Hariri in Orange

With endless meetings between Baby Blue Future Movement leader Saad Hariri and Orange driven FPM  head Michel Aoun, one comes to wonder how much influence the latter is imposing on the former. How much Orange can Hariri take before he goes bust.

The Divine Victory; or has it become History?

the big question to be asked as the government in Beirut is being formed; are Hezbollah's weapons at the diposal of the Iranian regime or in defence of a sovereign Lebanon. We still await Nasrallah's answer.

Give talking a chance

Benjamin Netanyahu didn't have to stand at the United Nations General Assembly podium and make a mockery of its 60 or so year existence and purpose two weeks back. It is not a world forum to point fingers, taunt or jolt accusations at one another, or for the most part display artifacts of the past as evidence of an event that happened sixty years ago. It is not a court hearing or an international tribunal to voice animosity or pity at your foes. Look at Ahmedinajad straight in the eye and settle your differences on a table, talk peace not war, talk life not death, talk, just talk; give talking a chance. Enough bull from both the Israeli's and Iranians.

Syria: War wager to Peacemaker?

Nicolas Sarkozy, for the past week or so has been on a mission to see a government finally be put in place in Beirut. France, by hosting Syria's foreign minister Mouallem and sending dignitaries to the region has recently stepped up efforts with mounting pressure on the Lebanese to come up with an internal solution that would benefit the region as a whole. The cabinet formation falisy has been dwindling on and on for the past few months with either side letting go of stubborn stances that have produced nothing but a gridlock situation. Regional players have significant issues at stake with the Iranian Nuclear program for one, spearheading one of the many political disputes being fought on Lebanese soil. Syria's new found role in enabling the U.S perform a silent yet dignified retreat from Iraq, helping keep Hizbullah at bay from attacking Israel, and somewhat isolating Iran has placed Damascus as a strategic ally on the Global war on Terror. In turn, the STL ( Special Tribunal for Lebanon) hasn't shown much progress after recent new found Syrian influence has prompted the west to think more positively towards their change in behaviour. The P5 plus 1 meeting with Iranian nuclear representatives will somehow try and diffuse a destabilizing situation by involving a third party country, most probably Russia to help with the enrichment of uranium under the watchful eyes of U.N investigators and the IAEA. This could be regarded as a temporary solution to the Iranian problem that is quickly slipping out of hand. The U.S must remain tough on key demands requested of Iran, yet show a more lenient side with Tehran when disscusing their self proclaimed victorious withdrawal  from Iraq in months to come. As long as Iran seeks nuclear energy at the expense of the area, and Syria obstructs the Lebanese from establishing a government, Israel will remain ready in defiance to strike either nation or their proxy militias including Hizbullah. Syria, once again, and without surprise will have to be the mediator to undo knots and be called upon from the U.S to provide stability in Lebanon which in turn will defuse the growing Israeli and Iranian standoff. Time and time again Lebanon will be in the spotlight, face stagnation, suffer and bear the grunt of the wheeling and dealing of its more powerful neighbors surrounding it.

Hezbollah "Spotlights in the Ring"

Iran, in recent days has informed the United Nations of the development of a new uranium enrichment plant in the city of Qom, amidst rising tension and threats of sanctions from the West. Two days before the security council is to meet with Iranian officals, word of the firing of two new rockets capable of travelling 2000 kms, hits the headlines of Israeli and World dailies. Hezbollah, Irans so called proxy militia, with dual loyalty, one nationalistic towards fellow Lebanese and the other Religious towards Shiite Iran, will have to walk a tightrope. Hassan Nasrallah will take steam on what stance to take if Iran is attacked by Israel or the U.S. Two possibilities are conceivable, a premptive strike on Tel Aviv from long range Hezbollah rockets, which will draw the whole of Lebanon into a destructive war, and further isolate a crippled Hezbollah from the demographic fabric of Lebanon. The second possibility would be to not get involved whatsoever, and win the support and backing of their brothern Lebanese by remaining neutral. Such a position would dissappoint and frustrate the Iranian leadership, and be regarded as a U.S backed decision with the support of a Syrian guarantee in keeping Hezbollah on the sidelines. Iran would be in isolation, with increased regional pressure into abandoning its nuclear ambitions and face mounting U.N sanctions. Hezbollah on the other hand would save face internally, and gain needed points with the West, the United Nations and world community as a whole. The issue of their weapons would be further postponed and their involvement in forming a cabinet in the Lebanese government this round would be viewed upon by the west as fundamental. Syria in turn, would improve bilateral relations with the U.S, and gain a wild card in pressing Israel to return the Golan Heights and resume peace talks under no pre conditions. Hezbollah once again will find themselves in a tight ring with spotlights glaring down on what decision to take. Lets hope this time around they take a calculated initiative and not an 'adventurous' move similar to 2006 which paralyzed Lebanon and threw the country into an impasse. The Party of God, will be in for some party, facing extreme internal and external pressure by trying to preserve their clinching victory against Israel on one hand, not betraying Iran, and taking a more nationalistic approach that would gain the respect of their fellow patrons in the streets of Beirut and not Tehran.

The 'Son'

Barrack Obama's inspiring and uplifting 38 minute speech at the United Nations General Assembly this week turned many heads especially those in the anti-American camps of the Middle East. Coming off as ' Im not George Bush' will help earn him points with those whose minds always regarded America as Israel's Mideast backup and sole protector. Speaking in a more moderate and balanced tone than his predeccesor has allowed him win the hearts and minds of those skeptical of Americas past wrong doings. Elaborating on four main pillars for the world to deal and achieve success in, has shown America's new found commitment to a more honest and just hand in world affairs. Be it the Middle east peace initiative, of a two state solution, the cutting down of world nuclear stockpiles, curbing state terrorism by keeping Iran and North Korea at bay and finding a more global solution to the worlds environmental issues, all seem to sit well in most foreign leaders agendas. The 'Son' as Gaffadi reiterated of Obama, has received a glorified backing from even those rogue nations like Libya that at one time labeled America as the Great Satin. Let's hope North Korea and Iran can join the bandwagon and allow true change take form for the benefit of the world as a whole, and not just for a Hawkish few in the high ranks of American power. Change can happen, lets give it a chance, yes it can!

A Beiruti Awakening

This is a poem from my archives' past of 2002,
when Beirut was named the 'cultural capital' of the world.


Beirut who, what, where are you?
To your mysterious lure, give us a clue
your lovers and loathers and hoping to discover
whats your endeavor?
the femme fatal , thats you forever

Beirut you are the pearl rising from the ashes
Bey-routh, you are the lady with unique long lashes
you are the movie flick giving me nostalgic flashes
everyone is trying to capture your heart
for your true admirers loving you is an art

Beirut with your history, your passion, your feelings
your suitors are discovering what your concealing
what it is you are dreaming
the lady of all seasons
you are forever heart, mind and soul pleasing

Adorn...
A city reborn from the tragedies of the past
A city for the future a city built to last
your peoples admiration is steadily growing
in their heart of hearts your flame is glowing
as sure as your skills are in surviving
millions flock back and hope to get thriving
to your rejuvenated heartbeat
up from your prolonged paralyses
back on your feet
amidst your summer heat and tourists to meet
to us you are our God given treat

Beirut, you're the mistress refusing to grow old
forever a beautiful image you try and uphold
glittering with shiny pearls, minks and gold
dignity, serenity, your entire entity
you're one of a kind charming us politely
they chip away at you heart and try to make it new
no matter what the chisel they'll never get through

Your magic your smell, your colors, your tone
rushing though my nerves really hitting home
so what is this they are trying to do to you, whats their hidden scheme?
are you our reality or a foreigners dream
are you for sale to the highest bidder?
lets set this straight you will remain ours forever

Ghaddafi Glitz?

                                        

                      Image Source :sky news

Ghaddafi made his big debut at the United Nations General Assembly, in the 'big apple' under the watchful eyes of 'former' enemies he now regarded as new-found English and American friends. His impressive yet at times confused speech, with all the paper tossing and eye brow raising comments, covered matters ranging from the Kennedy assassination, to Darfur, Vietnam War, Somali Pirates, his Jet lag, and of course new found son, Obama. The General, tired and weary, actually amused the slight few who remained awake or those that were present with his hour and a half long talk of just about everything. He received a few rare hands of applause when he discussed a more positive stance towards the Israeli- Palestinian problem, Americas Post-Obama role in the world and Libya's return to the community of nations. At one point causing an atmosphere of humour and laughter, he called those in the assembly attendance a 'decor', who look pretty yet who's voices go unheard and dissapear. At first it sounded like an elementary a,b,c speech, with no introduction, body, or conclusion, just rambling ideas, thoughts, opinions and proposals dug up from somewhere afar. A performance that will go down in United Nations' Speech archives alongside Yasser Arafats of heyday and Ahmedinajad's of last year will be the talk of the town and late night shows for days to come. What more can you say of a man who has questioned everyone and everything about the history of the worlds events, except himself and the wrong doings of his evil past. With his uncommon protocol choice of female bodyguards, and decision to reside in a tent on the outskirts of the city of bright lights, the man seems to know how to hit New York City with a big bang. Humbleness aside, there is nothing more striking about this four-decade old tyrannt but his hairdo,colorful outfit, and 'unjust' finger flashing peace/victory sign.

Hizbullah and Harriri: A True Unity Government?

 The firing of two rockets from Lebanon into Israel  in response to Hariri's resignation from his PM post yesterday is an 'explosive' signal initiated from Damascus that no new goverment without Syria's conscent would be permitted. A week ago Iran sent signals to the west that if given the green light to pursue its nuclear ambitions it would leviate and stop meddling in other crises in the region; i.e Afghanistan, Iraq, and Lebanon. Beirut is stuck once again in a regional tug of war game, with the fate of its government cabinet formation now lying at the heart of the conflict. Hariri will be reposted as primeminster with strong backing support from the majority, including Berri's vote, leaving Michel Aoun, once again cornered without a complete Hizbullah umbrella coverup. For it is Hizbullah that has suprisingly pushed for Hariri's re-nomination stressing the importance of partnership in a unity government. Gebran Bassil may have to sit on the sidelines, accept defeat, stand and support reform and change that his party preaches instead of trying to salk and sneak his way back in through the back door. March 8 has received enough concessions from the ruling party, with a 15-10-5 formula to their favor, a ministerial seat close to the president supported by hizbullah, and the re-election of Nabih Berri as the Speaker of the House. Not to mention the number of portfolios designated for the FPM and the blocking one third vote in government that was the root of this crisis three years ago. Hizbullah out of all parties concerned, seems to be emerging with a matured level of political manuevering, working to unite all parties with its powerful defiance to Israel this time through words not rockets. The firing of rockets into Israel these days is left to those groups trying to rise into Lebanons political arena as proxy tools while Hizbullah has passed the test and proved time and time again that it can comfortably enter through open doors.

Leb Vote: for hope...nope.

Syrian free elections
nostalgic reflections of the past
its about who got grassed
used, forgotten and sadly trashed
and the lucky allliance baathist few who made it fast

You gotta be from a feudal political family to get ahead
honesty, good deeds, and will dont buy you bread
with our infamous political history dont expect to be led
a wasta to roam for, or else your pretty much left dead
why vote for anyone?
when the outcome is the same as the past 15 years with nothing really done
a political lord, maintaining, preserving, gaining and reserving that seat is priority job one
with his rigged elections to run
a political war fought today without the barrel sounds of a gun
2005, you'd expect a vibrant society consciously alive
2009, you' anticipate some real change that things are now fine
its around his bee hive
they swarm to stay alive
polling to the voting
bribes and lies
ballots stollen
campaigns rolling
with maufactured lists
foreign money n dollars twisting a few wrists
gift as a bribe you cant resist
or take it the other way; a flat end of a fist
whats the aim of this absurd game?
it aint who to blame
its all about filling the empty pockets of some no name
trying to grab a seat and clinch their way to fortune and fame
they've mastered their control over a blinded society they've learn to tame
we've all become numbers, weve all become the same

Post Elections '09 After thoughts

After voting for an electoral list of my own liberal choice in my hometown in South Lebanon, I was surprisingly handed a thank you gesture note as I departed the polling station. Bribes, what bribes? I actually thought i'd cast my vote and come home empty handed, but luckily what do you know, a full gas tank isnt that bad now is it? So much for the 'transparency' in the elections lol, and how did the generous folks of that electoral team know who i voted for anyways? beats me

In the end, some people were given free airline tickets to Lebanon, free car rentals, and others household gifts. I voted for the people i wanted and got a free ride home, sweet.

Springtime 09: Election time

So it was the big summer opener, no not sky bar but the June parliamentary elections 09, where Lebanese from across the world flocked back to cast their 'honest' votes in search for a renewed post-Syrian occupied Lebanon. A stable, progressive, and prospective Lebanon one can return to, years' long ambitions stored in the back of every Lebanese in the Diasporas' mind. A record high turned out for the polls, at Beirut's Rafiq Harriri International airport, planes were landing faster and in larger numbers ever precedented, the elections were to be a success. Yet in Lebanon, we have no winners, or losers, in fact we rarely have results we can agree on let alone rely on as facts. March 14, the victors, as pre-announced by the Hezbollah electoral mechanism, and eventually the Ministry of Interior was in for a harder battle post election time. Cabinet formation in itself has proved to be a daunting nightmare for all, with March 14, clinching victory, their camp was entitled to a larger number of ministerial portfolios in comparison to the march 8 camp. The essential block of 4, namely the ministry of justice, foreign affairs, interior and finance are the most sought after seats to claim with each side pulling them to their favour.
The juggling of numbers for each side in government has become small talk in every Lebanese household, 15-10-5, 14-11-5, 10-10-10, just like keeping score for international sporting events. In Lebanon we don't have televised events to keep us buisy par say and keep score, politics has sadly become our sole national sport. The long forgotten successes of our basketball clubs, Sagesse or Sporting have become a distant memory in Lebanon's historical sport fads of the past.
Now jump ahead from June to September of this same year we are still without a functioning government represented by all Lebanese. This is our status Quo of today, or has become such for the past decade, and will remain so in the future, as long as our political rival leaders keep the bickering and disagreements ahead of the national interest of their country. We will just have to wait and see who gets what in Lebanon's' musical chair saga and if there will be enough seats to please everyone and leave the events of May '08 in our long forgotten memory. Yeah right.

Summer 09 : Fireworks and Gunshots

As the Beiruti summer winds to a close from the initial sunrise of beachtime in May to the wild clubscene firework displays, the Lebanese have shown the world and CNN for that matter that Beirut knows how to party. Party Capital 09, is somewhat of an ironic title for 'the city known to never surrender". During the bleakest of days in its troublesome past, this city of 5000 years has had its share of ups, downs and revivals. Once a terrorist haven of the 80's, its now been labeled a first class tourist haven boasting a 6 month summer long 24/7 party atmosphere compared with world reknown destinations such as Marbella, and Ibiza Spain. With an endless stretch of trendy beach resorts, hotels and streetside cafes, complimented by night with restaurants, rooftop clubs and International festivals, the city has something and everything for even the most seasoned of travellers.

Yet the other side of the picture portrays a more familiar Beirut we have come to know through media's past, kept in hiding during the summer months with the official end of summer. The sound of fireworks are to be replaced by the sound of gunshots, blaring dance music by those of loud political bickering and the revisited talk of an 'Israeli threat' on thy beloved Lebanon. Welcome in Hizbullah and their revised defense strategy and threats to bomb Tel Aviv if and only if or when Beirut is targeted. Seasonal Power sharing as it has come to be known, is the status quo of Lebanon post 2009. A calm summer, could or would be followed by a havoc fall season if and only if Israel decided on prolonging the loud thumps and beats blaring out of the beiruti skyline clubs, only this time from the turrets of their merkava tanks.

Come September, as Lebanese expats and tourists board their planes westbound to the americas, africa, europe, and elsewhere time will tell how long the silence of the summers end will pass only to be disrupted aloud with the uncertainties of war.

The big Joke

We just love to lose. The sad thing about that is we deny reality and claim to emerge victorious whatever the outcome. While the world sat and watched fellow Lebanese kill one another, the tragic events unfolding in Beirut reminded us of horrible scenes pulled from Lebanon's archives of war. While the rest of the Arab Gulf was enroute to achieving economic milestones, Beirut was drawn into chaos, on the verge of civil war, and soon ran out of tombstones to bury the dead.
Overnight, all changed.
Reconciliation took charge, with opposing sides agreeing on problematic issues, cordial smiles reigned over, and a sence of warmth filled the once-tense atmosphere. For we are all Lebanese, we need one another, we have nobody but each another. That is so true, once you realize everybody is in It for their own personal reasons. Israel and Syria, the United States and Iran were all working the bargaining tables behind the media flare up taking place in Beirut. We were the victims. Not Hizbullah, or the ruling Majority, but Lebanon and what it stood for. What an embarrasment...33 years after '75. Have we not learned a lesson yet?

Doha Diversion....for a little while.

So its off to Qatar, it seems as though even the politicians have gotten sick of Lebanon's status quo...Beirut is too unstable...Dubai is too saturated ....so Doha sounds just right. Call it a recess a breather, or a not so temporary ceasefire, before the rude rhetoric rebuilds and bullets reign over again. Expect to see cordial smiles, handshakes and camera poses while in Doha before the dreadful reality of returning to Beirut empty handedly.

The Second Lebanon War

Lebanon's political paralysis has reached its melting point, the fire has ignited, the lid has blown off, Beirut is now ablaze. The three year old tolerance-tension game between the March's has come to its decisive point in time and now the tugging of war has moved from the television screens to the deadly streets. Hizbullah has declared its state through war.

With an arsenal that has proven havoc-hell against the israeli's, the "former resistance organization' has now shifted roles from being a defensive entity into an offensive threat to Lebanons soviergnty. The so-called 22 years of credibility as a Resistance force has pulverised to dust in just seconds. Did Iran signal the barbaric seige of Lebanon, or did the West sound the bells of war? Memories of wars past will haunt us, but todays survival instincts will surpass all fears, taboos and red lines we vowed not to cross. Hizbullah has demonstrated an uncalled for military might and flex of muscle to the disgust of their fellow Lebanese at the untimely cost of their existence. The Shiaa sect of Lebanon has been savagely sliced away from their fellow patrons. This is Hizbullah's end. They have dug their own grave before removing the klashinokov from their flag. But then again, what purpose would their weaponless flag serve in being a resistance force with nothing to resist it seems but the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of their fellow Lebanese' lust for life.

The Ever-so-perfect Lifestyle...:)

Dress Italian, Drink Russian, Drive German, Dine Japanese, Do smoke Cuban, Date French, Debate like an American, Yet Live and Die Lebanese...

War on Whiskey, Wine, and Weekends...

By the looks of it, with the ongoing political stalemate plaguing the country, even the lurking nightlife glamour of Beirut has been hit with controversy, instability and failure. How do you paralyze an economy on the brink of total collapse? take away the need of any reasoning or justification on staying in Lebanon whatsoever. How would you convince anyone to remain in a country that has been without a president for the last six months, having the national parliament closed for nearly a year, run by a crippled government with limited authority, surviving through 25 plus massive car bombs, a 34 day summer war onslaught, and massive demonstrations every now and then?
Need a hint...live for the Gemmayze Glitter.

Beirut does not abide by rules, regulations, codes, by laws, or the like. It is reknown for being the city that never surrendered; the city that never died; the city that never sleeps. The city without curfews. If there is one thing that keeps Beirut going and growing, amidst the turmoil of today, its ' the living for the weekend spirit'. Now take that away, and i bet you politicans before ordinary citizens will start packing, throwing in the towel and boarding planes elsewhere. Its understandable that we dont seem to be getting along ' politically', but why do we have to involve the cigarettes we smoke, spirits we drink, and music we dance to in all this mess.

USS Cole is not the first!

Flashback Summer 06, during the 34 day aftermath of war, nations around the world sent civilian vessels and military ships like the one pictured above to the aid of Lebanon. USS Cole also has its own flashbacks of Yemen in 2000 and the aftermath of a suicide bombing and so would now probably prefer to sit idle 22 km out of Lebanons Territorial waters until further notice. Be it a show of strength, determination or moral support for the March 14 alliance, USS Cole's presence along with a fleet of other American navy vessels will surely turn many heads in the Opposions camp.

Moussa's Merry-Go Round

You sit on a round table to talk. Not shy away your looks and peek at the clock, waiting for the bell to ring. In Lebanon there is no bell, we've been waiting for it to ring for three decades. With another presidential postponement, for the 14th or so time, Mr. Berri might just as well keep delaying it beforehand to save us the agony of waiting. So Saad Harriri and Michel Aoun met, for the nth time with nothing in common to smile about. It seems like Amro Moussa has been enjoying his weekly flights in and out of Beirut to a point where utilizing his mediation skills have become of lesser importance than gaining frequent flyer miles.