Downtown justice

I have been busy and tired. I wanted to blog about the Hariri investigation, and the Syrian obsession with Siddiq and the four generals. Rule of law, you know. The kind Lebanon needs right now, not when the UN is done reinventing the wheel (although, for the record, if the wheel needs to be reinvented to try those criminals, then by all means reinvent it already). Here's a story that makes you think twice before you visit Hizbullah-occupied downtown Beirut

MP Atef Majdalani of the Future bloc questioned whether 'the security zones established in downtown Beirut under the guise of picketing' had ' a new target.' Majdalani also asked whether the opposition sit-in, which began over a year ago as a protest against the government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, was using a 'militia base' from which armed opposition supporters were intimidating the residents of Beirut.

Majdalani said that Lebanese citizens on a night out in the area around downtown Beirut on April 12 were attacked with knives by 'militia members' traveling by motorcycles from their tents.

The armed opposition supporters, he said organized an attack on customers in a restaurant near downtown, which led to a number of injuries. The injured were transferred to hospitals in Ashrafieh.

Majdalani noted that the most dangerous aspect of the attack was that it was 'unjustified,' and that it coincided with the 33rd commemoration of the Lebanese civil war.

'The citizens dining that night tried to seek protection from the security forces present, and the answer was the forces do not have the power to intervene,' the MP added, 'and that the security forces did not want to suffer what their colleagues went through after the events of Black Sunday in Shiyah.'

Majdalani asked whether the plan drawn by the events of Shiyah succeeded in the psychological and moral subjugation of national security forces, who have 'thus become unable to intervene and protect citizens from attacks by de facto militias.'

Lebanese citizens had faith in and depended on security forces for protection against any attacks, MP Majdalani said. 'And when these forces are unable to perform this task, it means we are facing a national disaster.'

The MP underlined the role of security forces as the sole legitimate protector of citizens' rights, urging the Lebanese to restrain themselves 'before it is too late.' (Now Lebanon)

Let's see. "Security forces" in downtown Beirut consist of the Lebanese army and Berri's police.  The army's main job is to search people before entering the area, which is half occupied by the militia types mentioned above, who can do whatever they want. Berri's police protects Berri, and keeps parliament closed. I could go on, but what's the point. 

Sorry for not posting much lately. I'll be back soon, life and work permitting...

Comments

[LebExile]

I wouldn't worry too much about the tents... they have absolutely worked against the HA and so called opposition from day 1.

As they repeat so often, the sit in was started to bring the downfall of the Senioura government... It has not done that. In addition, they are 90% empty most of the time. They have caused the closure of most of downtown, yet the people don't blame the government for this but rather HA and the opposition. Many people have lost their jobs because of the tents, and those people happen to be mainly unskilled hospitality workers - such as waiters, porters and the like .... and as fate would have it... a lot of them came from the south to the big city to make a better life for themselves. Others were driven from the south courtesy of HA and the never ending resistance.

Not one person I spoke to while in Lebanon sympathised with HA or the opposition - most of the people I spoke with were hoping for Divine Victory II.

Yet others were all heated up for a civil war - and fighting HA directly...

The sit in from the beginning was a battle of nerves... and no prizes for guessing who is losing their nerves first!

BTW AK, I really appreciate your blog - it's one of only a handful of websites I go to for news on Lebanon and thought that I'd mention that. Cheers

[Riemer Brouwer]

And the best part is the actual cause according to L'Orient: Hezbollah's upper management* toasted to the health of Nasrallah in in L-Bar and asked the table next to them to join in, which they refused. A discussion started that ended with people knifed down.

Anyway, knowing L-Bar, chances where pretty much 100% that the Hezbollah upper management were raising a alcoholic toast to Nasrallah...heh:-) Also, just think of the picture that the higher echelons are having a good time at L-Bar, while their field soldiers are holed up in less-than-basic tents. So much for solidarity.

*: the fact they were able to mobilize people from within Tent City would indicate a sufficient level of power.

[Abilama]

I took note of your request my friends.

The HAMAS Twin Brothers of the HA have news for you:

Hamas calls upon the believers to conquer Rome and Eastern Europe and the Americas. Here it is for you to see.
Friday Sermon

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=fd9_120809646

I have the full text, but I w'ont paste it.

[Abilama]

Another pearl from "PLO ambassador to Lebanon", Abbas Zaki:

Video:
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=f00_1208080003

In the light of the weakness of the Arab nation and the lack of values, and in light of the American control over the world, the PLO proceeds through phases, without changing its strategy. Let me tell you, when the ideology of Israel collapses, and we take, at least, Jerusalem, the Israeli ideology will collapse in its entirety, and we will begin to progress with our own ideology, Allah willing, and drive them out of all of Palestine," added Zaki.

That's what Abbas Zaki, told Lebanon's NBN TV in an interview that aired last Wednesday:

I wonder why should our neighbours "min Janoub" ( if I am allowed to pronounce their name) bother to negotiate or make any concessions to these people ( supposedly "moderate")?

[Abilama]

Fitna about Fitna.

Some video

Fitna sur Fitna:

Video
http://www.dailymotion.com/bivouac-id/video/x4xi84_pat-condell-the-religion-of-fear-ve_news?from=rss

[maverick]

To confront HA violently is to play into their decietful game, no matter how destructive theyve become. There is a glimmer of hope however in the war of attrition,if that still exists. I see the Syrian regime fumbling one too many times,the Mughniyeh case is a biggie...there is also the talk of Isreali-Syrian secret talks that will take into account the destiny of HA-Hamas....or is it naieve wishing on my behalf?.....Do we opt for the patient but overbearing path of waiting it out until HA capitulates to its own demise?...

[Bad Vilbel]

Maverick,

Haven't we been patiently waiting for about 30 years now? Does patience ever run out?

[Andre]

AK,

The issue of tents downtown is a big pet peeve of mine. This stupid act has not resulted in anything of value for the opposition. Nothing. They failed miserably to oust the governemnt and now they are engaged in acts of terror in the downtown area as a means of intimidation against the population esp. those that dare not support and bow to their ways. There are awful stories of thugs coming out of dahieh that are also roaming the streets and looking to mug and injure people from the other side without fear of the police or authorities, who'd rather turn the blind eye! If this continues, then how can anyone blame the M14 groups for arming themselves in self defense? Is this HA intent to drag the other side into a fight that it knows it cannot win? Just an awful situation that is not going to get any better until lebanon's legal authorities deal with this crap even if it means rattling Nasrallah's cage. Enough with this s**t!

[Bad Vilbel]

And all the while, we still have the army and ISF leaders talking about how "security is under control". Uhm, newsflash guys. IT ISN'T!

Why is it that arresting these thugs is off limits? (Rhetorical question. No need to answer)

[Marillionlb]

The ISF is too busy patrolling Gemmayzeh to ensure the 11.30 curfew, come on they cannot be everywhere at once.

[Abilama]

HA:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/UN_LEBANON_ISRAEL?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=news_generic.htm

UN calls for disarming Hizbullah and solution to Israel-Lebanon conflict

Security Council issues statement reiterating its commitment to full implementation of Resolution 1701, including disarming of all Lebanese militias, banning arms transfer to them; calls for Israel and Lebanon to support permanent ceasefire, long-term solution based on full respect for UN-drawn Blue Line along their border

[maverick]

Yes, sure our patience have run out and its getting worse by the day...but realistically speaking,what can one do,what is a viable option..and please do not start the sentence with..well March 14 can... or the majority can....cos our patience has run out with them as much as the other side and we all know they cannot play HA's game.
Today,they dug up a part of the highway to prove that there is a mass burial of bodies because Aoun said there is....and people still think Berri is gonna pull a rabbit out of his arse...and March 8 still get concessions.

[Bad Vilbel]

What we can do? For starters, if enough Lebanese were truly fed up with March 14 and the opposition alike, they could take to the streets in a non-partisan fashion.
They could go down to Parliament en masse and demand their elected representatives get off their asses and elect a president. Those working in the media could actually start holding their leaders (both government and opposition) accountable by exposing all their lies and contradictions instead of wasting airtime and newspaper space on banalities. They could challenge their sheikhs and imams and patriarch to demand more and do more. They could withhold their financial contributions (specially from the diaspora) to these corrupt scum and donate instead to new parties that are secular and not beholden to foreign interests.

A lot can be done.

Sure, it won't get results overnight, but if enough people are fed up, they need to make their voices heard. The way I see it, it seems like most are content whining and complaining and then going on with business as usual while letting the politicians dictate their affairs.

[Abilama]

HA
UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- The U.N. Security Council called Tuesday for the disarming of Hezbollah and other militias in Lebanon along with greater progress toward a cease-fire and a solution to the conflict between Lebanon and Israel.

A statement adopted by consensus by the 15-member council reiterates its commitment "to the full implementation of all provisions of Resolution 1701" which ended the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah in August 2006.

[Solomon2]

"the sit in was started to bring the downfall of the Senioura government."

That's just one of its purposes. The other was to prevent, or at least limit, the peaceful mobilization of the people power of the Cedar Revolution against Hezbollah's wishes.

"To confront HA violently is to play into their decietful game, no matter how destructive theyve become. "

Ah, but to confront HA non-violently - as in besieging Hezbollah's "demonstrators" and inviting them to depart - has that been tried? Not to my knowledge.

[theCourtFool]

I feel Lebanon is in status quo for a while till international negotiations, and the presidency in the U.S. settle. Notice: No car bombs, no uprising of Palestinians camps. I guess the ones who really know who to blame have agreed, to disagree.

[danny]

Somebody please help me understand!!! March 14 does not want to make any moves to "agitate" and effect a negative response from HA...OK...But how about this AGAIN!!
http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/getstory?openform&F05921F9F3000A47C225742E001C64BE

About time these are being reported in media!! Now we need some outcry and simple ENFORCEMENT of SIMPLE laws!!
This country is worse than the most uncivilized jungle countries.

[Solomon2]

Fool, Lebanese are always looking for an excuse to do nothing, and the favorite excuse is that Lebanese have to wait until somebody else does something. Another moment is being wasted, because while the Mugniyah investigation continues, there are no assassinations - my guess is the murderers can't be sure who they should take orders from, because if the wind blows the wrong way it could fry them as well. Lebanese who treasure freedom without tyranny could seize this moment to move their country forward; instead, they are content as storm clouds form from Lebanon's hot stagnant waters.

[Solomon2]

Perhaps I should stop posting here. I'm repeating myself, and although I may be right, I must sound really creepy.

[Bad Vilbel]

So much for enforcing law and order:

Hizbullah Surrounds Security Force, Frees 2 Detainees:

http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/Lebanon/F05921F9F3000A47C225742E001C64BE?OpenDocument

I'm sick to my stomach.

[Bad Vilbel]

And this from today's news:

http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/Lebanon/D84AD37D05A3A530C225742E00607665?OpenDocument

Yet, somehow, some of the usual idiots are busy being "offended" that the US charge d'affairs attended a graduation ceremony for ISF trainees funded and trained by the US....I don't know why that is at all considered "an insult to Lebanon" (according MP Ammar), whereas the 2 stories I just posted, about Hizbullah and their goons openly flaunting the law and the state is somehow tolerated... I wish someone would ask Mr. Ammar that question! (But then again, the media never asks the right questions, does it).

[seo]

Another moment is being wasted, because while the Mugniyah investigation continues, there are no assassinations - my guess is the murderers can't be sure who they should take orders from, because if the wind blows the wrong way it could fry them as well. Lebanese who treasure freedom without tyranny could seize this moment to move their country forward; instead, they are content as storm clouds form from Lebanon's hot stagnant waters.