Nasrallah stops short of calling for jihad against Lebanese government

Nasrallah has appealed to Syrian-installed puppet Emile Lahoud to embark on a "national rescue initiative" so that the country does not fall into the hands of "thieves and murderers who are followers of the American-Zionist project".

Nasrallah said his militia will not recognize a president elected outside the "consensus", and will consider him an "usurper". He added that the presidential election is important because it will determine the role of the army and government in the next period. He said no force on earth can disarm his militia, and that last week's exercises were a "message to the world that the resistance can create a victory that can "alter the face of the region".

Nasrallah also warned against privatizing cell phone companies-- which Siniora's government is trying to do-- threatening future bidders that his Iranian-owned militia will "confront them using legal and legitimate means". Nasrallah, who represents a privatized version of Shia Islam, has his own phone network, and prefers to keep his wiretapping operation undisturbed by giving new licenses or modernizing the service in the land of do as you like.

He also called for early elections, and vowed to accept the result of that election and give the current "fake majority" the right to elect a president if they win two thirds of the seats. He said he considers the results of the last parliamentary elections invalid, because the deputies who allied themselves with Hizbullah during the election have not honored their campaign promise of rejecting UNSC 1559 and protecting the "weapons of the resistance".

Nasrallah denied rumors of impending clashes erupting between Hizbullah and armed elements in the refugee camps near the southern suburbs. The rumors are, mind you, are being propagated by Damascus-based PFLP-GC leader Ahmad Gibril.

The speech, delivered on the occasion of "Martyr's Day", is full of lies and hypocritical claims as usual. It's safe to say that Hizbullah now equates the current Lebanese government and March 14 leaders with the Israeli government. That he hasn't called for jihad against the government seems to be a matter of time. It makes you wonder on what basis Hariri and Berri are meeting. Does Hariri really think he can reach an agreement with people who consider him to be a Zionist thief and murderer?

A transcript (Arabic) of the speech is here.

Comments

[whywesteppin]

He said he considers the results of the last parliamentary elections invalid, because the deputies who allied themselves with Hizbullah during the election have not honored their campaign promise of rejecting UNSC 1559 and protecting the "weapons of the resistance".

I'm sorry, but this is the most ridiculous thing I have read in a long time. A private citizen is able to invalidate the power of elected officials cause they didn't live up to their campaign promises?

In other news, whywesteppin considers the last U.S. elections invalid because the congressmen have not honored their campaign promise of ending the war in Iraq.

As for "weapons of the resistance," it's so ridiculous that I can't even satire it.

[ghassan karam]

Whywesteppin has beaten me to the punch.( What can I say, great minds think alike:-)) I was just about to use the same Nasrallah quote. So he has been had by a few pols who gave some private guqarantees /promises. I would not be surprised to learn that this personal issue did play a role in the decisions of HA but at the same time we will be mistaken to forget about his allegiances to Syria and Iran. These allegiances supercede any personal dissing that he might have encountered.

Even after this latest tirade, I think that March 14 in general and Saniora/Hariri in particular will still welcome Mr. Nasrallah with open arms and will not take a meaningful stand against his proclamations.Hassan Nasrallah has taken a whole nation hostage and yet very few are willing to confront him.

[fubar]

Making fun of Nas is one of my favorite things to do. But...

If you pay attention to Nas, he has a point and has been consistent in his own way.

The last elections were a result of deals made with Hezbollah, deals which said that Hezbollah's weapons were an internal Lebanese issue. Hezbollah was counting on keeping things "internal" so as to have control over the issue and so there would be no real disarming of Hezbollah, but perhaps a slight of hand trick, wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

Ever since the Summer War and 1701, there is even more pressure than ever for the disarming of Hezbollah. Its not just 1559 but 1701 now also. And 1701 is a cessation of hostilities agreement agreed to by Lebanon and Israel, a little harder to undermine than 1559 which was imposed on Lebanon. Since everyone in the Lebanese govt., including the Hezbollah cabinet ministers, accepted 1701, the only way to undermine 1701 is to control the government. That is what the whole "with reservations" thing was about at the time. Yeah, Hezbollah accepts 1701, with reservations, which means as long as Hezbollah can control the government.

So, the Hezbollah attempt to oust M14 and get control of the government began shortly after 1701 was accepted last year. Whoever controls the government controls the implementation or non-implementation of 1701. It is really just that simple.

The current Presidential elections are just an extension of Hezbollah's attempts at controlling the government. The alternative of chaos, while not preferable to controlling the government, is definitely preferable to a M14 controlled government. No surprise there.

There was never a possibility that Hezbollah would voluntarily disarm and there never will be. However, Hezbollah lives off of and hides within its parasitic host, Lebanon, and would have preferred not to have to kill its host but, push come to shove, everyone and everything is expendable as long as Hezbollah remains armed.

Ghassan says, "Hassan Nasrallah has taken a whole nation hostage and yet very few are willing to confront him."

Yes, but confronting Nas means nothing short of civil war. You really cannot blame M14 for delaying that as long as possible. But don't worry, Ghassan, sooner or later, you will get your war. Despite all the calls to call Nas' bluff, the problem is that Nas is not bluffing. Hezbollah will not be voluntarily disarmed.

You know, as I think back to the Summer War on Hezbollah and how most of you just wanted it to end so badly, I cannot help but think, be careful what you wish for because you just may get it. It was Hezbollah, not Israel, that was begging for the ceasefire, that tells you something about how badly Hezbollah was hurting at the time, bad enough to accept 1701. Now, Lebanon has gone out of the frying pan (Israel fighting Hezbollah) and into the fire (civil war). It is only a matter of time until the current civil war turns hot. It has been a long ride to an inevitable and inescapable destination. Is this really the better way? Better for whom? Not for me to say.

[fubar]

You may surprised to know that Jeha has a post up at Pajamas Media. You may be surprised because he did not put up a notice and link to the article on his own web page. Talk about inconsiderate.

/Pet peeve rant off.

[Bad Vilbel]

WhyWeSteppin and Ghassan,

My sentiments exactly. Don't you love how private citizens decide what is legitimate and what isn't? What president they recognize and what they don't?

Why does no one in Lebanon call them on this bullshit? It seems like it's a GIVEN, in Lebanon, that this kind of rhetoric is acceptable. People don't even QUESTION this stuff. They get bogged down in arguing about consensus this and that, and seem to lose sight that private citizens have no right to make these kinds of judgements.

I just don't get it.

[Badran]

Is it it true Nasrallah is publishing a book on how to destroy a whole country in 34 days?

[Badran]

Is it it true Nasrallah is publishing a book on how to destroy a whole country in 34 days?

[Super Dude]

How desperate can you be to ask for help from Lahouss...

Lots of testosterone filled replies to Nas. from the M14 camp.

fubar, there will not be war. Violent clashes yes, but it will not degenerate into a full blown civil war. Stop beating the war drums you're inflating the price of AK47s :)

[Danny]

Yup...Let the rambos buff up their designer outfits! Hizballa's posturing is only that. This is a horendous slippery slope...Hassoun better know this is not like his simulations! He'll have to ask his righteous brothers to slaughter Lebanese!!! I have not heard anything new. Same old bullshit! I just hope the "old man" in Bkirki keeps his trap shut! 11 days 8 hrs to go. You are right SD. How desparate has the black turban become. Day by day he is looking like a comical character who utters rubbish!

[Bad Vilbel]

Sidenote: I just read Josey Wales' excellent blog entry. Something that doesn't seem to be discussed much by anyone: The constitution states that if Parliament hasn't been convened up to 10 days before Nov. 24th (ie Nov. 14th), Parliament meets ON ITS OWN ACCORD and elects a president. In other words, at this point, the MPs don't need Berri to "summon" parliament anymore. His whole postponing of the session till 11/21 becomes entirely irrelevant.

Yet again, the constitution is completely ignored, while the buffoons run around like chicken with their heads cut off.

[Super Dude]

Danny, be careful, it could degenerate to violent clashes easily whether there is bluffing involved or not. The weapons are there with stupidity to match the firepower.

B.V. the constitution will be ignored if they do not vote within this period. Otherwise they are still playing within the rules. What is surprising is that no one from the political class is mentioning this point much.

Nas' outburst is because he has been so marginalized out of the negotiation process and I suspect the last Aoun/Hariri meeting must have had something to do with it. It is amazing how his shia followers still see a bright future since he is promising neither stability, nor peace. Just weapons and the right for martyrdom.

[Bad Vilbel]

Like sheep to the slaughter...

[Jeha]

Fubar,

Indeed, "be careful what you wish for because you just may get it"; the link is now posted... But on the more serious note; we have learned not to expect anything good to come for ennemies, neighbours, brothers, or even sisters; for all their faults, Hezbo' followers remain Lebanese. The way to solve this issue remains internal.

However, I do acknowledge that it takes two to tango. So, in the absence of reciprocation from the other "side", the dancers may move to a different tune, with instruments that would make Hiram Maxim proud indeed.

[Lover]

Toni Nissi, March 14th advocate and head of the UN NGO in Lebanon.
"America must know who the terrorists are in Lebanon: Hezbollah and its ALLIES such al Qaeda, Hamas, and the various Palestinian Jihadist terrorists."

Allies, huh? Shows me alot about how some people think. It's a shame that it has to be a Lebanese, out of all peopple, that makes George Bush have a satisfied smirk on his face - thinking he's a genius compared to people like Kissi, i mean Nissi.

"It was from this demonstration that the 14th of March movement was born, and in the spirit of that, the Americans went to the United Nations to produce what would become U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559."

1559 was introduced in 2004, not 2005. Again, shows the inaccuracies March 14 officials are spreading to the world about Lebanon, Hezbollah among others.

"simply implementing UNSCR 1680 under Chapter 7"
-War on Syria
"But the U.N. must put 1559 under Chapter 7"
-War on Lebanon
Who are the warmongers now?

"coup d’etat launched by Hezbollah on behalf of Syria and Iran"
1- I still see the same government intact
2- A Coup D'etat is the sudden overthrow of a government, often through illegal means by a part of the state establishment — mostly replacing just the high-level figures. (Wikipedia)
3- A revolution is staged by a larger group (than in a coup) and radically changes the political system through unconstitutional means. (Wikipedia)
4- Scenario numbers 2 and 3 did not happen. The only aspect of number 3 that did happenw was that there was alot of people, but nothing unconstitutional took place. Therefore, it can not be called anything but a protest. All other definitions are exagerated.
5- Protest expresses relatively overt reaction to events or situations: sometimes in favor, though more often opposed. Protesters may organize a protest as a way of publicly and forcefully making their opinions heard in an attempt to influence public opinion or government policy. (Wikipedia)

"Hezbollah is controlling more than 50% of Lebanese territory"

Another inaccuracy. Hezbollah now cedes to control southern Lebanon, the Army and UNIFIL do that. They control some villages above the Litani river, but they are too few. Souther Beirut suburbs and Baalbeck could hardly be 50% of Lebanon.

"Only a few months ago, their own leaders said, Hezbollah's arsenal has grown from 12,000 missiles to 30,000 missiles."

Wrong. The first time Nasrallah said his organisation has more than 12,000 rockets. Then everyone said Hezbollah has 12,000 rockets. Then he made it clear, Hezbollah has MORE than 20,000. Then again, he said when the stupid enemy thought we had 12,000 rockets, we actually had more than 33,000. Tells you alot about this guys IQ and logic.

"They have recruited thousands of new terrorists from all around the Muslim and Arab world."

Terrorists? All around the what? There has never been a single account or occurance whereby a Hezbollah fighter has been identified as non-Lebanese. Not one. Out of all those fighters who have died or captured, an Identified, most were from local southern villages, the others were from other Lebanese areas (such as southern Beirut and Beqaa).

"During the Syrian occupation, the Lebanese Army and the ISF were purposely neglected. This resulted in none of the laws relating to the armed forces being upgraded or modified – not since the 1960s, in fact -- to match the natural progress of the all armies of the world."

1- What happened to the period between the 1960's until the mid-80's then? Who was responsible for not upgrading the armed forces? Clearly not Syria, they weren't in Lebanon. They were not even a country (remember, the unification of Egypt and Syria?).
2- Which country has placed restrictions on all military exports to Lebanon? United States of America? They have recently offered Lebanon jets which are more than 3 decades old. How helpful.

"And finally, out of loyalty to all the blood that was shed for the sake of Lebanon: be it by Lebanese or by the friends and allies of Lebanon"

Syria lost 11,000 soldiers in Lebanon against the Muslim extremists attacking the Christians, against Hezbollah, against the extremist Christian elements and Israel. Hezbollah lost no fewer than 4,000 men fighting the Israelis. Haraket Amal lost no fewer than 9,000 men (and a few women by the way) fighting the Israelis and then the Palestinians. America lost 241 Marines fighting to help the Israelis invade Lebanon. The French had 54 men die fighting alongside their Christian counterparts to massacre muslims and Druze. Or Israel who lost a few thousand soldiers fighting to kill tens of thousands of Lebanese and Palestinians, occupying the country for decades and invading it regularly since it's creation. Who, in this equation, do you see the most likely candidate to be an Ally? All deserted Lebanon except one country and one faction. You work it out.

These quotes were extracted from:
http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/terrorism.php?id=1385354

[Abi Lama]

From Al Hayat:
For its part, Hizbullah seeks war in the hope it will allow them to break out of the political stalemate that has reduced its fighters to restive demonstrators in downtown Beirut; because it wants to convince the Israelis of its own deterrent capacity and that an attack on Iran will not be without costs; and that its rockets are ready for launch against all of Israel's civilian population. Hizbullah also seeks war to restore its popularity among the Arab masses which has been waning due to its perceived ties to Iran's regional agenda, and because it does not want to be seen as a mere Syrian 'tool' in Lebanon.

http://64.26.31.21:2010/opinion/OPED/11-2007/Article-20071108-1f6971e5-c0a8-10ed-00a4-2c318810baca/story.html

[Danny]

Lover, given your new-found love of accuracy I am sure you'll appreciate a few minor, itsy-bitsy, tiny corrections:

"United" Arab Republic ended in 1961 with Syria's secession. As for Syria "not being in Lebanon" in the 60s, Israel conquered the Shebaa farms from Syria in 1967 - are you now claiming Shebaa is not Lebanon? Can I quote you widely under your real name on that? In any case Syria "intervened" in 1976 and never left.

As a matter of curiosity when did Syria "attack" Hizbollah? And the Lebanese army wasn't "neglected" under Syria's rule, it was actively emasculated.

Syria indisputably occupies Lebanese land, Syria indisputably intervenes in Lebanese politics, Syria has regularly "militarily intervened" - aka invaded if we were talking about the Zionist enemy - and has helped "keep the peace" - aka occupied if we were talking about the Zionist enemy - for nearly 30 years. Syria also helped "fight" - aka massacre if carried out by an ally of the Zionist enemy - thousands of Palestinians in the 80s.

Finally Israel didn't lose "a few thousand soldiers", it lost 680 soldiers fighting in 1982 - from recollection the PLO claimed that was a victory as well... - and Hizbollah killed the odd soldier here and there for a couple of decades after. The most catastrophic loss to the IDF during that period of time was due to a helicopter crash. In fact the first Lebanon war and its aftermath is only second to the Tammuz war in the lack of IDF casualties - next to non-existant - and impact on Israeli economy - virtually zero.

[Jeha]

Romeo dude... Far being from me to disparage Lebanese agriculture, but you should stay away from some of its products, especially the smokable ones. It has been demonstrated to induce memory loss, confusion, and in some cases paranoia.

Good thing for you, we stopped producing the inhalable variety.

"Hizbollah killed the odd soldier here and there for a couple of decades after"

The odd soldier here and there included 241 US marines, 54 French soldiers, and just under 1000 IDF soldiers, including commanders and officers. In a single attack, a Hezbollah's first suicide bomber killed well over 100 Israeli soldiers and officers (military and intelligence). So you know.

[Jeha]

Anyone with half a day of real combat experience knows that "body count" discussions are useless.The fact is that during wars, people are killed, things are broken; that's what weapons do. And in theory, War is the "continuation of diplomacy by other means", but in practice, it is a BFM...

... And like those before them, those dragging us to this war will not see it through... At best, we can hope to outlive them, like we outlived their forebearers.

[Macemuscle]

Danny

There was in fact a lot of animosity between Syria and Hizbollah when Syria re-entered West Beirut in 1986. In fact, Hizbollah ambushed Syria units entering it's territories and a massive battle erupted where both sides suffered heavy casualties. Hizbollah managed to stop the Syrian advance for a few days until an agreement was finally reached. Recall that at the time, Syrian and Iranian relationships were not as warm as they are today (Syria saw Iranian influence in Lebanon as a threat to its hegemony). At the time also, Amal was Syria's big ally and there were regular clashed between Amal and Hizbollah. Of couse, Lebanon is a land of shifting alliances (e.g., remember how Aoun launched his “war of liberation” to free Lebanon from Syrian occupation in 1989?)

I also remember a buddy of mine who is of Iranian decent and who came very close to “disappearing” at Syrian checkpoints a number of times during that period because they thought he had Hizbollah affiliations…

Anyway, this is neither here nor there in terms of where the issues are today, but I thought I would answer your question…

[JAS]

“Lover” –aka Hezbollah Lover and a host of other pseudonyms—is known at many other blogs for his breathless extensive regurgitations of related propaganda, aka troll, and therefore he is frequently banned. He claims a family history in southern Lebanon but is a young student who resides in the UK.

[Hazbani]

For an outsider Lover seems to represent the opinion and the world view of as many people in Lebanon as any other person on this blog and probably more. There was a time when comparing the economic history of Lebanon in the last 30 years to that of Israel, Cyprus, Malta, Greece and Turkey think of Turkey in 1970 and 2007 and such comparison would have made people in Lebanon think. And remember that Israel has gone through as many wars as Lebanon and Cyprus is still divided and Turky have had its share of problems. Now the talking of Lover sound like Afganistan and Somali and Iraq where people are counting bodies and missiles and rockets it is strange that a Lover will be doing these countings but there are all kinds of love, I think. There was a time when people in Lebanon were counting money and students and tourists and this is sad just sad.

[jay]

off topic...

i haven't seen any piece from Michael Young in sometime and was wondering whether anyone knows why. is he on sabbatical maybe?

[JAS]

Hazbani: “…Lover seems to represent the opinion and the world view of as many people in Lebanon as any other person on this blog and probably more.”

There were times when worldviews were broadened only as far as a bipedal walked, and times when information was collected with the speed of a horse or a camel-driven trade caravan—a town crier informing the illiterate.

Wherever only local media is embraced such populations continue to have narrow worldviews—equivalent to the claims of a town crier.

As a student in the UK “Lover” has full access to every bit of information on the internet and yet he maintains the worldview of a cave-dweller whose head is an echo chamber, parroting nothing more than the scribbling of propagandists—never mind that most of us believe that Neanderthals became extinct long ago.

[alex]

it makes you wonder what the next elections in lebanon are going to be like??? For example it was hezbollah that helped get jumblatt elected....and hexbollah boycotted the recent metn byelections and the by elections for edo's seat????

[Jay]

to Alex... HA didn't help get Jumblatt elected since HA has no relevance in the Shouf district. HA helped Jumblatt's MP ticket in Babdaa/Aley district

[alex]

jay...sorry for the technicality...that means jumblatt becomes isolated dosen't it and becomes restricted to his own district? which still means that without HA help he becomes isolated??

[destroyer]

Who is this sun of the bitch lover who is 100% a pro syrian bastard?
and you have to be care talking about the persons otherwise your ass will be fucked.

[destroyer]

Son of the bitch LOVER , i don't think you dare to say who you really are.

[destroyer]

Son of the bitch LOVER , i don't think you dare to say who you really are.