“If a cat dies in Lebanon, the world knows about it. Here in Yemen, we are forgotten.”
-- Zaidi scholar Sayyid Mourtada al-Muhatwari
I read this on the renowned Armies of Liberation blog
In a way very true.
But, the Zaidi scholar seems to have forgotten though that for a good thirteen years (1992-2005), we in Lebanon were also forgotten. Indeed, the Lebanese killed, disappeared and gagged were abandoned by the world and its fickle media during the Syrian hegemony over Lebanon.
Now that they have remembered us again, I guess in a way, we wouldn't mind being forgotten again, at least for a while. Imagine if all foreign actors forgot Lebanon.
(Just in case Syria mistakes this and reinvades, I must qualify this. By all I not only mean the evil imperialist West but also their counterparts in the East.)
Sigh
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Suleiman's first good decision
I had so far refrained from commenting on the election/appointment of Lebanese President Michel Sleiman for a number of reasons/reservations which I list below.
- Our recent experience with the military in politics was dismal, to say the least.
- President Sleiman was elected in spite of a clause in article 49 of the Lebanese battered constitution barring the election of a government employee as President
- The fact that he was appointed and not elected, further shackling this ailing/quasi/pseudo democracy.
- The army's performance-or lack of-in the May war also added to my reservations and I wondered whether the army's bewildering passive role was simply so that Suleiman's chances won't be ruined in his long arduous trek to Baabda Palace.
At any rate, I had decided not to comment on that nor the army's performance due to the fragility of the situation, the fact that the army was the last state institution standing and that pragmatically Suleiman was in effect the entry point to the Doha agreement which-while is an agreement to postpone the full resolution of the Lebanese problem- leaves the country intact for the time being.
Moving on, President Suleiman issued a much-welcome decree requesting the removal of all his photos raised that sprouted over most of Lebanon this week.
This is a welcome-break from the Arab leaders self-deification and the Lebanese's deification of their leaders.
A good call I would say, let's see how he manages the rest of the thorny problems.
- Our recent experience with the military in politics was dismal, to say the least.
- President Sleiman was elected in spite of a clause in article 49 of the Lebanese battered constitution barring the election of a government employee as President
- The fact that he was appointed and not elected, further shackling this ailing/quasi/pseudo democracy.
- The army's performance-or lack of-in the May war also added to my reservations and I wondered whether the army's bewildering passive role was simply so that Suleiman's chances won't be ruined in his long arduous trek to Baabda Palace.
At any rate, I had decided not to comment on that nor the army's performance due to the fragility of the situation, the fact that the army was the last state institution standing and that pragmatically Suleiman was in effect the entry point to the Doha agreement which-while is an agreement to postpone the full resolution of the Lebanese problem- leaves the country intact for the time being.
Moving on, President Suleiman issued a much-welcome decree requesting the removal of all his photos raised that sprouted over most of Lebanon this week.
This is a welcome-break from the Arab leaders self-deification and the Lebanese's deification of their leaders.
A good call I would say, let's see how he manages the rest of the thorny problems.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Its not easy to be Lebanese
The following ad , Its not easy to be Lebanese, is being broadcast on LBC frequently. Indeed it is not easy to be Lebanese. The ad touches upon the mixed feelings of anger, disappointment, disillusionment, helplessness and love towards the country and I must confess, reinforces my shameful patriotism.
Below is a rough translation, please forgive the errors, Its not easy to translate.
To Lebanese women and men.
Fate chose you, history challenges you, you sow but don't reap, everyone is comfortable except you, you sacrifice you don't find, you bleed but the blood doesnt dry, you die so that you can die again by the same concern,
this is the fate of a Lebanese and its not easy to be Lebanese
it needs an effort not only a human, it needs the capacity and strength not available in anyone else, it needs you to be really in your heart of hearts lebanese, it requires you to crash in a wall and many times in glass, it needs boldness and love of the nation and pride,
its not easy to be lebanese but lebanon is a nation like no other
you tell me you sacrificed years and are tired and what did you get. this is your country, this is ur fate because you are lebanese and its not easy to be Lebanese
maybe because its large and we are still small, maybe its small and those who are envious are many. Maybe because, simply, lebanon raised you and its not easy for one to be deservedly Lebanese
the hands that destroy are many and the Lebanese is the only who builds. Erecting buildings higher from his blood and flesh. With his will and determination, destruction is left ashamed
Not waiting for miracles nor good intentions, alone with your effort you melted the corners. We have representatives by name but you are the only one who questions and is responsible, they are the politics of abuse and impossible logic, (in the background politicians are heard saying you have no need to understand, we will understand for you)
because like your nation,you are alone, because you are lebanese, you have no one but your god, don't rely on anyone else, be proud of your effort that is beyond human and remember always its not easy for someone to be Lebanese.
Below is a rough translation, please forgive the errors, Its not easy to translate.
To Lebanese women and men.
Fate chose you, history challenges you, you sow but don't reap, everyone is comfortable except you, you sacrifice you don't find, you bleed but the blood doesnt dry, you die so that you can die again by the same concern,
this is the fate of a Lebanese and its not easy to be Lebanese
it needs an effort not only a human, it needs the capacity and strength not available in anyone else, it needs you to be really in your heart of hearts lebanese, it requires you to crash in a wall and many times in glass, it needs boldness and love of the nation and pride,
its not easy to be lebanese but lebanon is a nation like no other
you tell me you sacrificed years and are tired and what did you get. this is your country, this is ur fate because you are lebanese and its not easy to be Lebanese
maybe because its large and we are still small, maybe its small and those who are envious are many. Maybe because, simply, lebanon raised you and its not easy for one to be deservedly Lebanese
the hands that destroy are many and the Lebanese is the only who builds. Erecting buildings higher from his blood and flesh. With his will and determination, destruction is left ashamed
Not waiting for miracles nor good intentions, alone with your effort you melted the corners. We have representatives by name but you are the only one who questions and is responsible, they are the politics of abuse and impossible logic, (in the background politicians are heard saying you have no need to understand, we will understand for you)
because like your nation,you are alone, because you are lebanese, you have no one but your god, don't rely on anyone else, be proud of your effort that is beyond human and remember always its not easy for someone to be Lebanese.
Najah Wakim offers a refreshing third alternative
On second thought, the headline of this post may be exaggerated.
Wakim is by no means a saviour to the disillusioned minority (alas still a minority) disgusted with the recently-criminal bunch led by Hezbollah and the disappointing March 14 crowd.
The Lebanese Political Journal adequately dubs him as "a shameless self-promoter...keep[ing] alive silly ideologies about Arab unity and Soviet style socialism.
Yet, this morning I heard him trumpeting a few non-silly ideologies on LBC that should be acknowledged. I've listed some of these below: He accused all except the Lebanese forces, Free Patriotic Movement and Hezbollah of the rampant corruption during the Syrian hegemony as the three movements were not involved in the governments post-Taef. He emphasised that the only solution is trying to weaken the sect's hold on politics and the importance of the electoral law in that regard. He criticised all political players for wanting to proliferate this phenomenon by agreeing on the 1960's electoral law in Doha. He condemned the judiciary for not calling anyone to justice after this miniwar -even if it can't implement its decisions.He also criticised our pseudo-democracy where noone is truly elected, everything is agreed. Criticised his allies for closing the parlaiment for 18 months, for hindering the work of the government and for not allowing the election of the president 6 months ago. The need to reform the "catastrophic" political landscape was one point he emphasised repeatedly.
Of course his repeated praise of former President Emile Lahoud, and his reluctance to condemn or even criticise the criminal behaviour committed by his allies two weeks ago makes this refreshing third view (member of the Lebanese opposition criticising both March 8 and March 14 camps) to no more than a whiff of fresh air.
Wakim is by no means a saviour to the disillusioned minority (alas still a minority) disgusted with the recently-criminal bunch led by Hezbollah and the disappointing March 14 crowd.
The Lebanese Political Journal adequately dubs him as "a shameless self-promoter...keep[ing] alive silly ideologies about Arab unity and Soviet style socialism.
Yet, this morning I heard him trumpeting a few non-silly ideologies on LBC that should be acknowledged. I've listed some of these below: He accused all except the Lebanese forces, Free Patriotic Movement and Hezbollah of the rampant corruption during the Syrian hegemony as the three movements were not involved in the governments post-Taef. He emphasised that the only solution is trying to weaken the sect's hold on politics and the importance of the electoral law in that regard. He criticised all political players for wanting to proliferate this phenomenon by agreeing on the 1960's electoral law in Doha. He condemned the judiciary for not calling anyone to justice after this miniwar -even if it can't implement its decisions.He also criticised our pseudo-democracy where noone is truly elected, everything is agreed. Criticised his allies for closing the parlaiment for 18 months, for hindering the work of the government and for not allowing the election of the president 6 months ago. The need to reform the "catastrophic" political landscape was one point he emphasised repeatedly.
Of course his repeated praise of former President Emile Lahoud, and his reluctance to condemn or even criticise the criminal behaviour committed by his allies two weeks ago makes this refreshing third view (member of the Lebanese opposition criticising both March 8 and March 14 camps) to no more than a whiff of fresh air.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Comic relief a la Libanaise
I always find the Lebanese's ability to joke during the direst of times quite admirable. Just as many warned Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah against firing his Katyusha rockets at Haifa during the July 2006 war (playing on the name Haifa to mean the popstar Haifa Wehbeh whose picture is on the right and not Haifa, Israel), jokes during this latest mini-war were abound.
One quasi-tasteless joke I heard yesterday said the reason the old Future TV Headquarters in Raoucheh burnt to the ground was because Chef Ramzi, forgot his stew on the fire.
Another joke was a text message I received that read as follows: Breaking alert, Allah has just announced his withdrawal from the party, Hezbollah.
A third original and meticulous effort is the following Lebanonized version of the Plain White T's hit Hey there Delilah called Hey there Khadijah. You can watch the clip by clicking here.
These three are just a few of the many jokes texted, mailed and told in the past fortnight.
Much needed comic relief in what was yet another Lebanese tragedy.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Lebanon Camps Agree, Downtown camp removed
Finally, an agreement.
A number of rational reservations to this entire ordeal and why in fact we shouldn't really celebrate this accord:
a- The president ought to have been elected 6 months ago, by the constitutional quorum of half of the number of MPs plus one. The Parlaimentary majority ought to have elected one of its many candidates.
b- The president to be elected on Sunday, General Michel Sleiman, is the Chief of the Lebanese Army and therefore an employee of the state. We will require a constitutional amendment to elect General Sleiman in, which makes his election even more unattractive adding to our bad experience with Military chiefs in the political sphere.
c- The "gift" that Berri announced today (removing the 18 months old demo) is our right!The demonstration was an invasion of public and private property. Many bussinesses and investments were forced to close as a result of this unlawful protest.Traffic through downtown was diverted and caused havoc.Demonstrators even barged into a nightclub that opened defiantly and forced them to vacate.
d- The political deadlock ought to have been resolved in parlaiment that had been forcefully shut by Speaker Nabih Berri for 18 months.
e-The accord briefly mentions the need to abstain from using weapons within Lebanon. This is hardly enough. Hezbollah ought to have apologised for seizing the capital forcefully, forcing 7 media outlets to shut down, burning a number of their headquarters,attempting to invade the mountains, killing and terrorising hundreds of innocent civilians.
f- Wait till its implementation.
These are just a few reservations, in principal.
But, this is Lebanon, a budding, not ailing, state. (so as not to say democracy)
For this reason (or excuse), the love of this beautiful country and in spite of all the above, I can't help not feeling relieved and I dare say, happy.
In fact, I almost feel like celebrating, perhaps with a few Almazas this evening...and friends from across the political spectrum, of course.
A number of rational reservations to this entire ordeal and why in fact we shouldn't really celebrate this accord:
a- The president ought to have been elected 6 months ago, by the constitutional quorum of half of the number of MPs plus one. The Parlaimentary majority ought to have elected one of its many candidates.
b- The president to be elected on Sunday, General Michel Sleiman, is the Chief of the Lebanese Army and therefore an employee of the state. We will require a constitutional amendment to elect General Sleiman in, which makes his election even more unattractive adding to our bad experience with Military chiefs in the political sphere.
c- The "gift" that Berri announced today (removing the 18 months old demo) is our right!The demonstration was an invasion of public and private property. Many bussinesses and investments were forced to close as a result of this unlawful protest.Traffic through downtown was diverted and caused havoc.Demonstrators even barged into a nightclub that opened defiantly and forced them to vacate.
d- The political deadlock ought to have been resolved in parlaiment that had been forcefully shut by Speaker Nabih Berri for 18 months.
e-The accord briefly mentions the need to abstain from using weapons within Lebanon. This is hardly enough. Hezbollah ought to have apologised for seizing the capital forcefully, forcing 7 media outlets to shut down, burning a number of their headquarters,attempting to invade the mountains, killing and terrorising hundreds of innocent civilians.
f- Wait till its implementation.
These are just a few reservations, in principal.
But, this is Lebanon, a budding, not ailing, state. (so as not to say democracy)
For this reason (or excuse), the love of this beautiful country and in spite of all the above, I can't help not feeling relieved and I dare say, happy.
In fact, I almost feel like celebrating, perhaps with a few Almazas this evening...and friends from across the political spectrum, of course.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Almaza beer on its diamond jubilee; Whatever happens, we'll celebrate
On its 75th anniversary, Almaza Beer, our pride and joy is running this timely ad.
It adequately captures the Lebanese people's will to life-no matter what. In that same vein, I saw a wedding motorcade of 15 brand new and identical Mercedes' adorned with lush bouquets yesterday. I'm certain a lavish wedding during such uncertain times are only to be found in Lebanon. What a mad house.
Enjoy the ad (translated below).
"In 1933 a beer was born, we celebrated. In 1943, we got our independence, we celebrated. In 1956, we had an earthquake, we celebrated. In 1971, we won Miss Universe, we celebrated. In 1975, it clashed, we hid and continued to celebrate. In 1990, it calmed down, and we resumed celebrating. In 2008, no matter what happens we want to celebrate."
It adequately captures the Lebanese people's will to life-no matter what. In that same vein, I saw a wedding motorcade of 15 brand new and identical Mercedes' adorned with lush bouquets yesterday. I'm certain a lavish wedding during such uncertain times are only to be found in Lebanon. What a mad house.
Enjoy the ad (translated below).
"In 1933 a beer was born, we celebrated. In 1943, we got our independence, we celebrated. In 1956, we had an earthquake, we celebrated. In 1971, we won Miss Universe, we celebrated. In 1975, it clashed, we hid and continued to celebrate. In 1990, it calmed down, and we resumed celebrating. In 2008, no matter what happens we want to celebrate."
Friday, May 16, 2008
"If you don't agree, don't come back"
A throng of peaceful protestors today (i.e. no tyres on fire) gathered by the airport carrying banners reading "if you cant agree, don't come back" (إذا ما إتفقتوا ما ترجعوا)
My suggestion was to shut the airport road after all our leaders had left.
Seing them leave on two planes; one for the opposition and another carrying the March 14 forces reminds me of Ghadi Rahbani's song الزعماء فلو من لبنان Arabic for the leaders have left Lebanon. The "four knights" sing gleefully, the leaders left Lebanon, our happiness is now complete and we can live in peace".
Too bad I hear the Sayyed won't leave due to security concerns.
My suggestion was to shut the airport road after all our leaders had left.
Seing them leave on two planes; one for the opposition and another carrying the March 14 forces reminds me of Ghadi Rahbani's song الزعماء فلو من لبنان Arabic for the leaders have left Lebanon. The "four knights" sing gleefully, the leaders left Lebanon, our happiness is now complete and we can live in peace".
Too bad I hear the Sayyed won't leave due to security concerns.
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