Al-Akhbar: “What Sa’d al-Hariri must say to end the conflict”
From today’s Mideastwire briefing:
On September 27, Fida Itani wrote the following opinion piece in the pro-parliamentary minority daily Al-Akhbar: “I, Sa’d Rafik al-Hariri, believe that the issuance of an indictment by the international tribunal directly or [indirectly] accusing Hezbollah or one of its elements of being involved in the assassination of my father means that the international tribunal is politicized and I will reject this indictment.” In short, this is what our prime minister is supposed to say quickly, or else events will ensue in the country in an undesirable way.
“At the end, he acted according to his own will, plunging the country into a bloody chaos of fierce wars. Syria failed to prevent him from visiting it in the last hours of his presidential term when he asked Al-Assad to agree on him remaining at the post of president of the Lebanese republic in return for him keeping his previous promises. Al-Assad refused, of course.
“Today, some of the Syrian leadership elements believe that our prime minister is a mini copy of Amin Gemayel. Indeed, many good statements are taking place between Sa’d al-Hariri and President Bashar al-Assad but deeds are going in a different direction. On the other hand, western sources are not concealing the size of the compromises that the young Al-Hariri is offering to the west, including the USA and the European countries, and that he is unable to implement.
“Sa’d al-Hariri was required to come back from the Ramadan suhur (on last August 30) to Beirut and to announce, through the media, his position regarding the false witnesses and more. It was agreed that he would make an interview with the Syrian Al-Watan daily and with an Arab satellite channel. However, he preferred to publish his opinion in one Saudi newspaper not directed at the Lebanese audience…
“Al-Hariri does not know perhaps that there are special Israeli forces hiding behind the veil of Blackwater, the American security company operating in Iraq, that are entering Syrian houses on the Iraqi borders and searching them, and sometimes going beyond that, and that this field study being prepared by the elite Israeli troops is not free. In addition, the exercises being run on the adjacent borders to Syria and Lebanon are not defensive ones.
“And whether our prime minister knows or not, makes no difference because both Syria and Hezbollah know that what is taking place constitutes a waste of time and that the time of war is nearing every day, and [war] will take place in no more than a year, according to the readings of concerned parties, their information and their analyses. The fortification of Lebanon from within is a necessity, and it is unacceptable to leave things as they currently are…”
The Damascus Exchange in the Media
From The National, September 15, 2010:
“Students meet Hamas and Hizbollah for education beyond the classroom”
–Few Arabic-language study programmes include visits with Hamas and Hizbollah officials as part of their curriculum. But at Damascus Exchange, a two-week course, access to such people is what students sign up for.
“Getting a chance to talk with Hamas was an amazing opportunity,” said Mert Karakus, a 22-year-old student from Turkey and one of 11 participants in this summer’s programme in Damascus, which is run by Mideastwire.com, a Beirut news translation service.
The programme represents a new innovation in Arabic-language study courses, challenging the traditional sway in the field held by three icons of higher education in the Middle East: American University of Beirut, Cairo University and Damascus University. While shorter in duration than most traditional programmes, it offers encounters with politicians, businessmen and other key figures.
Interest in educational programmes in the Middle East by English-speakers has boomed in the past seven years. US applications to the region, for instance, rose sixfold between 2003 and 2007, according to the Institute of International Education, a non-profit, non-governmental organisation based in New York that specialises in educational exchange and training programmes.
The premise of upstarts such as Damascus Exchange is that there is more to education than what happens inside the confines of the classroom, said Nicholas Noe, the co-founder of Mideastwire.com, who conceived the programme.
READ MORE AT:
http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100916/FOREIGN/709159861/1002
**********
Al Akhbar as the total Hizbullah mouthpiece
One wonders if Am. Michael Oren or the Neo-LiberalCons in DC and Beirut read this one in translation today. It proves the MEMRI-Neo-LiberalCon assertion that Akhbar is totally a Hizbullah mouthpiece.
In any case – an excellent piece in Akhbar via Mideastwire in today’s Briefing:
On September 20, Khaled Saghieh wrote the following opinion piece in the pro-parliamentary minority daily Al-Akhbar: “One day in 2004, five victims were killed in Hay al-Sullum with the bullets of the Lebanese army. This had taken place during a demonstration against the rise of gas prices. Back then, Hezbollah’s Secretary General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, politely criticized the shooting of the demonstrating young people. He said: “What is “Lebanon’s great army” doing in the alleys of Hay al-Sullum?
“On the day before yesterday, Hezbollah did not shoot anybody. However, it did organize a provocative action whose arrows not only reached the remnants of the March 14 political and popular group, but also anyone who still believed in the necessity to preserve the remnants of the State. It is true that everybody, without any exception, has bit off [pieces] of this slender body called the official institutions; and it is also true that the March 14 forces have made the concept of State building extremely trivial to the extent that the State now resembles a fig leaf waiting for the Fall season. However, it is also true that this fig leaf, despite everything, is still covering our nakedness.
“If there is a message of challenge that Hezbollah wanted to direct at Sa’d al-Hariri or his March 14 team or to those standing behind them, [Hezbollah] should have sent [the message] without relying on the corny exaggerations in security aspects and without stressing once again on what is already known, which is the party’s capacity to [invade] the streets and institutions whenever it wants. Indeed, everyone is aware of the party’s military and security capacities but the party is also supposed to be aware that someone wants to confront its weapons [i.e. the party’s weapons] with the weapon of sectarianism.
“There is a former officer who [created] a lot of injustices before being unjustly treated. There he goes, swearing to obtain his right with his own hands if the law fails to give it to him. And there is an officer who now stands at the head of a security institution, who is making threats and appointing himself as a judge who places people in prisons. And there is a third officer who toyed with the country’s fate by coming up with the preliminary material to accuse Hezbollah of assassinating PM Rafik al-Hariri. He then went back to become one of the knockers on Rustom Ghazali’s doors.
“And when we lose sight of the officers’ scene, we find MPs elected by the people whose job is now limited to sectarian incitement. Then, a minister comes along, who thinks that this is the right moment to manipulate the citizen’s livelihood, so he issues a resolution to lower the weight of bread [and thus increase its price]…[ellipses as published] Up until now, we don’t get it: what was the “great Hezbollah” doing in the alleys of Beirut’s airport?”
News Roundup
Tribunal not endangered by statements of Lebanese officials
On September 14, Lebanon’s An-Nahar carried an article saying that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has settled the current controversy over the fate of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, asserting that it is making progress and that it is not endangered by the statements of Lebanese officials. Ban Ki-moon said, “We have invested a lot of time and resources to establish this tribunal. Therefore, we should allow those in the STL to issue their sentence. I do not agree with anyone saying that the STL’s future is in danger.”
45 billion Lebanese pounds spent on armaments
On September 14, Lebanon-based As-Safir online published a report saying that the 2010 budget earmarked 45 billion Lebanese pounds for the item pertaining to technical equipment, i.e. armament, in the army’s budget. This figure rose to 55 billion Lebanese pounds only in the 2011 draft budget. A deputy said that “in both cases, the amount is merely enough to cover the cost of a live-ammunition manoeuvre.” As-Safir has learned that, during the “negotiations” to prepare the draft budget, the Ministry of Finance gave the army no choice, saying that the army budget can be increased by 5 percent only. Military sources asserted to As-Safir that this situation is no longer acceptable; stressing that the modest sum set aside for the military indicates that its pressing needs are not being dealt with seriously.
Pope continues visit to UK despite threats that he will be welcomed with protests
On September 16, Iranian daily Iran reported: “Pope Benedict XVI will be the first leader of Catholics to travel to the UK in the last two decades. Pope Benedict’s controversial tour to this part of Europe takes places while incidents of moral scandals involving a number of priests in Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Canada, the US, Mexico and France have overshadowed the international position of the Vatican… The British human rights groups have announced that they would welcome the Pope with widespread demonstrations… Britain has close diplomatic ties with the Vatican and in the past, the British media have warned against the illegal autonomy of the Vatican, the authorities in this country have shown negative reaction to such warnings… British politicians and officials are worried about severe confrontations during the five-day visit of Pope to the UK so the UK police has transformed London into a closed security zone.”
Psychological war against Iran continues
On September 16, conservative Iranian daily Javan wrote: “At the threshold of Iran and G5+1 talks, America and some of its European allies known as the Vienna ring, have started a three-fold and broad psychological war against the Islamic Republic with the support of anti-revolutionary groups and the sedition movement… The goals of this psychological war can be grouped into disturbing Iranian officials’ in their concentration towards the Vienna talks, modifying Iran’s positions in talks with G5+1, preventing reduction of sanctions and disobeying official players in the process of implementation of sanctions against Iran, resolving the sedition movement’s inactiveness by deciding and defining a role for it… continuing the psychological war and propaganda of Iranophobia and making the Iran play in the puzzle of talks with the US.”
Afghanistan moving towards federalism
On September 16, conservative Iranian newspaper Javan wrote: “If this idea by the International Strategic Studies Association on Afghanistan issue is viewed in depth, its unpleasant consequences will become completely evident… This plan… practically provides the grounds for the division of this country… It makes it possible for the Taleban to rule their regions… It seems the succession of crises in Afghanistan and the inability of the US and its allies in creating stability in this country may encourage them towards the creation of a kind of federalism and giving points to the Taleban.”
Negotiations simply game
On September 16, Lebanon’s Al-Mustaqbal wrote: “As the Israeli side goes to negotiations in its strongest positions and imposing its conditions, we find that the Palestinian side goes to these negotiations in its weakest positions; negotiations that have not met the minimum of its just demands… All negotiations are aimed at filling the gap with negotiations for the sake of negotiations… It is the only game available; a new farce in a region which has experienced all Israeli tricks and lies.”
March 14 claims empty
On September 16, Lebanon’s Al-Manar TV website carried the following report: “Member of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc MP Naji Gharios rejected on Thursday the statement issued one day earlier by the so-called March 14 General Secretariat as meaningless and vain…On Wednesday, the March 14 General Secretariat launched a verbal assault against Hezbollah and other opposition forces, claiming they were behind what they called a “fierce coup attempt” the aim of which is to restore the situation in the country to what it was before March 14, 2005. “Hezbollah revealed this plan itself when it announced its refusal of the facts and political, national, and popular equations,” a statement released by the mentioned General Secretariat claimed. “The March 14 forces are seeking to hide their faults through such stances,” MP Gharios told Al-Manar website on Thursday. “The debate became useless. We speak about state building. How do they respond?….They’re assailing left and right, accusing here and there. We didn’t accuse anybody. We only said that state building cant take place in this way.” Gharios pointed out that the state starts through consensus, admitting that there’s a fierce political conflict in the country and that the regional situation is not comfortable as well, causing negative repercussions on Lebanon.”
News Roundup
Lebanese people living in a ‘stateless’ society
On September 13, Lebanon’s As-Safir online carried an article reporting that the statements of Prime Minister Al-Hariri and the press conference of Jamil al-Sayyid proved to the Lebanese people that they are living without a state to protect them and guide their country in the right direction. The writer says that the Lebanese discovered that the absence of their state was replaced by the presence of regional and international sides that governed their country and affected its policy in the way that serves their aims, even if that required staging wars, fights, and conflicts on Lebanese soil. The writer adds that the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq al-Hariri was exploited by several countries and sides, and was used as a blackmailing tool in order to tighten the control over the Lebanese arena.”
Clinton’s Middle East visit indicates Obama’s desire for change
On September 15, conservative Iranian daily Siyasat-e Ruz wrote: “Clinton would try to illustrate the US determination to implement the compromise process and the claims for Middle East plan during her presence in the Sharm al-Shaykh meeting. This propaganda is of utmost importance for Obama as he is preparing himself for the annual UN General Assembly meeting and the Democrats are facing the mid-term US Congress election and this process especially is an indicator of implementation of the slogan of ‘change’ from Obama… This visit will not result in peace in the region and the realization of Palestinian rights as the main issue of confronting the Zionist occupation will not be discussed in these meetings.”
Israel-Palestine negotiations
On September 15, Jordan’s Al-Ra’y wrote: “These negotiations, which are held under the slogan of ending the Arab-Israeli conflict and achieving the two-state solution, are originally more of negotiations to the interests of parties than being negotiations for ending a dispute or achieving justice. Putting into consideration the timing of the negotiations, the interest of the democratic US administration becomes obvious. In fact, the date of the mid-term elections of the US Congress is nearing and President Obama is working to guarantee a democratic majority in the Council that would enable him to work comfortably and without obstacles… As for the Palestinians, their interest in negotiations is to keep their cause alive.”
Peace talks simply US-Israeli negotiations
On September 15, Lebanon’s Al-Anwar reported: “There is nothing called the last chance in the settlement negotiations… Since the Oslo agreement in 1993, negotiations are a series of chances that are opened and closed without reaching a settlement. The game is repeated: The USA opens the door for an opportunity when this is in its interest and Israel closes the window after it buys time to impose positions on the ground and then calls for opening a new window. Everybody knows, amidst the continued Arab bet on the US role, that the direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations are practically negotiations between the USA and Israel. It is all about what the US administration takes from the Israeli government.”
Totalitarianism versus autocracy
On September 15, Iraqi-based Al-Aalam wrote: “Our practical experience of government systems is in fact delimited by autocracy, on the one hand, and totalitarianism, on the other, both of which always generate more problems than they can solve. What the two systems have in common is that, in essence, both are propelled by a relentless struggle for power in the course of which strategic public gains may be sacrificed, moral commitments may be dropped and compunction is completely out of place. Look at the amazing ease with which our political elite have been procrastinating for months, without feeling the slightest prick of conscience or having the least concern about the political atherosclerosis the country is suffering from, which seems to have already become too chronic to cure.”
Political elites steering US policy
On September 15, Gaza-based Filastin online wrote: “On the ninth anniversary of the September 11 incident, the United States seems to be distant from the principles and foundations on which it was established more than two centuries ago. It also seems the interests of its political elites are steering the United States … although it was established on clear-cut moral and legal principles, including the right to religious freedom.”
Taleban’s trail destruction leads back to Tel Aviv
On September 15, Pakistani newspaper The Nation published an article saying that if a pragmatic view of the numerous terrorist attacks in Pakistan is taken, certainly many clues point towards Mossad – the Israeli secret agency. Gordon Duff, US Marine Vietnam veteran and Senior Editor at Veterans Today, in his latest article titled Is Israel running the Taliban, written just a day after the latest suicide bombing in Quetta, discloses that the trail of death and destruction leads to Tel Aviv.
Michael Young on Imperial Ambition
I read this today from Michael Young only one night after having finally finished Ussama Makdisi’s “Culture of Sectarianism” book so it was pretty exasperating reading this passage in particular:
“Whether it was the Greeks in the 1820s, the Christian Lebanese in the 1860s, or the Bulgarians in the 1870s, European powers sought to end mass murder on the grounds of higher moral imperatives, usually egged on by outraged electorates, these states’ behaviour only rarely reflecting imperial ambition. Indeed, in many cases humanitarian intervention undermined imperial interests.
“Such a historical legacy, also very much an American legacy, is not easily discarded. Mr Obama may soon find, like the 19th century governments described by Mr Bass, that prudence, particularly the prudence of the shopkeeper, can be quickly overwhelmed by public displeasure when human lives are at stake. America doesn’t stand for much if it doesn’t stand for humanistic values, whatever the cost. It’s not easy being frugal when you view yourself as a beacon to the world.”
The dialectic of the Neo-LiberalCon Enlightenment well put.
News Roundup
Call for summit between US, Arab, Muslim and world leaders
On September 13, Egypt’s daily Al-Ahram wrote: “The acts of German Chancellor Angela Merkel -who honoured the anti-prophet Danish cartoonist- and that of a senior official in the Vatican, the Italian Father Pier Guido, -who called on Christians in Europe to have more children to prevent Europe from becoming a Muslim continent- fuel doubts and agitations…President Barack Obama along with Arab, Muslim and world leaders needs to hold an urgent international summit on dialogue between religions to ‘disengage’ the followers of different religions and prevent an unprecedented war.”
Obama praised for his actions over Terry Jones
On September 13, Egypt’s Al-Jumhuriyah reported: “In the beginning, we blamed President Barack Obama for not taking a decisive measure against the insane Priest Terry Jones who wanted to burn the Koran. But we have to thank and greet Obama today because of his remarks on Islam and Muslims and the direct and indirect measures he has taken to bar the priest from carrying out his plans… As for the so-called Egyptian Copts in the USA who demonstrated in protest against the backtracking of the priest on his plans, I tell them that they do not deserve anything except our contempt and disrespect.”
Extremists not representative of Islam
On September 13, Saudi’s Al-Riyadh wrote: “The extremist and hard-line Muslims have to stop posing as the representatives of Islam so as not to cause our Koran to be burnt and our values breached while we are watching… Modernizing the religious discourse is not easy.”
Islam closest religion to human instinct
On September 13, Saudi’s daily Al-Watan wrote: “All religions have descended for the sake of peace. Europe abandoned religion when religious differences became a reason for wars among people. The reality is that politics exploit religions for interests. Although Islam is the nearest religion to human instinct, some Muslims give faulty examples.”
Is Washington accusing Islam as being a source of terror?
On September 13, Qatar’s Al-Rayah reported: “We -Muslims- have not expected Obama’s address to be that positive on Islam and Muslims. We are used to the addresses of former US administrations in which leaders vow continue war against terror in the entire universe. Deploringly, the US wars were not waged except in Muslim countries as if Washington is saying that Islam is the source of terror.”
East valued depending on value to West
On September 13, Iran’s daily Al-Vefagh wrote: “The relationship between us and the West is strange. The West, at the best, weighs us according to how we will be useful or harmful to it in the wars it wages against us on our land. Of course, you have listened to US President Obama’s address on the scenario of burning the Koran. Obama said burning the Koran will have grave repercussions on US soldiers in Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
African continent key player in international affairs
On September 13, conservative Iranian daily Siyasat-e Ruz wrote: “The African continent with 54 countries can play a significant role in the international affairs… The African Union turned into an effective element in many global bodies by convergence among its members and no country even the super powers can ignore the role of this continent in global developments.”
Will Hamas destabilize the situation?
On September 13, Ramallah-based Al-Ayyam wrote: “Based on the 1994 experience, we are concerned that Hamas might choose to assassinate key politicians and negotiators in the PNA in an attempt to destabilize the situation. It might also carry out operations and instigate chaos in an attempt to stop the ongoing negotiations in order to allow it to present its own solution of an open-ended truce with Israel… which would strengthen its standing and influence.”
News Roundup
Consequences September 11
On September 12, Iranian daily Iran wrote: “By looking at the events after 11 September, the occurrence of various incidents on the pretext of 11 September attacks can be evaluated: Irrational association of Tony Blair with George Bush, the Iraq invasion and deaths of tens of people in the secret prisons of Bush and Blair, global hypersensitivity over Iranian nuclear dossier, the inability of international troops, the search for Al-Qa’idah leader Bin-Ladin, US failure in defeating Taleban leader Mullah Omar in Afghanistan and preventing the rise in US troops’ casualties in Afghanistan… The West publicized the number of deaths in the 11 September incident but never looked at the figures of the victims killed by their own hand… Evaluating the death toll by the West, we find that this figure outnumbers the ones killed by Bin-Ladin and Afghanistan.”
September 11 facilitated US global military action
On September 12, conservative Iranian daily Siyasat-e Ruz wrote: “The September 11 incident was an excuse to convince the US public opinion as well as that of the world and to carry out their execution of military actions in the global arena… Although Obama by claims of ‘change’ promised to end the policies of the Bush era, developments show the continuation of these policies… While the US and its allies occupied Afghanistan and Iraq with claims to fight terrorism, the occupied countries still face severe crises while the crimes of the occupiers have added to their problems… Under the circumstances, the focus of their moves is on the Middle East and they have directed this plan with a wider dimension towards Africa and other parts of the world.”
Turkey disappoints West in refusal to impose sanctions on Iran
On September 12, conservative Iranian daily Jaam-e Jam wrote: “Turkey’s measures in following its neutral policies towards Iran and rejection of unilateral sanctions imposed against Iran by the US and EU have disappointed the West in their expectations from the sanctions… Considering the approaching negotiations between the G5+1 and Iran over Iran’s nuclear programme, it seems that the USA and Israel have intensified their pressure on Turkey aiming at reducing the effectiveness of Turkey-Iran relations…”
When will Iraq form a government?
On September 12, the daily Al-Sharq al-Awsat reported: “The one question that constantly repeats itself in a boring manner … is this: when will the Iraqi government be formed? What brought the question to the surface is the movement made by the Iraqi National Alliance … The likely conclusion is that the government will not be formed soon … In my estimation Abd al-Mahdi will continue to compete for the Prime Ministry for the third time. He might be the prime minister Iraq has lost.”
New Roundup
Abbas lacking Palestinian support
On September 7, Iranian daily Qods wrote : “The new round of negotiations in Washington between Israel and Palestine is being conducted while even the negotiators do not expect a proper result from these negotiations. Although Mahmud Abbas is representing Palestine in the so-called peace negotiations but he knows well that he does not have the support of the Palestinians… Israel’s aim from these negotiations and the smile in Washington is to salvage its lost dignity… Mahmud Abbas must note this very important point that the first ‘Qiblah’ of Muslims is non-negotiable and cannot negotiate and smile over the unjust massacre of the Palestinian children.”
Unity crucial in light of threats facing Iran
On September 7, Iranian conservative daily Resalat wrote: “Unity is the most important basis of life and existence in each society. In the current circumstance, when the enemies of the system are using all opportunities to threaten the Islamic Republic of Iran and are even speaking about military attack against the Iranian nuclear centres, unity among officials has become an important issue. Maintaining unity and harmony in speech among officials, in the system and the society has been a key element in the statements of the Supreme Leader of the Revolution over the past few months. Political activists and parties should change their outlook from personal interests and should think about the criteria of the Islamic Republic of Iran and national interests.”
Peace not attainable in generation let alone a year
On September 7, Syria’s government-owned Al-Thawrah reported: “Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that peace was not attainable in a generation let alone a year… Lieberman knows what he says…the US administration has not vowed a halt of all Israeli settlement activities or solutions to problems of final status negotiations, Jerusalem or issue of refugees… The Arab and Palestinian misery has reached unprecedented limits. Arabs and Palestinians praise these talks although the negotiating table is empty and there is nothing on it except juice and handkerchiefs to mop the sweat of the Palestinian negotiators… Now, the US president can tell his people that he has made a breakthrough in the foreign policy by helping to solve one of the most complicated conflicts in the Middle East.”
Muslims support ground zero mosque
On September 7, Qatar’s Al-Watan wrote: “Despite the current debate over building a $100-million Islamic community centre near ground zero site, most Muslims around the world want to get rid of accusations that have stuck to their religion. Although a recent poll revealed that two-third New York residents do not want the mosque, many Muslims support plans to build the mosque, believing that it is the best way to face wrong ideas about Islam.”
Iran destroying relations with Palestine
On September 7, Ramallah-based Al-Hayat al-Jadidah wrote:”The Iranian people undoubtedly deserve a better president than Mahmud Ahmadinejad but we should not intervene in this issue because we do not have the right to interfere in Iranian internal affairs… This president is, however, systematically destroying the distinguished relationship between the Iranian and Palestinian peoples. He improperly intervenes in an attempt to escape from his failure in dealing with the different issue facing him.”
Nasrallah criticises Hariri
On September 4, Lebanon’s An-Nahar published an article saying that in his address marking Al-Quds Day, Hizballah Secretary General Sayyid Hasan Nasrallah criticized Prime Minister Sa’d al-Hariri without naming him. Regarding the Burj Abi-Haydar incident, Nasrallah said, “This is not the way statesmen and politicians should behave.” He added: “You have put salt on your knife and planted it in our wound. We are still hurt. Let them know what they did and the gravity of their actions.” For his part, Al-Hariri replied to Nasrallah, saying, “I am not the one holding the knife,” adding: “Instead I hold a pen, write a letter, and teach people. I am the son of Rafiq al-Hariri, and he was the number one statesman. I am a humble person and will remain so in God’s will.”
Bellemare ready to analyse Hezbollah’s accusations against Israel
On September 4, An-Nahar carried an article on the statements of Daniel Bellemare, the general prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. The report asks: Did Bellemare’s statements give answers to Hizballah’s concerns and fears? Or did they increase these fears? The report says that some sides believe that Hizballah cannot ignore the facts that Bellemare presented, and cannot continue to accuse him of being politicized after he said that he is ready to analyze Hizballah’s accusations against Israel, and the Israeli penetration of the Lebanese telecommunications sector. However, the report adds, others believe that Hizballah can claim that it succeeded in pushing Bellemare to speak in public about the issue.
Can democracy really exist in Iraq?
On September 7, Iraqi daily Al-Mu’tamar wrote : “I do not understand how democracy can exist in a country where there are scores of clandestine prisons or whether freedom and democracy are conceivable at all when you are afraid to talk lest you should be taken to court for being disrespectful of the impeccable character of the valiant leader or the heroic exploits of this or that official who was once a member of the former Iraqi opposition. You would be in for far worse, of course, if you were a journalist: you would be liquidated with an adhesive bomb or some other weapon, for someone would see to it that you end up dead in one way or another How can we claim to have democracy when we have all but frozen the constitution and offered it for sale at the Friday outdoor market at the foot of the Freedom Monument? “
Michael Young, politicizing the STL through a “form of politics” and the cancer within
Michael Young’s piece today makes more explicit the fatal mistake that has been eating away at the STL – and which has now almost overpowered it – since its inception when the Irish policeman Fitzgerald – with no knowledge of Lebanon, the Middle East or Arabic – quickly pronounced the Lebanese-Syrian security regime as likely standing behind the Hariri assassination. The fatal flaw was, in fact, the hyper-politicization, best represented by Young’s ostensible hero the Fox of Berlin Mehlis, which the Bush administration, M14, US local regime allies and the Neo-LiberalCon consensus generally pushed to the limit as a means of regime change in Damascus, Lebanon and beyond (see Tony Blair for more on this).
Now Young seems to be calling for a return to the good old days of Mehlis as a last ditch effort to save the imagined “original intent” of the Cedar Revolution – a return to playing “a form” of politics with justice to the max.
The problem is that this “Law and Order”/Good cop-Bad cop approach did not work when the power balance was more favorable in 2005 – and, more than this, ended up promoting a cancer within which undermined most of the good, liberal impulses which were originally claimed as a monopoly by the backers of the effort.
As Young puts it:
“…This brings us back to Daniel Bellemare. With admirable blitheness, the prosecutor continues to insist that he will not allow politics to enter his investigation. However, he is also an official in a mixed Lebanese-international tribunal, and to ignore the fact that Lebanese politics are steadily overwhelming his work, as they most definitively are, is a sign of his inexperience. Lebanese state institutions form the implementation arm of the tribunal; Lebanese judges sit on the panel; Bellemare’s deputy, Joyce Tabet, is a Lebanese magistrate. Of course the Canadian prosecutor can sit in a remote office and craft an indictment, as he should, but if the Lebanese state is not on board, his work could well end up being an empty intellectual exercise.
“What can Bellemare do? That the Lebanese prime minister should cast doubt on his investigation by challenging the testimony of “false witnesses” is not something to be silently sucked up. Prosecutors, quite reasonably, avoid getting ensnared in the politics of their cases, but that doesn’t mean they don’t play a form of politics to build up indictments, protect their investigation, and keep the guilty on the defensive. A successful prosecutor in political crimes is one who can shape the legal environment in his or her favor. This requires a competent communications strategy, the astute handling of information, and a willingness to confront those trying to derail the investigation.
[One wonders: Was Mehlis's (mis)use of the Track Change feature in Word competent? effective? just?]
Don’t expect much. Bellemare’s communication skills have been appalling. His understanding of Lebanon and its complexities has been no less unimpressive…”
