March 14 puts war on the table

In one of his most aggressive speeches since the civil war, Walid Jumblatt said March 14 will go to war against Hizbullah if that’s what the militia wants. “Our existence, dignity and Lebanon are more important than anything else. You want disorder, so be it.”, he said, addressing Hizbullah and the forces he said are trying to bring back Syrian hegemony. ”You want war, so be it. We have no problem with weapons, no problem with missiles. We will take your ready-to-use missiles. We have no problem with martyrdom and suicide.”

واذا كنتم تظنون اننا سنقف مكتوفي الايدي فهذا امر من الخيال قد نضطر لحرق الاخضر واليابس، وجودنا وكرامتنا وبقاؤنا ولبنان اهم من كل شيء. تريدون الفوضى اهلا وسهلا بالفوضى. تريدون الحرب فاهلا وسهلا بالحرب. لا مشكل بالسلاح، ولا مشكل بالصواريخ، ناخذ الصواريخ منكم جاهزة. ولا مشكل بالاستشهاد والانتحار، كفانا اغتيال وكفانا تخوين وكفانا تحقير، لا يا سيد ليس هذا من مقامك ان تطل علينا في كل لحظة بهذا الكلام البذيء، اترك الغير، الحائط وغير الحائط (...) من امثال الموسوي وغير الموسوي. كفانا حرب مفتوحة مع اسرائيل تحت شعارات زائفة خدمة لطموحات النظام السوري والامبراطورية الايرانية. كفانا مربعات امنية، كفانا رفضكم للعدالة. مفضوح رفضكم للعدالة".

Jumblatt also rejected Hizbullah’s “open war” against Israel under “fake slogans that serve the Syrian regime and the Iranian empire”.

Jumblatt’s speech is a departure from the Politics of Job that have plagued the March 14 movement since its birth in 2005. At the risk of reading too much into Jumblatt’s statement, there appears to be a growing belief that the crisis will not be resolved peacefully. Last week, Hariri declared that the movement is ready for “confrontation” with Iran, Syria and their allies if “dragged” into one.

Hariri and Jumblatt have been rallying their supporters to take part in a anti-Syrian demonstration in downtown Beirut on February 14th to commemorate the third anniversary of the Hariri assassination. Hariri has just announced that he will be donate some $52 million dollars to develop Tripoli, in an apparent bid to keep his large Sunni base in that city happy, and boost the number of participants.

On Saturday Arab League secretary-general Amr Moussa left Lebanon after failing to broker a settlement allowing the election of Michel Suleiman as president. Michel Aoun, who renewed his vows with Hassan Nasrallah last Wednesday on national television, refused to budge on the demand for veto power in the next government.  Nasrallah’s Christian cover reportedly bragged about the “opposition”'s ability for obstruction from outside the government, suggesting that the parliament majority should not be afraid to give them veto power inside the government, given their power to bring the country to a halt without being in the government. An-Nahar reported inconsistencies between Berri and Aoun. The former had proposed a 10-10-10 power sharing formula for the post-election cabinet, something that Aoun said he wasn’t aware of. When asked about the inconsistency, Aoun reportedly left his meeting with Moussa, Hariri and Gemayel to make a phone call. He returned with “yes, but only if there is prior agreement on the identity of the next prime minister and top security officials”.

With Aoun reducing himself into a Hizbullah tool, and the patriarch calling on the international community to intervene, March 14 finds itself before an opportunity to be more aggressive. They probably have all the international support they could ask for to embark on an aggressive approach. The Saudis have finally agreed to fund the Hariri tribunal, and have grown exasperated with the Assad regime after the sabotage of the Arab initiative. Even Sarkozy, who had tried what Barack Obama is now preaching, is calling for a unified European voice against the Assad regime’s obstruction of the Lebanese presidential election.  And now, Jumblatt and Hariri are, for the first time perhaps, putting a military conflict on the table.

There are those who could argue that another civil war is inevitable. Nothing else will stop the Hizbullah machine and the Assad regime agents. In their response to Jumblatt, Hizbullah described his statement as an “ant threatening a lion”. I highly doubt that Hizbullah’s opponents can be easily crushed, as the Hizbullah official seems to think. Hizbullah might have a temporary advantage should a war break out tomorrow, but it stands to lose a lot in the long run.

Regardless of what will happen, it’s about time someone on the March 14 side showed some muscle.   

Comments

[جبهة التهييس العشبية]

انت يا عم الكتكوت وللا الكتكوتة عمال تكتب بالانجليزي عشان توجه خطابك للاستاذة الممولين وتوريهم ان لبنان فيه ناس عبيد احساناتهم وانهم مستعدين يضحوا بالامن والسلام الداخلي في مقابل رضا امريكا واسرائيل من ورائها

وكانت فين العضلات اللي سيادتك بتتكلم عليها لما لبنان كانت بتضرب وحزب الله بيدافع عنكوا وانتوا مستخبيين تحت الترابيزة
كان فين الجيش وكان فين جنبلاط وكانت فين الانسة سعد الحريري اللي عامل شعره بالجيل وناتف حواجبه

سعادتك عيني عينك بتقول ان العالم كله ح يساند فريق السلطة عشان يقضي على المعارضة بالسلاح

يا عيني على الديمقراطية
حزب الله المسلح ما رفعش سكينة على ناس خونة زي جنبلاط والحريري بتاع السعودية بالرغم من تأكده من خيانتهم
وسيادة جنبلاط والجزار الدكتور التمرجي جعجع ح بجيبوا سلاحهم منين
طب حزب الله بيجيب سلاحه من ايران
وجعجع بيجيب سلاحه من امريكا واسرائيل

طب حزب الله بيجيب سلاحه عشان يحارب اسرائيل
وجنبلاط بيجيب سلاحه عشان يحرق الاخضر واليابس

الا بيقولوا ان الملك فهد جد سعد الحريري
قال؟
هئ هئ هئ

[A Purple Monkey]

Nicely said. These pansies have finally showed some muscle. I really liked Jumblatt's touches today, he outdid himself; Raad, unlike his consistent barking, responded by asking for tawafoq. I think these bastards were caught off-guard.
On another hand, what do you guys think about the $ 52 million touch? Granted, the people of the North are in dire need, they are not receiving the "Taher" money of Iran, and March 14 really needs their presence next Thursday, but isn't this the same populist behavior we're supposed to fight?

Jabha,
Since you clearly know nothing about the Lebanese situation, spare us your retarded rhetoric and go masturbate your love for Hizbollah in Rafah or Gaza. Why dont you go to the Rafah gate like the retarded moqawem that you are, and blow yourself up so that your fellow Arabs, the good people of Hamas, can come and "take refuge" in your country. You'll certainly help them, and spare us from having to read your هئ هئ هئ

[danny]

I’m certain this post will garner a lot of attention and varied opinions and analysis. However, through the past year we have parsed everything to pieces…

Here are the facts:

a. HA and Syria have the current military supremacy on the ground.
b. Syria will never allow any stability in Lebanon as far as the IT is in existence.
c. More than 50% of the population are against any Iranian/Syrian axis!!

Choice:

Be enslaved or “fight it”.

The announcements by Saad and Jumblut have come following Saudi visit of the latter. Also Michel has announced that IT is almost operational…

Here it goes. These words are to be taken within two contexts. First to rally the March 14 people. Second to announce to Syria/Iran that they’re not getting Lebanon gratus!! About time that the Lion Roared!!

We’ll see what’s next? 50+1?

[Ace]

It's very interesting. The orangettes are in a real panic, and the HA infiltrators are trying to rally them all to "war". The IT is playing a big part in all this. The word is now out that it supposed to be operational in just 4 months and time is short for the opposition. The orangettes still don't get it, but they cannot believe that Hariri is starting to stand some ground. It's really amusing to watch them.

The word I'm reading from the HA people is that any action from the Majority will result in another war with Israel. I always thought this was how it might end. HA needs a war to get out of this mess and a "civil war" is probably not going to get him what he wants. It will be difficult to take over Lebanon, especially since Nasrallah can see that Aoun has lot much of his support. There is still a chance he can rally everything behind him with a regional war and blame it all on the USA - Patriotism often works in these situations and it certainly worked in July '06. Supposedly, the Majority is now the proxy of the USA and they want a "civil war" in Lebanon - the answer is that the war will be against Israel, and they hope that Israel will force the USA to give up their support to the Government of Lebanon.

[ali]

The only reason we have criminal leaders like Jumblat and Jaejae running this country is because they have followers like you cheering their asinine and suicidal decisions.

See you guys in hell...

[tg]

Well, once civil war breaks out and the country turns to shit again, various sides will ask for Syria to come in to stabilize the country.

And it's not at all clear which side will ask for Syria to enter. Because, to be frank, every faction is corrupt and can easily change direction at a moments notice.

My prediction is that each side will simply bunker down and fortify their respective zones. It'll be a war based on who can plant the better car bombs.

[Fawzan]

Folks please remember events just a bit longer than a week if you want to see the real picture. You all really think that there is no consequence to Bush's visit and that as his plane left the area so did its consequence? There is a war being planned and it is not far off.

Now I know, the last time I said that everyone was reminding me that The Bush administartion was in no position to start a war and that the US is too busy with it's elections to look at Iran. You are all right. The USA is in position to START a war. Would any of you doubt for a moment that the US will support Israel if a war was started and Israel was attacked from more than one spot?

Rockets have been reported south of the Litani. A clear violation of the UN resolution that stopped the war. The re-arming of HA is done. Israel has deployed its new and improved anti missile batteries. Its look into the mistakes of the war has officially concluded (Which should tell you that the military had concluded its own invesigation months ago and is now ready to correct previous mistakes). The Arabs have done their best to avoid Syria a war, but it seems that the masters of Damascus have no idea what is waiting them or they believe that they have the power to drive back an Israeli air attack on their military. Iran is also ready to defend Syria and the USA will intervene when that happens. Now let's sit back and see it unfold. I just hope we have something to call Lebanon when all is said and done.

This was always much bigger than us a Super tornado we should have found a way to avoid, but it is headding straight to Damascus but not without first touching Beirut.

This will be a disaster for all. No one will be left standing. Read Walid's words carefully ALL of them and you will soon see them happen including the capture of rockets. He should have kept his mouth shut about the last.

[theCourtFool]

Now why would anyone make such a critisism?

Who benefits in Lebanon plunging into war?
Who benefits from seeing a growing economy (largely due to its banking management) from going into chaos?
ein?

Who benefits? Syria? Israel?

The campaign for new faces in 2009 elections!

[Markus]

What a bunch of traitors, you are all giddy about a civil war in your country, un-freakin-believable!! I think its about time to let the Lebanese sort themselves out, may Lebanon and the lebanese go to Hell, please God almightly grant them their collective wish.

[جبهة التهييس العشبية]

انتوا بتتكلموا على سوريا على اساس انها اخطر من اسرائيل؟
وح تعملوا حرب اهلية وتقرفونا احنا في عيشتنا

والقرد اللي رد عليا

والله كويس انك عارف انك قرد
زي جنبلاط
اللي امريكا بتلعبه
اللي لي لي اللي يا ميمون

انتوا ما بتتعلموش؟ عايزين تدخلوا حرب اهلية تاني؟
وفي الاخر كالعادة احنا اللي ح نشيل الخرا على دماغنا
وتقعدوا تصوتوا في التلفزيونات وتقولوا لنا وينكم يا عرب الله يخرب بيتك المصريين صح؟

بلاوي وبتتحدف
في اي بلد محترمة الطرف المنتصر هو اللي بيحكم
بس ده في البلاد المحترمة
لكن في البلاد العربية المنتصر بيتهدد بحرب اهلية
حاجة تقرفففففففففففففففففففف

روحوا اعملوا حرب اهلية بس اياك بقى ترموا بلاكوا علينا

[AK]

I didn't realize the high winds would bring trash all the way from Egypt. Where is the Sandmonkey when you need him?

[danny]

Wow,

Jabha, how eloquent and convincing is your zajal...
Markus, you seem astute as well!! So let me get this straight; if HA and its filthy turbines attack Achrafieh, Ain Rummaneh, Basta etc and destroy cars and attack people, then they are divine. When they give us endless speeches (learnt in their special persian "colleges") like a damned weasel about the value of democratic society, and then occupy downtown and run militia and terrorist factories, then they are devine. When they try to destroy every democratic civil institution while preaching their f'n sermon, they are devine. When hey sell drugs to kids to raise fund for their divinity they are DIVINE...

God help us when someone raises they head and challenges them to be civil and democratic, then those people are traitors, and Zionist stooges...If someone says they are ready to protect their land and country and die for it, then they are wrong and the turbines divine!!!???

So please you idiocentric brainwashed Persian poodles PLEASE SPARE US YOUR F...n dimwitted logic!!

[TAC]

If I know Jumblat well enough, I predict all the tough talk will have served its purpose by thursday evening and then all will back to "normal" for the weekend.

I may be completely off the mark, but that's my feeling.

[JoseyWales]

To the "shocked" newcomers here,

Did we hear your voice when Nasrallah was talking of "chopping hands and heads" (of Lebanese who want HA disarmed, not by force mind you)?

Did we hear your voice when ClAoun said burning tyres and blocking roads was legal?

I did not think so.

Guess what? After you break every law and every constitutional rule, what do you think the next step is?

It's getting tired: doing the deed then accusing your opponent of doing it. Classic Syrian stuff, like the latest gem :"Saniora killed Hariri".

[Ace]

All the "tough talk" is to get people to attend the February 14th gathering. That's what the 'opposition' fears. They have been saying for a year now that they represent more than half the Lebanese. IF there is a very large showing on Feb 14th -- it's going to put that in serious doubt to a lot of people.

It's about standing up to Hezbollah and saying "we are not afraid" ..... and Hezbollah and Aoun are worried that it will happen just that way. It's about time that the mouse stood up and said ... enough.

[Andre]

Beating the drums of war is a response to the veiled threats and initimidation tactics that M8 has been waging for quite some time now...it was only a matter of time before M14 returned the favor. I do not believe that either party wants war but rather it is a mind game being played by each in order to mobilize their constituencies for maximum effect! In the case of M8 they tried that approach two weeks ago and it got way out of control, almost degenerating into pitched battles with the army. Now, it's M14's turn to return the favor in kind, except that it will be a popular move designed to show that the majority has bigger numbers on its side and can also make a splash.
This is not going to resolve anything in a country where emotions and appearances are at a prime over logic and substance...and should things get out of hand once more, then both M8 and M14 will have no one to blame but their sorry selves. We're only getting deeper into s##t by the day.

[danny]

Andre,

Deeper into s####t??? How deep? Can it get worse? NO. I think that this ultimatum is an orchestrated response to get Iranian attention. Iran will deeply regret if a civil conflict erupts pitting Shia vs Sunni. HA maybe can last the Israeli rockets from their bunkers...street fighting is a totally different game. They know this very well. Regardless as I mentioned above it is time to balance the scales!! Little orangebutt leader aouny is whining again. It iss time to increase the level and turn up the heat. I think these "animals" understand from the language of force. So let's show them how much they have to lose if there's a conflict. A civil strife will spill over into Syria and let's see how they deal with this!!

[Andre]

danny,

This is playing straight into the hands of the syrians. The'd love nothing more than to see Lebanon mired into another civil strife even if there is a risk that it might "spill over" into their borders; they are masters at squashing any opposition. Iran is probably reluctant to see it happen, but they too have some serious issues with the world community and may want to use Lebanon as a battle field for its own interests a la Iraq. Remember that as a tiny country in the midst of giants we are bound to play the role of dispensable victims! Why should we allow ourselves to be "willing" pawns in the hands of anatagonists that will have no mercy on us or our own country? Haven't we learned yet? Both M14 and M8 will share equally in the destruction that will follow not to mention the loss of life on both sides!

[danny]

Andre,

there is no March 8th!!! It is a division of the Pasdaran in Lebanon. Anybody who puts the well being of Khameini (hassan's offering of our limbs as sacrifice for his well being)above that of Lebanon will not agree with you no matter what. Also, you are wrong in thinking that Iran will sacrifice HA internally...They have spent too much money and effort in creating this beachhead to see it disappear. As for Syria...They love people who think like you. They are brutal with the weak!! Have you heard a gunshot aimed at Israel from Golan the past 35 years??
There will be no deal as far as the Iran/Syria think they can get their way for free...They should know there's nothing for free and that there are consequences!! My friend I agree with you on a lot of points...Not this. As for strife...People have a choice to make. This status quo cannot go on forever. So either become their bitch or fight. Either they agree to build a modern nation of laws and institutions and forget about the "wilehet el fuckih"
or get ready to give it up in a bloody mess. The choice have to be made clear to them to shades of grey!!
They've been living in their fairyland the past two years. Read Aoun's idiotic comments today for reference to their mindset!!

[Bad Vilbel]

ali,

And the idiots cheering along Hassan Nassrallah when he starts wars with Israel are better how?

Quit being a hypocrite.

See you in hell indeed.

[Bad Vilbel]

What a bunch of idiots the coming out of the woodwork today. Idiots and hypocrites! Where were your incensed comments about violence and about civil war when Nassrallah was threatening to chop hands? Where were you bozos when the sheeple were rioting in Mar Mikhael last week? Where were you asshats when Hizballah promoted an endless culture of violence and death and Resistance and War?
It's fine to threaten and speak of violence when it's your guy doing it, but god forbid Jumblatt or Geagea or Hariri say anything threatening? Give me a fucking break. What a bunch of freaking hypocrites you guys are. You can seriously look yourselves in the mirror every morning and believe the bullshit and lies you convince yourselves of? Hopeless bunch of nitwits.

(To all the regulars, forgive my language, but I've had about enough of this crap).

[maverick]

As much as we try to turn a blind eye to the inevitable,sooner or later,we must face the reality on the ground.As the above posts from the usuals depict,time and time again,there is only black and white in this affair,either we become bitches or we fight as danny expressed so precisely.Finally,to the relief of many,Jumbo man,the opportunist,if ever there is one,chose precisely the right time to flex.As many of his critics might assume,that he is just a belligerent,impulsive psycho...his timing and message was much needed and judging from his recent visits to moscow and Saudi Arabia...it was also calculated.
After the smoke disapears,he will turn down his attack and play politics,but for now,someone had to take the stand against the oppsition who have become so drunk with their own confidence.

[Mish Mishkle]

I love how you March (February) 14 guys tend to reflect your love of life. Just look how much these guys are loving life:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAJ9qJRTCTc]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAJ9qJRTCTc

[Nicolas]

I think that the show of force that M14 is doing now is to send a strong message to Iran. Since Iran is the only one who will not benefit at all from a civil war in Lebanon and a start up of sunni-shiaa conflict that will throw all their plan of a great Iran into water.
Syria is actually the main winner of any civil war in Lebanon, since they are the only one who can broker a peace deal; but as we always know ; at a very high cost of our independance and freedom....
Lebanon ( like always ) will be the biggest loser of a civil war; since we will pay the highest price for the war and for the peace deal that will follow...
I do not believe that M14 is planning or ready for any war; but they are sending a strong message to Iran to put pressure on Syria to cool down its dogs in Lebanon...

[Solomon2]

Iran is the only one who will not benefit at all from a civil war in Lebanon

True, but for the mullahs the relevant question is, "Which alternative benefits us more, a Lebanon in chaos or a Lebanon intact yet with our proxy army and its weaponry out of our control?" Trying to have both led to the 2006 war and the subsequent strengthening of the Lebanese Army - one that has now proved itself in bloody battle more than the kidnappers and missileers of Hezbollah have. The mullahs may be worried that at some point whoever commands the Army will snap his fingers and remove Iran's influence, possibly with a little help from U.N. troops but maybe none will be needed at all.

Key to keeping the mullah's proxy army intact is motivating its members. The rank-and-file know - consciously or in their hearts - that they are working against Lebanon, but Mugniyah is quashing dissent and his Shia subjects are willing to take Iranian cash - for now. Yet without a perceived threat, couldn't those loyalties change? But how can such a threat be created without stoking Lebanese turmoil? IMO, these are the questions dancing through the mullahs' minds, and they've delegated the Asad regime to come up with the answers.

[Andre]

Let's just say that talk of war is not necessarily tough talk. If M14 wants to be tough, then get all the M14 MP's and force an election by 50+1..they'd earn my respect far more than flexing muscles that lead to nowhere.
The new president will be recognized internationally with the exception of two countries worldwide. Now that's courage and it is in their right!

[Bad Vilbel]

Good point. Andre.

[Solomon2]

The dancing of Lebanese politicians is hard to follow, nor can one always anticipate the steps. Yet I guess that Jumblatt has accomplished one thing: He is now immune from assassination! In contrast to previous months when M14 politicians laid low no matter what, Hezbollah probably realizes that if Jumblatt is attacked it may precipitate the conflict Hezbollah is trying to avoid, or at least spin it out of Hezbollah's control.

And if Hezbollah doesn't act, M14 may elect a president not beholden to them, so how long would it be before Hezbollah must either play their remaining cards or fold? Thus Jumblatt's boldness, by calling Hezbollah's bluff, raises the possibility of Hezbollah's defeat as well as renewed conflict.

Will Hezbollah precipitate another conflict with Israel? Will they move to take over Lebanon instead? Will Hezbollah accept their gradual departure from the Lebanese scene? Or is this all one of Solomon2's delusions?

[Charlie]

Let’s face it the drums of war never stop beating in Lebanon, all they ever do is take a break here and there. The demise of the mini state of HA has to take place for the Lebanese state to rise, it is that simple. Unfortunately this is a binary case that leaves very little to negotiate over and can only be brought to a conclusion through a face off of some sort, most likely a military one.

M-14 needs to understand and realize that a big gathering on Feb-14 alone will not be sufficient. M-14 has to follow up with some serious steps that will help liberate the state institutions from the remnants of the Syrian era. All institutions have to be cleaned up, starting with the parliament and on to the ISF and LAF. Basically if M-14’s goal is creating an independent Lebanese state at any cost, then they must lead by action and let the chips fall where they may

[e]

The right move is to elect the President using 50%+1 a week or two before the Damascus summit and see what the Syrians do.

[Bad Vilbel]

Yup. E is right. The 50+1 election has been the way to go for some time now (I still don't get why M14 isn't talking about it anymore).

[Charlie]

Yup, 50+1 is a good start and if it is still an issue with Sfeir, then accept the resignation of HA/Amal ministers replace them with others and let’s move on already. If the council of bishops is worried about “Islamization” of Lebanon, then increase the number of Christian ministers in the cabinet since there is no president. In any case, the PM can’t continue to allow himself and the state be crippled and held hostage because of few obstructionist that have no desire to see the state succeed or be part of the Lebanon.

[fubar]

Sfeir just reiterated his no 50 + 1 position again the other day.

[Solomon2]

And if M14 chose to ignore Sfeir's advice, would the world collapse?

[Bad Vilbel]

Yeah. Who cares what Sfeir says. He's not a constitutional authority.

[fubar]

Solly say, "And if M14 chose to ignore Sfeir's advice, would the world collapse?"

Shame on you, Solly. Do the Lebanese really want to take that chance? ;-)

Sfeir is apparently going to rely upon the UN to appoint a ruler.

"The United Nations is obliged to introduce restraints if the situation remains loose. They might appoint a ruler" for Lebanon, Sfeir said.

[Bad Vilbel]

HAHAHAHAHAHAH!

I hadn't heard that one. Fubar. Thanks for making my day. Funniest thing I've read in a week..."if the situation remains loose..."

AHAHAHAHAHAHHA!

[danny]

BV and other regulers...where's Josey???

read post #3....

My bet is still 50+1. Unfortunately this will not happen till IT is operational. I have said this 2 million times. March 14 will go along March 8 with the status quo till IT is functional. They do not want a cabinet they cannot control. So wait till September or whatever. Mark my words guys...No deal till IT is DONE!!!

Any bets??

[fubar]

Gee, how lucky can Lebanon get? When you care enough to send the very best...

Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki will travel to Damascus on Wednesday to hold talks with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad on recent political troubles in Lebanon.

Meanwhile back at the ranch...

(The Daily Mail) The Iranian president [you know, ...Shorty] today attempted to humiliate Britain by parading a captured naval boat in a huge rally marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also used the occasion to tell huge crowds in Tehran that Iran will not back down "one iota" in its nuclear dispute with Western powers.

The boat paraded was seized by the increasingly aggressive state in June 2004 inside the Shatt al-Arab waterway.

The embarrassing incident was followed by Iran broadcasting footage of eight blind-folded British sailors being frogmarched into jail.
...
Mr Ahmadinejad is said to use the tactic of “shaming” British forces to punish the UK for supporting the UN's outlawing of its nuclear programme.

The West fears Iran is covertly trying to obtain nuclear bombs.

But the Islamic Republic's firebrand leader says the country needs nuclear technology to meet its booming electricity demand.

"They should know that the Iranian nation will not retreat one iota from its nuclear rights," Mr Ahmadinejad told the crowd which had gathered in the capital Tehran for the 29th anniversary of the revolution that toppled the US-backed shah.

"They cannot do anything except to play with papers and make propaganda," Ahmadinejad said, referring to world powers discussing a third UN sanctions resolution against Tehran over work the West fears has military aims.

Iranian officials had called on people to turn out in large numbers to show their unity in the face of Western pressure.

State television broadcast live footage of major rallies held in Tehran and other cities.

At Tehran's Azadi [Azadi? Isn’t that ironic? It’s Shahyad!] square, Ahmadinejad asked the crowd: "Were you ready to retreat from your nuclear rights one step or one iota?"

The demonstrators chanted: "No, nuclear energy is our obvious right."

*******

Say what? Turn out in large numbers to show the West their unity? Hmmmm...works for Iran, eh? Well, then, surely Nas can't have any problem with the large M14 turnout to show their unity against Iran and Syria on Feb. 14 then, can he?

[Charlie]

I really don’t get Sfeir. He has directly contributed to the creation of the Cloun phenomena, stopped the Cedar Revolution in its track and continues to talk from both sides of his mouth.

If M-14 has no concrete plan for after the grand gathering on Feb-14, then perhaps they
Should keep it down and not get the people mobilized for another photo-op.

[fubar]

It depends on how grand the gathering is. A large peaceful turnout will enable a 50+1 vote to proceed as it will display to the world, courtesy of world wide media coverage, that the Lebanese want a President and support the government.

[Charlie]

Not so quick Fubar.. Cause in a week or so the NAS-Cloun love couple will refuse to be upstaged by the M-14 quartet, they will herd their sheeple downtown for a photo-op too.
And we will all be back where we started on the road to no where…)

[fubar]

Perhaps, but the M14 sheeple will be so much better looking than the M8 sheeple. And at the end of the day, its all about perception.

[Charlie]

Good point there..I guess I will have to give you this one Fubar...:-)

But wait..how about the M8 being the purest of people doesn't that count for something??

[fubar]

Well...I guess it counts for something with some people...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTt4cbQv2Pc&NR=1

But who really wants to be one of "those" people?!

[Charlie]

ha ha...good one fubar...:-)

[Bad Vilbel]

DILI, East Timor - East Timor declared a state of emergency Tuesday after attacks on the country's top leaders in a failed coup left the president in "extremely serious" condition with gunshot wounds.

Now is that so hard??? One attempted assassination, and the government declares a state of emergency. Can someone send Saniora the memo? This is how it's done, imbecile...

[Jeha]

We should have moved beyond mass rallies at this stage; they have the 50+1 option, let them exercise it... How about this Valentine day?

The risk of war is rising with every obfuscation and delay, and it may already be too late to avoid it. Regardless of the numbers, the crowds out there will have enough muscle to drive the argument home, across the "tent city". But they will be no deterrent by themselves; quite the contrary, they may provoke a "response"... And from response to response, we go back to the old songs.

[Tannourine Warrior]

It's about time! Yalla to the trenches...These March 8 dogs will soon meet their day of reckoning.

As a Maronite, I say God Bless you Jumblatt & Hariri!

I do believe 14 has calculated accurately - they sense the demise of popularity of the March 8 rats especially the Christians with Aoun.

Take the leap of faith ya March 14 and the world will be there to catch you!

[Jeha]

Tannourine "Warrior",

Those "March 8 dogs" are as Lebanese as you and I, and as deserving of life as you or I. As a "Maronite", you should be a Christian first, and as such, calls for blood should be the last thing on your mind.

I am no beady-eyed peacenik, and I will not shy from a fight. But past experience should have taught us that, at the very least, one needs a solid "Plan B", with a proper "exit strategy" for "Plan A". Otherwise, with such "matamores" attitude, whoever "wins" will only be another version of the current "barbudos".

Being a "novios de la muerte" is no destiny for a man... Then again, Fubar may point out the need for someone to take point.