An imaginary world

Almost a year ago, "terrorists" blew up and killed a top Lebanese general, prompting the then army commander to insensitively proclaim, on television, and to the victim's family nonetheless, that the army has plenty of other soldiers like Francois. On the first anniversary of his assassination, we hear some decisive language, but sadly not comforting.

The Lebanese army on Sunday vowed to continue its fight against terrorism as it marked the first anniversary of Maj. Gen. Francois Hajj's assassination. The army insists on "tearing out the malignant roots of terrorism wherever they were found," the army command said.

A mass service was held in Hajj's memory in his hometown of Rmeish in south Lebanon.

"The day will come when the killers will be uncovered and put on trial," said Brig. Gen. Panos Manoujian who represented Defense Minister Elias Murr and Army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji at the mass.

"Terrorists thought that by killing one of the pillars of the military institution, they could confuse the army and hinder its national role. However, the military tree is more solid and much higher with the martyr's blood," he said. (Naharnet)

So who are the "terrorists"? And where do their "malignant roots" grow? In Baabda, where he was killed? In Damascus or Tehran, where the president seems to be extending his own roots?  It seems to me that the Lebanese military believes in the imaginary nation of Terrorism Land, where terrorists are born, bred and nurtured outside modern notions of time and space.

But then, Lebanese authorities cannot even distinguish traffic violators from law abiding citizens, so why expect them to see the roots of terror? That what we got, one year on, is a slight bending to the will of Assad as far as military policy is considered, shouldn't come as a surprise. Suleiman got the message, and he will never do it again. He has Aoun to learn from, and Hajj's blood to remind him of what fate awaits those who wage battles against Syria. They either become mentally unstable or get put on a death list. So creating a safe imaginary world will do.  

Comments

[Old-Hand]

Our top combat general in the army is assassinated, and one year on, neither the totally useless Defense Minister Murr nor the new Army Commander have time to show up for this memorial?

They have time to go cut cakes at the embassy of Lower-Bajamia, but no time for this? Way to send messages and boost morale, creeps.

[George]

Read this very important and detailed document on How Iran Subverts Lebanon. Suleiman goes there to sign " co-operatioin agreements" i.e. submission agreements

A friend had sent it to me:

http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/iran_e003.htm

[naja]

George, much as I shiver at the truths that websites such as "terrorism-info.or.il" do contain, I'm afraid the vested interest and the falsehoods they advertise tip them into the same bucket of crap in which Manar and other obsessive types reside. Regardless of our own bunch of mad mullahs and misguided god-soldiers' lunacy, I personally believe it pales in comparison to the sheer vindictive evil displayed by Israel in the Gaza strip and occupied territories. Terrorism-info.org my arse - people who dwell in glass houses should really go easy on the stone-throwing front.

[naja]

George, much as I shiver at the truths that websites such as "terrorism-info.or.il" do contain, I'm afraid the vested interest and the falsehoods they advertise tip them into the same bucket of crap in which Manar and other obsessive types reside. Regardless of our own bunch of mad mullahs and misguided god-soldiers' lunacy, I personally believe it pales in comparison to the sheer vindictive evil displayed by Israel in the Gaza strip and occupied territories. Terrorism-info.org my arse - people who dwell in glass houses should really go easy on the stone-throwing front.

[George]

What does Gaza have to do with the subject matter. Your sterile and pointless hate does not advance a fruitful debate.

[George]

Tere is No Fool Like an Old Fool:

Snubbed
This is what Jimmy Carter has come to: Hezbollah, the proxy of the very mullahs who defeated the ex-president in 1980, snubbed his request for talks.

Jimmy Carter said Friday he would have been "delighted" to meet with Hezbollah officials during his visit to Lebanon and regretted the militant group's leaders refuse to meet with current or former American presidents.

Carter spent five days talking to top Lebanese leaders and members of parliamentary blocs but didn't sit down with lawmakers from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, which is on the State Department list of terrorist groups.

Carter offered to have his Atlanta-based Carter Center monitor Lebanon's parliament elections next year. The vote will be fiercely contested between Western-backed groups that now hold a majority in the 128-member parliament and a Hezbollah-led coalition supported by Syria and Iran.

During a lecture at the American University of Beirut on Friday, Carter expressed disappointment Hezbollah refused to see him.

[George]

There is No Fool Like an Old Fool:

Snubbed
This is what Jimmy Carter has come to: Hezbollah, the proxy of the very mullahs who defeated the ex-president in 1980, snubbed his request for talks.

Jimmy Carter said Friday he would have been "delighted" to meet with Hezbollah officials during his visit to Lebanon and regretted the militant group's leaders refuse to meet with current or former American presidents.

Carter spent five days talking to top Lebanese leaders and members of parliamentary blocs but didn't sit down with lawmakers from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, which is on the State Department list of terrorist groups.

Carter offered to have his Atlanta-based Carter Center monitor Lebanon's parliament elections next year. The vote will be fiercely contested between Western-backed groups that now hold a majority in the 128-member parliament and a Hezbollah-led coalition supported by Syria and Iran.

During a lecture at the American University of Beirut on Friday, Carter expressed disappointment Hezbollah refused to see him.
In his speech, Carter said Iran and Syria - both supporters of Hezbollah and militant Palestinian factions like Hamas and Islamic Jihad - could have a major role in Mideast peacemaking efforts.

[naja]

"What does Gaza have to do with the subject matter. Your sterile and pointless hate does not advance a fruitful debate."

There's no hate in me George. Just that it is unlikely that a debate would become fertile or of any point when it starts from a piece of info from a source that has frighteningly poor double standards. You had mentioned earlier an "important document" to be read on a website. That website turns out to be as enlightening - and balanced - as Hizbollah's Al Manar. I used Gaza simply as a support for my point about people in glass houses, not as an argument. So please don't throw labels at me before you understand what I wrote. Or if you do insist on doing so, I'd much rather that you have the decency of insulting my opinions, rather than accusing me of harbouring feelings of hatred. What next? Are you going to tell me I am anti-semitic?

[AK]

George,

In case you are not aware of who I am, I am the owner of this blog. Please quit pasting off-topic excerpts, or anything really. It's annoying, to say the least. I have asked you before and you have ignored my request. This is the last time I will ask. Thanks.

[ghassan karam]

AK,
The following is a post of over 600 words. (It is actually a transcript of a Podcast of mine). Please do not hesitate to delete the post if you do not think that it fits the current thread or for any other.

*********************************************************************************

Does Lebanon need 10 MIG 29’s?

If we are to assume; and many believe that this is a fact of life; that there is no such thing as an altruistic behavior between individuals then obviously there can be no altruism between states. This in essence is a restatement of the old economic truism that “there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch” i.e. everything has a price.
The tremendous financial constraints under which the Lebanese government has had to operate for over two decades have pressured it into accepting the role of an international ‘GIFT SEEKER”. Lebanon has been transformed into a country that is totally dependant on gifts and giveaways by other countries in the world; both well meaning and not so well meaning; to conduct many of its state functions. Lebanon depends on the generosity of other states to deposit money in its central bank in order to strengthen its weak domestic currency, it depends on gifts from other nations in order to equip its police force with vehicles, it depends on other countries still to send its armed forces ammunition, it further depends on other countries to equip its army with unarmed helicopters and recently it is the “proud” recipient of 10 MIG 29.
It might not be exceedingly problematic to justify the need for Police cars or even Army helicopters since the quid pro quo from such transactions cannot be very damaging but one needs to think hard about the potential consequences of accepting such large gifts that carry with them an inherent role of dependency. A Lebanese Air Force composed of 10 MIG 29’s will not become operational for years, it will increase exponentially Lebanese dependence on Russian training, radar systems, and maintenance but above all it will help bring Lebanon into the Russian orbit in exchange for war materiel that is ineffective and that Lebanon does not strategically need in the first place. Anyone who has purchased a digital photographic printer for a very low price just to find out that they have become captive consumers for the colored ink and photographic paper of the producer knows exactly what I am talking about. Studies have shown repeatedly that consumers can save money, have better quality photos and maintain their independence by opting to use commercial print services.
At times it is the height of prudence to look a gift horse in the mouth instead of accepting meekly and uncritically the intentions of what is being offered. Many a time the apparent gift is nothing but a mean to entrap the recipient into a relationship of servitude. Obviously the best mechanism to escape from such machinations is to build a strong and healthy society that does not need the generosity of others in order to survive. In this case, however, what is at stake is even more compelling. Lebanon has nothing to gain from allocating its scarce resources in order to cultivate and maintain an Air Force that will not be effective under the most ideal of conditions. Any rational cost benefit analysis will have to conclude that monies, policies and resources spent in an ineffective way are tantamount to gross negligence and are harmful to the welfare of the citizens. Make no mistake about it; the harboring of the illusion that a 10 MIG 29 Lebanese Air Force is worth while is nothing short of a criminal act that can set in motion a scenario of destruction, misery and squalor that Lebanon can ill afford. What Lebanon needs is an effective government, peace, democracy and respect for human rights , Lebanon cannot afford to squander its precious resources on toys for the military.

[Jeha]

George,

Naja makes a good point. Actually, it is the KEY point; in evaluating events, we do not have to choose between the theories on offer the one we feel is least bad. We have to evaluate all theories based on the evidence. If no theory fits the facts or the data, then no theory is right. Period. It is called the "scientific method". Look into it before launching "ad hominem" attacks.

GK,

I agree with you in practice; Lebanon's purchase of MIG's may be nothing but another waste of money. However, in theory, and in a more optimistic note, it has the potential to inject a new energy into the system. The need to upgrade and maintain such expensive toys may inject much needed cash into Lebanese technology. We're not all ignorant here; a closer look at those Hawker Hunters during the war would have revealed how they were a hodge-podge of parts, some adapted from the grounded Mirage planes. One would never forget the sight of the Rolls-Royce engine that was jerry-rigged to way beyond its initial design.

Regardless of what the MIG's can or cannot do. Imagine the talent that would have to be mobilized just to maintain them. Rather than just pouring concrete over our landscape and bleeding our brains, we could end up exporting high-tech knowledge and keeping the best and brightest at home, where they are needed.

I have seen people who have designed a de-mining robot here in Lebanon. It would cost only 50$ to make, and would map and detect most mines and cluster bombs. But it found no takers. Maybe if the government is forced to maintain a few high tech toys, they would divert some cash from their meaningless pet projects and into something more potentially meaningful.

Of course... This is wildly optimistic. But hey, didn't someone here post "Yes, We can?" a while back.

[ghassan karam]

There is lots of merit in the argument that relatively sophisticated jets can act as a technology catalyst. In a sense that was the first thought that I had, having spent the last three decades of my life dealing with various issues of Economic . Yet the argument , in this case is bogus for at least two main reasons:
(1) Whatever can be learned from a military jet can also be learned from a commercial one.A more productive and a more ambitious project in that regard will be to encourage the establishment of credible, certified schools that teach jet engine maintenance . The large commercial fleet in the neighbouring countries could definitely benefit from this.

(2) What Lebanon is in dire need off, at the moment, is the construction of major renewable energy power plants, Thermal, wind and photovoltaic. Such a project will introduce the technology of the future, a technology that will help propel the country to a leadership position in a region that has so far neglected this all important field. In addition to the technology and know how Lebanon will have a cheap clean and renewable form of energy that will help move us along the path of sustainability.

And last but not least I do not place much value in the anicdotal evidence about rigged Rolls Royce engines as a demonstration of the creativity and genius of a people. By that standard the poor countries are the most creative technologically because they have no choice but to keep a 50 year old car running and an old airplane flying.

[VOR]

GK,

I still think that getting new jets for the LAF is a much needed upgrade to boost the morale of an army that has been pretty much demoralized and operating with old and ineffective equipment. If we are to tout the bravery of our soldiers and expect them to be the sole legitimate defender of the nation then we must support any means that enhance the capabilities of that force. Whether these jets are gifts or donations with ulterior motives is political rhetoric, something that brave young soldiers need not worry about. Their task is to fight and defend the homeland.

[ghassan karam]

VOR, are you suggesting that actions are to be judged solely by what "boosts" morale in the eyes of some although that act is both wasteful and inefficient? No wonder we keep committing these unproductive acts.

[danny]

I agree with Gus. I am shocked with the constant defeatist attitudes. Why is that we can not see the forest for the trees. We seem to be turning into carpetbaggers of the world. Let’s hand out more tin cans. Any economic stimulus can be channeled through proactive actions by the government. I do not understand the logic behind wasteful plans, resources and efforts! Boost morale? Is that what a nation needs? Handouts?
We are always acting scared. Always going in with very low expectations and goals! Lebanon has to reverse this tumble into a black hole and raise expectations…Give people a reason to dream and to be proud! If you turn the nation into a ghetto of welfare seekers...Well voila a failed state devoid of self esteem and initiatives!

[ghassan karam]

Joy to the World

George Bush is Gone (almost). With appologies to David Letterman.

[Jeha]

GK, Danny,

I agree with VOR. I still feel that something uniquely positive can come out from "Pharanaonic" projects. As long as they do not consume too many immediately needed resources, they can help boost technological improvements, and thus provoke some much needed progress in other related fields, such as renewable energy. Recall that development is not always predictable, just as the Web came out of Darpa and supplanted the planned Minitel... Maybe the necessary backups and system integration required to maintain the infrastructure for the Jets may highlight the need for integrated energy co-generation...

The key is that we do not know till we try. And most of our money problems in Lebanon are managerial, not systemic. The main (mis)ruling clans are the same ones to whom we owe much of the debt; with 70% of the economy dollarized and more than 50% of the economic output being generated by the state, there's plenty of room for change and reform.

As the man of the season once said (The One to all Christians, not just Ophra); "Man does not live by bread alone"...

... Considering the passing of President Harding, I can only cautiously state of his successor that time will tell. In many ways, his election is a tremendously positive development. However, he's been dealt a bad hand in a bad time, mostly thanks to Harding.

"Timeo Danaos et Dona Ferentes"

[ibrahim]

i am afraid events like those will keep on happening... i think this clip i just saw proves that..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=553vSPJNRzg