the Baathists also say that they want the whole Arab world to be united, does that mean Sudan should be worried? … what exactly did Lebanon fear from? was there escalating Syrian presence? no.

Before the Hariri murder, Syria already withdrew over half its troops and announced that it will continue to withdraw a few thousands at a time over the next few years. They also withdrew out from the major cities.

“Two countries, one people” was not leading to anything by force … Hafez would have liked to hear it from the vast majority of the Lebanese. Anything less, he knew not to take it seriously. He did not even think of annexing Lebanon like Saddam annexed Kuwait, and like Israel annexed the Golan.

And … Syria’s popularity or acceptance in Lebanon (see opposition coalition and its backers) is still higher than America’s popularity in Canada … did you read the polls this year? … America in only popular in Israel. Not in Canada, not in France, not in Sweden …

2) With all the anger the anti-Syria Lebanese STILL have at Syria … did it occur to them that Syria stopped their civil war? … if Junblat and Jeajea can fogive each other for killing over 10,000 of their people (each), then I expect them to show me the same wisdom and forgive Syria for … eh, corruption of its officers in Lebanon, and other not pleasant by-products of Syria’s army presence in Lebanon … I’m sorry, but nothing comparable to Jeajea and Junblat’s numbers… I think we can not deny that Syria succeeded in stopping the Lebanese civil war with much more “surgical” tactics compared to the way Israelis and Americans are going on forever in causing endless pain and humiliation to Palestine and Iraq … without even getting anywhere close to “success”

You can of course remind me of many negatives as well … but some one had to manage Lebanon … If Syria did not do it Gandhi style, too bad .. this is the Mddle East, Lebanese civil war, a messed up Lebanese political system, tons of corrupt Lebanese politicians, and Israel next door trying to look after its own interests and make things more difficult for Syria … to forget everythng and start focusing on Syria’s less than than spiritual approach in Lebanon would be too much to digest.

MSK Said: “some people don’t understand why a secularist, anti-Islamist regime would ally itself with anti-secularist, Islamist regimes/movements.”

It’s similar to the USA’s alliance with Saudi Arabia. Actually Syria’s “alliance” with Iran is less troubling.

Iran is a non-liberal democracy while Saudi Arabia is in the political and social stone age yet a “secular” “democratic” state such as the United States is its ally. We all know why.

Amin Gemayel? Better get out my feather duster.

From Newsweek in 2003:

What effects will the war on Iraq have in the region?

It will bring fundamental change to the area, and there will be a kind of Pax Americana for a while that will shake several regimes in the area…The U.S. will build on its relations to spread new ideas and a new mentality in the area, as well as reconciling with the people of the region. There will be a strong and important initiative dealing with the Palestinian-Israeli predicament. They also want to build bridges with Islam. And the resolution of the Palestinian Israeli issue could be an opening for stronger relations between the U.S. and Islamic countries.

Do you believe the American government really understands this region?

Yes, I believe that they really do…They are ambitious determined people and they believe that they can achieve this historic achievement in order to make way for a new era in the region. If you want to make a comparison, it is that the first President Bush launched a new world order that had mainly economic connotations. The current President Bush has a view of the new world order with ideological connotations.

Sorry to be off-topic, but I want to comment on the Canada-US situation that was brought up.

American interference in Canadian politics has markedly increased in recent years. The underlying reasons for this are the free trade agreement and end of the Cold War, which have combined to limit Canada’s economic and geopolitical manoevring room. Moreover, the business and investor class in Canada are broadly in favour of maximum policy integration in all areas.

Under these circumstances, it is very difficult for any Canadian leaders to emerge other than continentalists. In the last election, for example, the choices before the electorate consisted of Mr. Martin and Mr. Harper, both ardent continentalists. The latter, in addition, is an open neocon along the American model. But opinion polls continue to show a strong opposition to American policies–a choice effectively unavailable on the ballot.

There has been a lag time of popular political consciousness of the changed situation for Canadian independence. Canadians are not, by and large, a highly politicized people. Long periods of peace and prosperity have lulled awareness of major issues. Whether any more outspokenly nationalistic politicians will come to the fore. and whether Canadians would be willing to pay any sort of price for a greater measure of effective independence, are interesting questions for the coming years.

A story in today’s CSM about honor killing in Syria

What does it take to change that terrible law?

The problem with the people of Lebanon is the same as the rest of the people of the midleast encluding Israel ( they have leaders that are more intereted of how things look like than what they can do to make the lives of their people better.)

I wonder if it is time for the Lebanese Army to take controle and save Lebanon from the politecian as the army is the only integrated institution left in Lebanon.

Isn’t it time for Syria to throw it’s arms in the air and respond to the ungratefull Lebanese by closing the border and Syrian airspace to anything comes from Lebanon.Let them go through Turkey and Iraq to reach Saudiarabia nd the Gulf states.I love to see that.

Iraq closed its borders with Syria and Iran.
I think it is too late, since Muqtada is in Iran,already

Thanks Roland,

Pierre Trudeau was much more fun than the two boring continentalists.

Norman said:

“I wonder if it is time for the Lebanese Army to take controle and save Lebanon from the politecian as the army is the only integrated institution left in Lebanon.”

Norman; please take a panadol, a deap breath, and if your stomach is not well, and alkaselzer will suffice”

Now is not the time in any middle easr country for an army to take over political reins! Would you advocate the same for Syria? If Bashar lost total control? ooops sorry the Army and security apparatus guarantee his control. Your comment is extremely naive.

http://freesyria.wordpress.com/2007/02/14/enough-bombs-and-enough-killing/

I wonder why Syrian people on this blog care too much about Lebanon wellbeing more than Syria!! We all care of the well being to everybody, but in this world it won’t work.

Let’s put it in a very primitive way so “some” readers can understand something or two.

While Lebanon has the right to take care of its interests (and no one is allowed to question that!), Syria has the right to take care of its interest.

In ideal Syria, politicians should take care of those interests in a way that preserve Syrian people pride. this is not the case of our Syria(to some extant).

If there is a conflict of interest between Syria and Lebanon, the stronger wins (make no mistake, we are living in jungle that has United Nations, computers and some other modern things so don’t get deceived ).It’s up to Lebanese (or others) to decide whether they are strong enough to confront Syria or not.

A person like the ‘Lebanese anti-Syria guy on this blog’ thinks (or would like to) that Syria is the only player that is influencing Lebanon in a negative way. Although Syrian regime interests and people one are not the same, what is happening in Lebanon now is because of conflict of interests. So Lebanese are paying the price of confronting Syria. Whether they can and would like to pay this price is up to them.

I can assure you that for the few millions of years to come, Syria and Lebanon would still be neighbors. Every time Lebanon would want to confront Syria, it will pay a price. Its not a wishful thinking of me, Syria would pay a price for this confrontation too, but remember that Lebanon is a small 5-million-people country compared to Syria, so relatively it would be affected more then Syria.

Btw, who is harirri (sorry I mean the holy harirri “radiya allahu 3anhu wa 3an ebnehe”)? Lebanese were coursing him when he was alive!! I would cut my mustache (if I have one) that the ‘Lebanese anti-Syria guy on this blog’ wasn’t coursing him too.

Youngsyria, Of course Hariri was despised in Lebanon before his death. everyone knows that. constantly mocked and satirically criticized on Leb TV all the time. But hey, any excuse to take a cheap dig at Syria is the trend in Lebanon. As long as it pleases their southern masters, keeps paying the bills.

People there have the freedom of expression, but prefer choosing to ignore what the israeli have done to their country, or even what their own country men (war lords) have done to their people (reference to how Lebanese civil war started was triggered). Alas, you don’t hear a word against them.
The problem with that small peace of land is that , everyone thinks he’s a Za3eem. killon ruus. you now what they say though… too many cooks.

I don’t hate harirri and I don’t love him (but more into hating him)… I think after 100 years he may become a prophet -you know what I mean.. 😉 – .stop this bull****.

I can’t edit my post, what I meant :
“Lebanese were cursing him when he was alive!! I would cut my mustache (if I have one) if the ‘Lebanese anti-Syria guy on this blog’ wasn’t cursing him too. “

G,

I’ve mentioned this to you before, I deleted your comments and edited some but its not working. So maybe I will try again in a less subtle way. Stop your personal attacks on people in the comment section or you will be banned. Please feel free to be as closed-minded as you like but don’t curse other’s who clearly have not attacked you personally (look at Akbar Palace for example).

And what are you? 12? branding a certain group killers as if “your side” is not? This is the Middle East my man. There are NO good people here.  You really think the Syrian’s were threatened my Pierre Jr.? Or was it Gae’ge who didn’t want the young lad to become a presidential contender? Even though I highly doubt you will take it but my advice to you is to stop swallowing what they feed you whole. Think!!!

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/fisk/article2268090.ece

you want fundamentalism and narrow mindedness? its right under your nose. this might be laughable, but one has to wonder how far extremism runs in the Saudi regime and how far they are willing to go. But no, we can afford to turn a blind eye as long as they’re on our side and serve our political end. right? Hypocrisy has no limits in this day and age.

http://www.elaph.com/ElaphWeb/ElaphGuys/2007/2/211158.htm

Lebanon is in a big trpuble and it is close to a civil war ,the army is their only hope then new election laws.

اعتقال طلاب في اللاذقية
تلقت المنظمة العربية لحقوق الإنسان في سورية من السيدة نجاح علي حمامي بشكوى مفادها أنه بتاريخ 14/5/2006 وحوالي الساعة الواحدة بعد منتصف الليل داهمت دورية من أمنية منزلها الكائن في اللاذقية – طريق الحرش وقاموا بخلع الباب والدخول إلى المنزل بصورة غير لائقة واعتقلوا ولديها حسام الدين زكريا شبيب سنة ثالثة كلية الهندسة المدنية وأشرف زكريا شبيب سنة أولى تجارة واقتصاد جامعة تشرين وتم مصادرة جهاز الخليوي العائد لحسام الدين مع معالج الكمبيوتر، كما أفادت بأن رئيس الدورية قام بإرهابها بوضع سبطانة المسدس على رأسها ، وقد علمت فيما بعد أنه تم إرسالهما إلى دمشق .
إن المنظمة العربية لحقوق الإنسان في سورية تطالب السلطات بوقف هذه الأساليب واللجوء إلى القضاء العادي, كما تطالب المنظمة السماح لأهل الطالبين بزيارة ولديهما والاطمئنان عليهما.
دمشق في 12-2-2007 مجلس الإدارة

Norman,
Are you so concerned about Lebanon because you’re Lebanese (which I doubt)?
You seem to keep repeating the same nonsense even though some commentators advised you against it.
Don’t you think the Lebanese themselves should decide their own fate? Or do you think they need your advise before doing so? So what is in it to you, if they go to civil war, hold elections, keep Seniora, allow the army to take over, kick Lahoud out of office, vote Geagaa in his place, invite the UN to monitor Syrian/Lebanese borders, sign a peace treaty with Israel, go to the moon or the deep sea? mind your own business!

Gibran, look at what Sami said

“Previous Lebanese institutions have failed. Our current institutions have failed. We need new institutions and a new political formula so everyone feels they are fairly represented,” Gemayel said.

Lebanon has two choices ,civel war ,(The politetian seem to be intended on taking lebanon on that rout ) or new election laws with one man one vote and at that time whatever Lebanon wants Lebanon can do ,the present goverment does not represent the Lebanese people.

I difinetly do not want Lebanon to be like Iraq.and if a dictatership is needed so be it ,that is better than death because of the religion that we were born with.don’t you think?.

Norman,

You still didn’t answer my main questions:

Don’t you think the Lebanese themselves should decide their own fate? Or do you think they need your advise before doing so? So what is in it to you …etc?

Gibran,

Allow me to answer that question by saying GET REAL!!! you are so righteous when it comes to asking the people you disagree with to butt off your country. I have no problem with you’re reasoning but I also fully understand why the Syrian’s and Iranians will continue their attempt to empower their allies in Lebanon when their regional/international foes are doing the same. I dont hear you whining about american, french and saudi interference. I wonder why that might be? wait let me guess because they want lebanon to prosper and its people live happily. excuse me while I puke. I respect that you prefer western support instead of Arabic and Iranian one, it’s a choice people should be able to make. But you should also respect that other’s have opposite interests. You just cant make the cake and eat it.

And the day the lebanese PUBLIC are able to make up their own mind without being brainwashed by advertisement campaigns from either side of the camp the day I will support your cause 100%. My problem with you is that you are taking sides in a fight that doesn’t have a good or a bad side.

Innocent_Criminal,
Yes I am Lebanese and I am 100% pro Lebanese. I also want the Syrians and the Iranians out of my country once and for all and that’s the will of the vast majority of the people of Lebanon. And I will not hide that.
You are also right. I will not whine about the other countries (US, France, SA, etc…) you mentioned. Because, these countries, unlike Syria and Iran, are not involved in acts of subversion against my country.
So, I will continue to tell any one who is not Lebanese to butt out of my country when he oversteps his limits such as proposing solutions to internal Lebanese political issues etc… such as in Norman’s case.
Do you have a problem with that?

do i have a problem with you being delusional? not if you’re fine with it. and do you mean the americans and saudis never practiced subversion in lebanon? or even worst wont do it if they feel its necessary?

as for Norman’s case this is a discussion forum and he can say whatever he feels like as long as he is not insulting you personally. Cause there are plenty of blogs that support your point of view and I can guide them to you if your lost. Do you have a problem with that?

Innocent_Criminal,
I did not insult Norman personally either. And I have the right to say whatever I want.
Do you have a problem with that?

Israel and US aren’t not involved in acts of subversion? I think you might be mistaken on this point Gibran. who bombed lebanon last summer man? what about arming and the phalangist (kata2eb) during the 80s?
the thing is, everyone knows Lebanese modern history only too well which makes it ever more frustrating for you. Fact is, Lebanese politics has been a battle ground for many govts let alone the sects within Lebanon.
I appreciate your over-protection but Syrians (all that i know and have come across in forums) want less to do with Lebanon these days more than ever before. Many want the border to be closed off as they’ve come to realize that lebanese public (or the ones that are hostile) can’t focus their criticism on the Syrian regime and find it easier to take it out on regular Syrians. specifically, manual workers in lebanon. Im sure you know all about that.

erm.. if i understand correctly, Innocent Criminal is able to ban people from posting on here. so if he does have a problem with someone, then that someone has a problem. 😉

Gibran , I was in Syria in 1976 during the civel war ,Gemayel was calling 14 to 16 year olds to arms ,the Lebanese were killing each other just because of their religous affiliation ,I don’t want Lebanon to get the same fate again just so some politecian could become presidents or prime minstes ,look again at what s Gemayel said ,more representive insitutions ,my cousins had to leave Lebanon at that time to avoid th war,please learn from histery and do not be pushed into a war only Lebanon’s enemies will benifit from.and that is not Syria.

Norman,
Thanks for your concerns. But we, the Lebanese, do not need your input to solve our problems. So allow me once again to ask you to butt out.

Gibran,

I never accused you of insulting anyone. but you said “So, I will continue to tell any one who is not Lebanese to butt out of my country when he oversteps his limits such as proposing solutions to internal Lebanese political issues etc… such as in Norman’s case.” and what I said is he should feel free to say/propose anything he likes just like you can disagree and try to prove him wrong.

3antar/Saladin/SSNP,
That is absolutely not the case. People argue and disagree all the time but G had called Alex names multiple of times and that was the problem. Even though I am a moderator, I have never deleted a message just cause I disagreed with it. otherwise this forum would have been a lot emptier 😉

anyways back to the topic did anyone here what Junblatt said about the Syrian president? the man has lost it, i am not sure what made him go nuts like that but read it here. http://www.albawaba.com/ar/countries/Lebanon/260177

and here is the first Syrian response. http://www.champress.net/?page=show_det&id=14823

Very good Innocent_Criminal
The Lebanese are the ones most concerned about their problems. Any one who feels free to propose solutions to them must understand that the Lebanese have to feel very very free with an absolute right to tell him/her to butt out.
I wouldn’t have a problem with a Syrian telling me to butt out if I start proposing solutions to Syrian problems.
Is there a problem with that?

ok i dont want to have this discussion for too long. But to put it very plainly, anyone can propose whatever the hell they like about anything else and thats it. feel free to say whatever you want about Syrian problems cause i am sure the opposite will happen.

Gibran,

Your dream of an independent Lebanon from Syrian influence is understandable. I would imagine that you also want your country to be independent from others including Israel, Iran, Saudi, France and the U.S.

Since Syria has been the most dominant of the above players over the past four decades, your particular concern about this relationship is logical.

However, countries do not usually gain national security and independence by asking its neighbors to “buzz off”.

Lebanon is a beautiful country but a sadly weak one.

Unless its government and citizens can find the resources to strengthen its central authority and offer a credible national security to its citizens, outsiders will find it hard to resist the temptation to get involved in its internal and external policies.

I suspect that such efforts will prove unsuccessful over time. Instead, what Lebanon will end up doing is to outsource its national security to one of the more powerful players above. What we have seen recently is that Syria lost this outsourcing contract to the U.S/France/KSA camp. You clearly seem rather pleased with this changing of the guard.

It could well be the case that the new players will prove a better partner for Lebanon.

However, the U.S/France and KSA live far. At least two players of this team are governed democratically which means that their leaders will experience high turnover. At the present time, I think that the Lebanese citizens who want to be free of Syria are in good shape.

Regrettably for you and them however, Syria is closer and its leadership is close to permanent in nature. This does not bode well for your Lebanon in the long run.

I am afraid calls for Syria to buzz off will not do the trick. It takes more than that to defend a nation.

Gibran Habibi,

Please accept it that in this blog, Syrians and non Syrians will continue to discuss and propose solutions to Lebanese, Saudi, American, and Somali problems. I hope we can manage without the “butt out” because it serves no practical purpose and it is bad language.

One can not force his rules and regulations on the majority here … democracy no?

If we were to follow your logic then we would be asking your favorite newspapers such as Hariri’s Al-Mustaqbal to “butt out” of discussing Syrian affairs … did you ever notice the the Saudi Asharq Al-Awsat refuses to crticize any Arab leader, but when it comes to Syria you can be sure they will have more thatn one editorial per week criticizing the Syrians for their internal plus their regional policies, and giving them advice on how to reform and to change everything …

So please don’t take too much of your time and everyone’s time.

Thanks IC … I have an idea: instead of deleting G’s comments like “Alex you are so stupid” edit them to “Bashar el-Assad is my hero” … and “I love Syria”.

That might work.

I grew up in Lebanon and moved to syria in the 50s,we always felt that lebanon is part of syria,and that france divided us,against our will,to create christian country(lebanon),Mr. Eddeh said that when Kalimaso was drawing the border, he wanted to include damascus as part of Lebanon, that is when Eddeh interfered and said please do not, Damascus has many musslems,I still have many cousins in Lebanon,and have properties in lebanon,Gibran you represent part of Lebanon,but there are 3 million lebanese who feel different from you,they do not want peace with Isreal who keep on attacking lebanon,unlike you who want peace with Isreal as you said it,they want to have good,excellent relation with Syria, while you want to be very hostile to syria,I think you must agree that many lebanese feel different from you, and that you only speak for 35% of lebanese

Innocent_Criminal,
im glad you follow such policy, as this is what keeps the forum as colourful as it is.;)

As for Gibran my friend, you do propose solutions to Syrian problems… perhaps you don’t realize it. no one bothers to tell you to butt out as this is the whole point of blogs such as this. you’re free to say what you want when you want within the limits.

I forgot if I already posted this excellent post by Rime Allaf. Forgive me if I did.

Beggars on Iraq, choosers with Syria

Monday, February 12, 2007, 19:42
When the invasion of Iraq was being spin doctored in American and British media (remember WMDs?) and some commentators warned of a humanitarian and refugee catastrophe, they were ridiculed by the warmongers already on a high from the adrenalin of the imminent attack, labeling any sane person pointing to the folly of the enterprise “Saddam supporter.” Why were these anti-war kill-joys preventing Iraqis from liberation, wondered the neocon clan (which came to include the British Labour Party, to the frustration of the Tories who were robbed of the extreme right-wing position by Blair and who couldn’t possibly turn the opposite way)? The whole doom domino concept (war-chaos-refugees-etc.) was nonsense, we were told; Iraq would be liberated, WMDs would be found, democracy would be installed, and the only domino theory would be the one spreading happiness and justice for all. That was before the “birth pangs” theory of course.

Fast forward four years; the refugee catastrophe has exploded, and the exodus of some 2 million people (according to the UN) was most certainly not an “unforeseen” by-product of the invasion, as some media agencies with short memories would have us think. After the US and Britain embarked on this illegal, immoral and inhumane war against the country and the people of Iraq, the hope remaining in Pandora’s box has not been sufficient for many Iraqis who have fled in despair to neighboring countries.

There are around 1 million such refugees alone in Syria, facing the inevitable hardship of all refugees and a difficult period of readjustment. Unintentionally, they are simultaneously making life difficult for a good number of Syrians as well, who have suddenly seen property prices sky rocket (for rentals and sales), general inflation increase rapidly, and a new height of overcrowding in the big cities. Jaramana alone, a suburb of Damascus, has practically become an Iraqi quarter where house prices are similar to those in Damascus. According to most accounts, Syrian authorities have behaved in an exemplary manner with the refugees, treating them with compassion and affording them the same social services (including health and education) to which Syrians have access.

By way of example, “moderate” and major US ally Saudi Arabia, in contrast, is building a fence to keep out undesirable Iraqis, and other “moderate” and major US ally Jordan has been treating Iraqi refugees quite badly, denying them healthcare and education, and letting live the exploited life of illegal aliens. With its generosity applauded by the head of UNHCR, Syria finds itself in the other, the “right” extreme here. But after a long period of laissez-faire, continuing to treat all Arab nationals equally, and not as foreigners needing visas, Syrian authorities have begun to apply visa restrictions to try to manage a situation that is spiralling out of control. Authorities have seemingly promised that Iraqis would not be deported or turned back, as they are in Jordan, but clearly the open-arms, no questions asked treatment is going to be regulated.

There is no doubt that the blame for this catastrophe lays squarely at the feet of the US and Britain, which is why it has actually become funny (even for regime critics) to hear officials from these two countries describe Syria as a negative force in the region, given that anything the Syrian regime actually does – or even anything it is allegedly doing – really can’t compare with the unprecedented devastation brought to us courtesy of the Anglo-American enterprise. Really, look who’s talking.

Be that as it may, whether Syria is negative, positive or neutral, the Bush administration nevertheless seems to have no choice but to liaise with this force, apparently, for lo and behold, the American Secretary of State has now declared that she has authorized talks with Syria about the refugee crisis. Authorized. In other words, Syria is allowed to help America solve its mess, and permitted to talk to its chargé d’affaires in Damascus towards that end. What an honor. Let the appreciation ceremony begin.

Washington’s infuriatingly condescending attitude is doing nothing to endear it to Syrians, and should technically endear it equally little to the Syrian regime being approached for help. Unfortunately, the likelihood of the latter hurriedly grabbing the opportunity to make proper contact on an official level is high, regardless of the official rhetoric. However, even while recognizing the reality of a unipolar world where most issues are dictated by the agenda of the superpower (who, in addition, currently happens to be our next-door neighbor), it is intolerable to imagine that Syrian citizens who have been affected directly by the war on Iraq should be grateful to America for granting them the privilege of simply talking – talking to help that same America try to manoeuver out of the refugee problem it has created.

It should be made absolutely clear, officially that is, that Syria is helping Iraqi refugees regardless of – and not because of – America’s “authorization,” and that the US had better start taking responsibility for its actions, which are having a huge impact on the life of Syrians (let alone Iraqis). Like it or not, Faruq Shara’a was right when he claimed that the influx of refugees had “imposed heavy economic, social and security burdens on Syria.” The financial costs for the refugee crisis must be borne by the invaders and the occupiers alone, as they have caused this mess in the first place.

Regrettably, even when saying some of the right things, some media (this one being just an example) can’t help but being patronizing about Syria even as they praise its actions with refugees. I don’t know about my fellow Syrians, but frankly, I find this is all getting a bit tiring, this old record of pro-terrorism, radical, negative, etc. Especially when it comes from those who used to sing the praises of the regime (yes, it’s a digression, but I mean the Lebanese political leaders, who treat their own refugees like dirt) while Syrian civil society activists were being harassed. Unlike others, Syrians didn’t wait for involvement or influence from anyone outside Syria to speak whenever they could, at their own risk. So when Syrians (yes, even the regime) do something good, like the regime has actually proved with the Iraqi refugees, to whom it even allowed the luxury of voting freely and choosing from dozens of candidates (I leave you to absord the irony which we’ve already covered in this blog), or when the Syrian people fling open their homes, their wallets and their hearts to the tens of thousands of Lebanese refugees escaping the Israeli war machine, let’s give credit where credit is due without the “but” part. It wouldn’t hurt to be treated like the other problem makers in the area – even the “moderate” ones – every now and then.

وليد جنبلاط حمار المختارة وكلب فيلتمان إن حكى – بقلم .عمار مغني
that was hilarious…. that article was rather creatively composed.

Thanks for your support ,it just hurts me to see Lebanon going down the road of a civel war just so some people keep their hold on powe ,we should all recognize that improving the lives of the people is what is important.

this should make every Syrian proud,

http://syria-news.com/readnews.php?sy_seq=48252

interesting part from that crazy champress Junblat article

تلك الغرفة التي تفبرك الأخبار عن طريق فريق مروان حمادة وفارس خشان وهاني حمود ثم تنشرها في ” السياسة ” الكويتية والرأي العام الكويتية عبر عميلهم المأجور ” علي الرز ” ثم يعيد إعلام السعودية ترديد تلك الأكاذيب والفبركات بوصفها حقائق دامغة .

The owner of champress Ali Jamalo used to write a column in the Saudi Al-sharq alawsat but they seem to have asked him to not do that anymore. Yet, they still publish the column by Dr. Buthaina Shabaan although she is not mentioning Syria for the past year in her columns … she writes about Palestine and Iraq … no Syria.

From among all the responses that followed my exchange with Innocent_Criminal, I find EHSANI’s to be the most logical. Sorry Alex, you keep regurgitating, mostly illogical and nonsensical. Majed, I’m also sorry it’s been some 100 hundred years since that history of Klimanso and it is time to move on. You and your fellow Syrians should start getting used to the reality that we have evolved into two different nations in two independent states. Once again Norman thanks for your deep concerns but your proposal will not have many takers among us Lebanese.

Going back to EHSANI, there is one hole in your presentation that I must plug. Lebanon is not in the business of tendering its security to be sub-contracted to any other power – regional or otherwise. We welcome the support of major western powers, currently taking place, particularly in the area of equipping our national army. For the size of our country, we have an ample size army (80,000 men), plus well trained security forces (20000 men) to take care of our own security issues. That is 10 soldiers per Sq. Km compared to Syria’s 2.77 soldiers per Sq. Km. If need be, we have enough men to expand the national army and security forces; but I don’t foresee a need at the moment.

marginally off topic, and am not doubting here, but only question i have (since there are such experts in lebanese military statistics), is where were these 100,000 men last summer? how come their presence was never mentioned or even felt? I’m sure they were there somewhere.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanese_Armed_Forces

i was just wondering about this fact last summer during the israeli bombardment. isn’t there any defence procedures or attempt to repel an attack of that nature? i’m genuinely curious.

Gibran,

Surely, you must agree that what changed the facts on the grounds recently was not the size of the Lebanese army. Niether was it the bravery of the citizens. Instead, it was the fact that America had decided to get more explicitly involved recently. You may not call it an outsourcing of national security but it de facto is just that. May be we can call it “virtual outsourcing”?

The Syrian army decided to pull out because it got the message from Washington that it was a sensible thing to do. In the previous 30 years, and prior to the new U.S. involvement, no amount of bravery or army size worked to diminish Syria’s heavy-handed influence.

I stick to my point that Lebanon cannot survive without outsourcing its security to one of the players that I listed (virtual or official)

Were the U.S. and France to send a hint that they are no longer interested in Lebanon any longer, the facts on the ground will change overnight.

For one thing, I can guarantee you that Jumblat’s next speech cannot possibly match the one he offered today.

Lebanon is part of this complicated and brutal chess game in the Middle East. As much as it would be nice to do in theory, it cannot possible live as an island and an oasis immune from the chaos around it.

3antar, you know as well as any one else that what triggered Israel’s attack on Lebanon last summer was a virtual unilateral declaration of war by Hezbollah on Israel. You also know that Syrian and Iranian agendas were behind Hezbollah’s action. There was no interest for Lebanon in that war whatsoever.
Yet, the government of Lebanon used its resources effectively to achieve a ceasefire through the UN which created a Hezbollah free zone in the south. If you recall the circumstances, it was the Lebanese government’s decision to send the Lebanese army to the south which eventually forced the hand of the UN Security Council to vote and approve a ceasefire.
EHSANI, I disagree with what you said. The Syrian army did not leave Lebanon voluntarily nor was Syria convinced by the US that it is the sensible thing to do. It was first the tremendous pressure of the people of Lebanon who finally stood up and decided it is enough. If you may recall in 2005 ‘enough’ was the catch word of all the protests. The US as well as Arab and other western nations basically gave Syria an ultimatum to withdraw. If you may recall, Assad’s last visit to Riyad took place around April/May 2005. He did not leave the airport after meeting the king. The message was brief and delivered in the airport and he took the plane back. There were no ceremonies, no honorary protocols or anything. He was given a week to get out of Lebanon. As for the 30 year Syrian presence in Lebanon, I would only say one thing I heard from a Tripoli man I met in March 2005: Hafez once said “if each Syrian soldier who served in Lebanon would make one Lebanese friend, then there would have been no Lebanon.” I cannot confirm or deny Hafez statement as I never witnessed any of the conflicts during the last 30 years – I was always outside the country. Sorry my friend, if you do not understand the amount of resentment the Lebanese have against the Syrian regime, then this whole exchange is useless. In short, clocks will not turn back whether France, US or anyone else show more or less interest in our country. It is the will of the people of Lebanon to be free and independent which will matter in the end.

It would have been the sensible thing for Syria to withdraw in accordance with the Taef agreement. Had Syria fulfilled its obligations under that agreement, I would say everyone would be happy at this moment in time. In particular Syria’s credibility in front of the world would be in a much better shape than what it is at this moment. I haven’t read Jonblatt’s speech yet. I will respond to you on that after doing so and find it necessary.

The Syria regime is behind the assasination of Lebanese Former prime minister, every one acknowledge that syrian intelligence are still present in Lebanon and they are assassinating anti syrian politicans, the syrians should oppose their regime, syrian regime is nothing but an evil regime

yes Gibran, i am familiar with what triggered the war, in terms of short term causes and blitzkrieg interpretation. sure, we cannot escape the fact that Hizbullah kidnapped two israeli soldiers ect. ect.. but thats not what i’m after.

my point is, regardless of what caused the war, and despite the fact that the Lebanese govt didnt have interest in the war, but surely it had the right to defend itself rather than watch its city get demolished together with its airports. Israel had no “interest” in destroying lebanon either, granted they wanted to take out Hizbullah, YET they effectively went on to bomb “Lebanon”.

on the other hand, i half agree with you that Syria didnt leave voluntarily, they did however leave due to political pressures. probably US imposed pressures, directly or indirectly (via KSA). I also dont believe KSA is capable of acting in such matters out of their own initiative. IF the assad regime could stay 30 years in Lebanon, they could have stayed another 30 years with ease if they were allowed to do so. they were given the green light first time round, and eventually told to end their presence by the same people. Pressures from mass gatherings are of little significance to the regime.

http://mirror.video.blip.tv/Ruspoli-COUNTERVIEWSPatrickCockburnTalksAboutIraqPart1858p.mov

I am still surprised (even amused) by Gibran’s generalizations of the Lebanese street. Statement like ” …if you do not understand the amount of resentment the Lebanese have against the Syrian regime, then this whole exchange is useless,” begs the question: which Lebanese is Gibran referring to? It is not a secret that Lebanon today is profoundly divided along sectarian, social, and political cleavages. The current “elected government” of Lebanon was appointed by an illegitimate president under a Syrian-manufactured election law to guarantee a certain axis of pro-Syrian (Hariri,Jumblatt, and Birri) the winning seats in parliament while denying others a real voice.
It is clear that Lebanon today is broken, dysfunctional, and has yet to develop into a nation. Gibran and any patriotic Lebanese should not take solace and comfort by these facts. Rather than diverting the subject and blaming Syria for everything that hurts Lebanon (in the 70’s it was the Palestinians), Lebanese should take a hard look at the mirror. What you see is not what you think it is. Nothing has changed since September 1, 1920: the Lebanese national identity has yet to move a single step forward. Disputing this fact is similar to an alcoholic denying his drinking problem.

Syria is juicy source of material for to rally support for the current “elected” government. And why not, the US used the same tactics to build support for its case against Iraq. Facts remain, however: Lebanon is socially and politically broken – Syria not withstanding. Time to call a spade a spade.

Gibran,

I think that you made my point. Your remarks on the external influences on Bashar, which resulted in the ultimate decision to leave, is something we agree on. You seem to believe that the reaction of the Lebanese citizens was also very critical. There is no question that that a large percentage of the Lebanese population was fed up with Syria’s heavy-handed tactics in their country. As 3Antar said, this would not have mattered to Damascus had it not been for the external pressures.

Let me say that I also happened to believe that Damascus had erred with regards to their policy in Lebanon. Damascus was under the impression that the international community had turned a blind eye to their conduct in Lebanon (which they did) and for good. Having an influence over a country is one thing but owning it is another matter. Syria thought that it could treat Lebanon as an extension of its own. When Hariri thought that he had the influence and connections to undo this forced marriage, Damascus made the decision that the two countries cannot have two bosses. Only one boss has long been the mantra.

The leadership in Damascus now faces its most challenging period since 1970. As we see on this forum and elsewhere, the citizens of these two countries feel a heightened sense of nationalism and disdain for the other side.

Syrians need to respect the fact that Lebanon is an independent country with its unique culture and political system (some if not many may not agree with me). Those calling for Lebanon to be back as part of Syria seem to want to ignore the realities on the ground. On the other hand, the Lebanese people need to realize that they live next to 20 million Syrians who are doubling in numbers every 22 years. Whether they like it or not, their country cannot insulate itself from what goes on next door.

I fear that the current politicians of the two countries have reached a point of no return. Having read Jumblat’s speech today, one wonders how the two camps can ever coexist again. Jumblat sure feels that the boss in Damascus cannot be holding office for too long. Conversely, he could be trying his hand in the art of Kamikaze.

Ammad,
Yes, we know. We have been hearing this line for the past two years on Future TV. Where have you been, dude?

Ehsani,
You make an excellent point. Yes, Syria’s behavior in Lebanon during Hafez rein was despicable and revolting. One of the biggest mistake by the late Hafez was delegating the Lebanon file to the dirtiest and most corrupt Syrians around: Khaddam, Shihabi, and Kanaan. What this “axis of evil” did in Lebanon repulsed, at the time, more Syrians than Lebanese, unfortunately. One of Syria’s colossal mistakes in Lebanon is forcing Hariri on Lebanon regardless of what the Lebanese people thought of him. I remember the days in the 90’s when, under Hariri’s government, Lebanese and Syrian voices against the Syrian presence were suppressed and silenced. I am sure Gibran can provide many vivid examples of these times. Further, it is worthy to note how Mr. Jumblatt, during the rein of Hafez, was Syria’s spokesman in Lebanon. How sad to notice that Lebanese have such a short and selective memory.

Ford Prefect said:

“Yes, Syria’s behavior in Lebanon during Hafez rein was despicable and revolting.”

So why didn’t the Arab League issue a condemnation at the US? Or is that only reserved for Zionists?

Ammad said:

“The Syria regime is behind the assasination of Lebanese Former prime minister, every one acknowledge that syrian intelligence are still present in Lebanon and they are assassinating anti syrian politicans, the syrians should oppose their regime, syrian regime is nothing but an evil regime.”

Zzzzzzz. If you can rant and rave about “one thing”, then go rant and rave about this.

Gibran –

Thanks again for your efforts.

3antar,
If I were member of Lebanese government in the summer, I would exactly do and support what the government did. I would also have clear conscience that I did the appropriate thing to defend my country.

EHSANI
Is this what upset you most in Jonblatt’s speech:

واتسمت كلمة جنبلاط بأعنف حملة له على النظام السوري والرئيس بشار الاسد شخصيا اذ رشقه بنعوت حادة قائلا “يا طاغية دمشق، يا أفعى هربت منها الافاعي، يا حوتا لفظته البحار، يا وحشا من وحوش البراري، يا مخلوقا من أنصاف الرجال، يا منتجا اسرائيليا على أشلاء الجنوب”! ???

I didn’t find the whole speech yet but I found this section only so far. I would say he may have outdone Bashar finally. He may have also shown some eloquence in Arabic characteristic of the Druze.

As for your other argument about how Syria was forced out of Lebanon I’d say: show the world half the size of the Lebanese protesters on the streets of Damascus seeking the overthrow of Bashar and you will get double (may be tenfold) the amount of international support that Lebanon got to help Syria in its current debacle.

FP
Could you please explain your statements with examples : “One of Syria’s colossal mistakes in Lebanon is forcing Hariri on Lebanon regardless of what the Lebanese people thought of him.”?

Akbar,
Do you think it is worth the effort after all? I mean arguing with ideologues (I’m not including every one in this term)?

People and countries will continue to interfere in Lebanon as long as the Lebanese are devided on what kind of country they want for their children , as a matter of Lebanon and Syria ,I do not think there are many Syrians who want anything to do with Lebanon ,I think that the Lebanese think more of themleves than the Syrians think of Lebanon , Lebanon is a liabelity more than a plus to Syria.as it does not offer anything more than what Syria has.

Glad to read what you wrote Norman. It wasn’t in vain after all. But I’d kindly ask you to be less judgmental about Lebanese love to their homeland as well as less vocal about Syrians’ concerns about the well being of Lebanon. I hope more of your fellow Syrians think of Lebanon as a liability. That’s perhaps a fair outcome of the debate.

Gibran,
I’m let down and disappointed with your response. I actually thought you were a true patriot. under the circumstances, i would put aside who caused what or why and concentrated on repelling the massacre of my people and destruction of my country. But to sit there and watch my country being bombed to the stone age, (regardless of who is doing it) and do nothing other than morally support the government while it pleads for seize fire or watch the prime minister shedding tears, is murder. Falls under a very typical instrumental form of reasoning. Taking orders and watch the devestating consequences. Are you more concerned in accusing someone than halting the destruction?

Someone on this blog also mentioned Jumblats alliance with Damascus decades ago which is a fact. not something we want to acknowledge I suppose.
Not to mention, Geagea being a convicted murderer. Thats also water under the bridge. True patriotism involves self critique as well as looking outside. otherwise its blind social nationalism.

http://www.syriapath.com/blog

Hey,
I love what you’e doing!
Don’t ever change and best of luck.

Raymon W.

Our current state is no longer viable:
we must remain true to our past and to the sacrifies of our martyrs who have battled and lost their lives in defense of freedom and peace in Lebanon.
The pluralism of our society is a gift, and history proved to us that no dominant culture can impose its orientations on the others…
In order to live in peace and prosperity, we have to build a State that protects its various cultural entities, organizing harmonious relation between them:
The solution is in a new constitution formula, that combines the divergent interests of each lebanese culture, in one unique, united and powerful state!
“7allna ntawwir el nizam”