We are all Lebanon

When Israel launched its retaliatory war in Lebanon this summer, some in Lebanon shouted: "We are all Hizbullah."

On Friday, Syria and Iran will launch an attack on Lebanon. They have recruited an Islamist militia armed and funded by an anti-democracy clerical regime. They have also recruited a mentally disturbed former army general with Napoleonic tendencies. They have recruited Palestinian refugees and Syrians languishing under a despotic regime.

They have recruited a “president” who thinks his duty is to call for civil disobedience against the very government he heads.

They have recruited Lebanese “citizens” brainwashed by theology and false messiahs.

On Friday, Lebanon will be attacked. Downtown Beirut will be sullied by the boots of Iranian, Syrian and Aounist orcs.

March 14 should not let this happen unopposed. If Hizbullah thinks it has the right to “defend” Lebanon any way it sees fit, then we have the right to fight for its future.

Downtown Beirut belongs to all. Do not let it be sullied by the defenders of darkness.

Beat them to freedom square. Form a human shield around Rafik Hariri’s site; Another Human shield around the government building; A Human shield around Samir Kassir’s statue; Human shield around Gebran Tueni’s An-Nahar; Human shield around the Martyrs’ statue.

March 14, mobilize the masses to Baabda. Resume the Cedar Revolution.

If they are all Hizbullah yesterday, today and tomorrow-- we are all Lebanon, forever.

Comments

[Doha]

I feel the same, Abu Kais. But worse, when I expressed these emotions today in our blog, I was attacked by someone going by the name of march14yuppi! Go figure!

[fdsfdf]

You have our support here in israel...good luck, and be strong against this scums...take your country back to your hands!!!!

[Abu Kais]

I think emotions are running high at the moment. I hesitated before posting this, since many in March 14 are calling for no street protests. I am just sick of letting them get away with murder. Literally.

i don't support sayyid khara nor the moron aoun but i disagree about beating them to the street. the key here is to force aoun to loose his supporters, shit will happen, so let them be responsible for it.... let people see aoun side by side with iran and syria whores....

[naja]

Quite right, Abu Kais. Emotions are running high indeed and your Tolkien-esque description of the demonstration is pretty much what we feel, although we'd rather not express it this way: brainwashed or not, many of those marching tomorrow are after all our fellow citizens, warts and all. I'd rather we aim our vitriol at the bastards who are organising this, particularly that paranoid megalomaniac Aoun - who, incidentally, must have blown the remainder of his fuses at hearing Patriarch Sfeir today calling on Christians not to join the march.

My pessimistic side tells me to expect a deliberately manufactured and serious incident during the march (bomb, grenade etc...) that would "justify" a more agressive line by the opposition.

But the optimist in me says that we are now engaged in the battle for the heart and soul of Lebanon. And that we will be on the winning side.

[JoseyWales]

I disagree with you on the means Abu Kais, demos and sit-ins are for people outside the institutions.

All these people in the streets is not a good idea. I think all demos should be banned, and the ban enforced by the army.

We don't even know what all these groups, on both sides, want or want to do, other than "more power to me".

There's plenty of blame to go around.

But the short version is:

Prez Lahoud is responsible for the breakdown of constitutionality (as arbiter and as obstructionist of appts to the high council and as plain idiot overall).

Lack of security and action is the responsibilty of Seniora and his pathetic gvmnt.

Lack of clarity and dialogue is Berri's failure as Speaker and iniator of baloney outside parliament. PLUS all debates should be televised so that people know what the issues are and who is obstructing what.

[Jeha]

Let them demonstrate.

Unless Iran has made a deal with the US, it will all come to nothing. The "Beirut Spring" has a nice piece about this.

[JoseyWales]

I might add one big part of the problem fron day-one is the lack of AUTHORITY on the part of the gvmnt.

One good way to start asserting (visible) AUTHORITY is by banning people (who have a voice in the institutions) from taking to the streets.

[RebLeb]

It is almost certain unfortunately that some violence will take place in the next few days. Emotions are running high and there are troublemakers in every crowd. By bringing the situation to a head, Nasrallah must know this and therefore he probably has a plan in mind, after the violence starts. The Druze and Maronites are no pushovers, so it could get nasty.

[Solomon2]

In war it seems everybody has recommendations about what tactics should be used. I believe people should be more concerned about logistics.

Hezbollah and the opposition have called for an open-ended sit-in. Such demonstrators have to be fed and rotated as needed. To the best of my knowledge, only Hezbollah has demonstrated this kind of organizational skill.

Furthermore, if March 14 supporters follow Abu Kais' course of action, they will by definition be surrounded by anti-government forces. Unless the Government intervenes, ultimately they will have to appeal to the opposition for relief, resupply, and communications. In other words, if the demo lasts longer than a few hours the March 14 demonstrators will be at Hezbollah's mercy. Hostages, perhaps, until the demands of the opposition are fulfilled.

I tip my hat to the courage of such demonstrators. Perhaps they should supply themselves with plastic bags, food, bottled water, and toilet paper?

[BadVilbel]

On a normal day, I'd agree with you Abu Kais. But this week, I've had enough. I agree with Josey. These people do not understand democracy, or peaceful demoractic means. Time for a bit of their own medicine (namely, the use of force).
If ever there was a time for marshall law, this is it.

I know it is unrealistic to expect that to happen. And I know the army would not necessarily follow such orders (after all, our own president is advocating disobeying orders. And he used to be a military man? hah!) But hell, I can sure dream, right? I'd love nothing more than to have someone come in and "take out the trash" (think Arnold Schwarzenegger one-liner movie). This country is in need of an enema. And fast.

[Amir from Tel Aviv]

Let them march.
Watch the flags in their demonstration ( yellow ), and compare it to the flags in March 14 demos ( white red and green CEDAR ).

[Amir from Tel Aviv]

I urge French people to watch and listen to what's happening in Lebanon.
This is your faith if you don't wake up soon.
This is what happens when you grow a poisonous snake in your back-yard.
.

[e]

Abu Kais,
Aoun is an idiot and I just don't understand his followers. Having said that, for a stable Lebanon, eventually you will have to talk to them and I think it is unwise to burn bridges. They are not HA and in the end can be reasoned with (I think).
e

[BadVilbel]

e,

Aoun is not an idiot. He's disgusting, sure. But he's not an idiot. He knows he has no chance whatsoever to become president if he goes with march 14 (and that's all he cares about).

His followers on the other hand, are like most lebanese: complete idiots when it comes to blind loyalty and lack of accountability to the person (emphasis on person, not ideals or platform) that they follow.

[Lazarus]

dear abu kais,

the above is your opinion of what should happen, and i trust you thought long and hard about your decision, which entails all the consequences for the future.

are you prepared for lebanon to suffer the possible ramifications of this? if yes, then so be it. if not, then maybe its time to rethink the current strategy.

best of luck,
l.

[Amir from Tel Aviv]

Bad Vilbel,

How big indeed is Aoun's camp?
Who are his supporters?
I understand that he just recently returned from France ; what did his supporters do while he was abroad?
Thanks...
.

[Chris]

It's comments like this that we don't need - I am all for Lebanese democracy, and don't agree with Hizbullah's views, but your comments are far from balanced.

[Homo Libanus]

Abu Kais

I agree, but I don't think a simple counter-demonstration is useful. The problem is Hizballah, and we need a counter-offensive against Hizballah.

Why not a march to Hizballah locations and military sites carrying, say, flowers? Sit-in indefinetly demanding their intergration into the Lebanese Army. Buy them Knafeh Bjibneh every morning. Shower them with random acts of kindness. Will they dare shoot?

A "blocking minority" against their arms is not a bad bargain.

...but then again, I am probably being naïve.

[JoseyWales]

BV,

like most lebanese: complete idiots

Good to see we share the same high esteem for our compatriots. ;)

[BadVilbel]

Josey,

I've been on the same page as you for a few weeks now. I notice your comments across the blogosphere reflect my own to a large extent. Namely, I'd like to see a strong state take charge, declare marshall law, and start putting their foot down (and we both realize that's a pipe dream too, don't we!).

Amir,

I'll defer the answer to your question to someone closer to the situation. I haven't lived in Lebanon since the early 90s. Based on my knowledge, Aoun's followers are for the most part Christians (although not ALL christians). He appealed to a large segment of the Christian population (and to a lot of muslims too) back in the late 80s, when he launched a war of liberation against the Syrians. At the time, he claimed to want a unified secular state, free of both Syria and Israel. This hit all the right notes with anyone who's patriot enough for Lebanon.
After Syria took over Lebanon, Aoun went into Exile in France. His followers continued the crusade and were firmly in the anti-Syrian camp (which technically would have put them right in the same line as March 14). The problem is that Aoun has a bit of a napoleon complex. He thinks he's god and wants to be the next President. And over the years, a lot of his supporters lost sight of the true cause (Lebanon) and became blind followers of their demi-god (Much like the Hezbollah guys and Nasrallah). Those who put loyalty to Lebanon above loyalty to a person have long distanced themselves from Aoun (i think). Those left are the idiots who will follow a leader like sheep, no matter what he says. (Hence my use of the word "idiotic" when it comes to a large chunk of the Lebanese populace).

[RebLeb]

There is no such thing as Lebanese democracy. Sure the March 14 crew are a million times preferable to Hezballah. But don't kid yourselves, it's still a system of patronage and cronyism and we're still stuck with the same last names as 30 years ago: Gemayel, Jumblat, Frangieh etc.

[Amir from Tel Aviv]

Thanks Bad Vilbel...

I wish I was in Lebanon, to catch one of Aoun supporter, and ask him: 'why?'.
.

[Abu Kais]

Well, well, well. For once, I disagree with most of you. There are no available means in Lebanon to ward off Hizbullah and Aoun. They will not be stopped until an offensive is launched, and it won't be through his cabinet or parliament. My family is there and I don't want war to break out. It probably won't. But giving them flowers and turning the other cheek won't cut it. The army, security forces and the presidency cannot touch them because they are practically in control of all that. Let's admit this for once. Siniora is completely helpless. There is nothing he can do, even if he wanted to. Take it from Berri. He goes with the flow, and the flow right now is towards Iran. With the US's hands tied up in Iraq, I don't see any other solution but to duke it out. I don't mean fighting, but tit for tat, street for street, and Baabda is the target. Enough with wasting time. They have made up their mind.

I am willing to be convinced that there is another solution. I just don't see what it is.

[Enough BS]

What about anticipated elections? Aoun's popularity isn't exactly at its highest.

[Enough BS]

What about anticipated elections? Aoun's popularity isn't exactly at its highest.

[Hassan]

R had a good suggestion on voicesonthewind.blogspot.com.
Basically, accept the resignation of the 6 ministers and replace them. Then pass the bill to Lahoud for him to sign, which ofcourse he won't. When he refuses to sign, march to Baabda. Then wait to see who outlasts the other party.
Only problem is you gotta convince Sfeir that it's ok to topple the president, I think March14 would have already camped in Baabda had it not been for the patriarch.

[Solomon2]

I don't see any other solution but to duke it out. I don't mean fighting, but tit for tat, street for street, and Baabda is the target.

I don't understand. What parts of "duke it out" and "tit for tat" are not fighting?

[Hello!]

Lebanese, if you elected a new government nothing worse than what you are in now will happen !!!!!

[Mike Nargizian]

A Few Things -

1) Isn't obvious at this point that Hezbollah and Syria/Iran wanted a war with Israel and provoked it?

2) Syria and Iran must really be nervous and desperate.
Even with the War the change in sentiment and Lebanese "support" for Hezbollah they are still trying to mobilize an overthrow throwing away their increase in Lebanese "public good will" via their war with Israel.....

3) The "Dark Forces" will ALWAYYYYS win if not enough good - brave - organized - corageous people are not around to stop them....
In Poland it was the Union and Walessa.
In the US it was a group of great and very smart men.
In Turkey it was Attaturk holding it together.

In Iraq? not enough
In Iran? probably? not enough yet (that's why they want nukes so badly)
In North Korea - people are helpless

In Lebanon?? Are there enough brave media - demonstrators - Army etc... to overcome and tame the terrorist LION - Hezbollah?
LET'S HOPE......

Mike

[ilyas]

So those of us who do not want lebanon to be a pawn in the US game with syria are brainwashed. What an arrogant and idiotic post. In any case, the only way to settle this argument is elections.

[James Just]

Methinks that Siniora should be rushing to get legislation done with what he has, while his supporters are holding down the fort in the streets-so to say, otherwise, time appears to be on chubby Nazi-rallah's side.

[Walid]

I'm glad none of you actually live in Lebanon. Really. "let's show them what democracy is all about by shooting their unarmed demonstrators." Earth-to-Beltway: the neocons LOST the midterm election. Despotic is as despotic does.