Sorry I don’t buy it. Apparently (given the above post) his election campaign has started.

Let us never forget that :
1. It is illegal for an Army commander to occupy the post of President less then two years after he retires from his army post
2. we experienced two generals as President already and look where that got us
3. Michel Sleiman was nominated under Syrian occupation
4. Michel Sleiman’s sister’s husband is a bit too close to the Syrian regime to simply forget about it.

No, I don’t think many people will fall for the above poster.

Of course it is a good thing to have a humble and civil President. But that’s not the only qualification required (although, considering the last few presidents we’ve had, one would think so).

There is this little matter of the CONSTITUTION.

I still can’t believe people are willing to overlook that because someone is “civil and humble”.
Since when do civility and humbleness trump the written laws of the land?
Does NO ONE seem to place any importance on the constitution and the state’s institutions? Am I the only one who seems to think that such laws and rules are the foundation of any solid society, no matter where, and that constantly ignoring the rules is simply a recipe for chaos and anarchy?

I’d hate to see how some of these people would survive in any civilized country.
“But officer, it’s true I was speeding, but you know, i’m very humble.”

So, “Ralf’s” opinion is essentially that because Suleiman once did not act like a jerk in a restaurant, that makes him qualified to head a military junta after an illegal coup? Come again?

I recommend everyone to watch the movie “Last King of Scotland” about Idi Amin. If you have the dvd, listen to director’s comments and watch the extras too.

So, “Ralf’s” opinion is essentially that because Suleiman once did not act like a jerk in a restaurant, that makes him qualified to head a military junta after an illegal coup? Come again?

It’s pretty freaking sad isn’t it? That these are the standards we are now willing to sink to.

Well said Jay and BV! who cares if he is a nice guy? the Constitution says no and therefore it is NO! NO! NO! NO!

Regards

HAHAHAHA…wow, should we “clap” at Sleiman for not going crazy?! bravo, bravo…LOL! Listen Mr. March 8th rep. who wrote the post… he (Sleiman) is a PRO syrian RAT and like Aoun who dreams and will do ANYTHING to become president, Sleiman can dream too…BOTH these dreamers will never be head of this country so you can save your “lovely” story..I think I vomited in my mouth reading it. You should write/tell it to people who care, like ytour March 8th friends :) Let me guess you’re also a pro-syrian jack ass, right?! Aoun, hezbollah, syrian supporter?! Take your story and your pro-syrian March 8th monkeys and go to Syria where you should all be!!!!!! Pathetic fool…but I do have to admit you made me LAUGH at your “great” post.

GOD BLESS A FREE ANTI-SYRIAN LEBANON

Lebanese Pride

It’s great that he’s a nice, humble man, and the restaurant story makes me happy that he is the head of the army.

But what’s this got to do with the presidency? The primary objection all of us have is that he’s not eligible, period. Would Americans accept a 30-year-old immigrant as president even if he is a really nice guy?

We’d all love for the president to be humble and nice, but that doesn’t automatically make him qualified.

We have become so much used to uncivil behaviour that we feel that a person who does what is expected needs to be rewarded. There should be no rewards for those that do the right thing. If you help others only because you want to be noticed for that action then such actions are not altruistic, they are simply selfish.

Back to Suleiman, he might be a very likable, honest and responsible individual but such criteria must be combined with patriotism, vision, ability to govern, creative thinking in addition to being constitutionally appropriate in order to run for the Presidency. No one should be allowed to stand for an office unless the current law permits such a candidacy. Please let us not lose tract of what is important. A Presidency is not to be treated as a Mr. Congeniality contest

this is one of the `hakaweteh`stories. Young kids around the block in old Beirut used to make a circle and listen to abou zouheir made up stories from his imagination.

Hey Dory

Young kids around the block in old Beirut used to make a circle and listen to abou zouheir made up stories from his imagination.

Not much has changed Dory, and God bless the Abou Zouheir of old.

The new Abou Zouheir is Hezbo or mukhabarate and his stories fit the agenda. ;)

Hey Dory

I once was civil to a waiter in a restaurant. I think this puts me neck and neck with Sleiman for the post.

Why does everyone talk about Suleiman’s presidency, when the post that he has been offered is technically a head of an “interim” government (or a military junta)? Even Mustapha who is usually such a smart guy seems to be favouring the guy when he asks “does being humble and civil matter in our choice of president?” and this misses the point: If Suleiman takes over, it will not be by anyone’s choice, it’ll be a coup.

Even if this story were true, let’s not forget that when Lahoud became president he was known to be so impressively modest and simple. He walked places, drive his own car, etc. And look where that got us.

And if this story were true, it would not have been in Suleiman’s interest to make a scene considering he felt that people around him had not recognized him. It would not be good for his image, would it?

So, even if this story were true, it says nothing about this man and his ability to become president.

no they dont

Jeeeez, no wonder why a humble guy would turn into a monster when he rules a bunch of retards like you all!!!! This constitution that you talk of, remember its name: Taef!!! is the french constitution called Vienna? is the US constitution called London? only one constitution was named the diktat of Versaille and we have seen what it led to. Shove this constitution that no one ever respected, not an M8 or an m14 leader. What moustapha did not mention is how i started my post, I was saying that you can’t attack a person based on your silly rumours of his wife being I don’t know what and him being appointed during the syrian regime. i remind you that 90% of todays leaders were appointed by the syrian regime too and dare say the contrary!!! Sleiman showed that he is a humble guy where any of you wouldn’t have shown any mercy to the waiter, that doesn’t make him presidentiable but that shows a trait of character.
I also added that I was no fan of militaries being president (and it seems that it dissapeared from my comment) but now that I hear you barking, I think all you ever need is a military to shut your stupidity not with his boots but by the bottom of a rifle bunch of third worlders! Who do you expect to become president then? A puppet between the hand of Hariri and Saudi Arabia or a puppet between the hand of Hassouna and Iran? Yes we need a president that can be friendly with Syria, that’s what Sanioura has been saying from day one, or have you forgoten that or maybe you’re suddenly deaf when he says it on TV, radio, newspaper… We need a president that will stop the fight with both our neighbours at the same time, because both can crush us in a twist of fingers. To the M14 new mou’awameh (against Syria) where did your war led lebanon? you know how to make fun of hezbollahs and his victories but what about ur victories against the syrians??? what did you do until now??? where is the country that you lead in a battle against syria??? Same questions goes of course to hezbos and his fight against Israel, did you free our prisonners, the land that no one cares about (shebaa and i don’t know what?)??? one wants to fight Israel and the US from Lebanon and the other wants to fight Syria and Iran from Lebanon, well you know what? Fuk all that cause there are people who don’t want to fight anyone. They killed Hariri? so what? where were you when they slaughtered all the others, you were in their camp then huh???? you were happy that they killed bachir el gemayil, and rene mou3awad and and and and… why didnt you protest then??? why didnt u ask for a tribunal? Can any of you worms tell me why??? Now that you both lost the battle and a new solution is appearing that doesnt involve any of your camp you think that because the wife sister cousin husband grandma of Sleiman is too close to the syrians that IS A GOOD REASON FOR HIM NOT TO BE PRESIDENT!!!
PFFFFFF JARAB!!!!
i’m going to bed, i’ll read your appologies with my breakfast!

I wonder why everybody liked so much the story of the restaurant but none commented on the decision of sleiman to allow and protect the protests after feb14. yalla, who’s the first to be sorry for what he/she said?

Ralf, with all due respect I think you are missing the point: Suleiman’s humility or manners is not the issue, whether he would make a good president is not the issue, and even his Syrian connections or contradictions with the government are not the issue. The gist of the matter is that Michel Suleiman can only come to power by:

1) a coup, or
2) a constitutional amendment by 2/3rds majority.

Both are bad options, and while it’s nice that Suleiman is polite to waiters, doesn’t cut in line at the supermarket and helps old women across the street, I think it would be even nicer of him not to become involved with a military junta. Suleiman’s current popularity is due to his perceived neutrality, but that would go out the window if he decides take part in a coup.

What’s needed is to have presidential elections according to the law and to affirm the legality of the institutions. It’s a minor detail who is elected, Aoun or Harb or Gemayel or someone else, or if he’s going to be a good or a bad president. What’s infinitely more important is to do it by the book and not cook up crazy schemes of military takeovers and “one time only” constitutional amendments.

Jay, you go by the book when there is a book. You talk about a coup as if it was negative, but Jay what is better a coup or a civil war? because the way it is going between hadaratkoun Mtoz and Mtozzen is defenetly worse than a coup. When there are deep crises in 3rd world countries, the government shift directly to the military. the Laws and the constitution, leave this to a civilized country and we are far from that. I pray that he takes the power by a coup, at least we will see someone with some muscles running the country and no longer rats who sold their souls to a foreign country.

I think that such stories about him are a little bit ridiculous or senseless .Why should we care if this man is humble or not . He does strike me with his 2 positive decisions :
one to allow the post hariri assassination demonstrations
and second the defiance of Nasrallah’s Red Line.
General Shehab’s presidency was marked with a lot of controversies ; and yet the state was at is best during his reign.
Anyway i just hope we getr some decent president who is not ala General Aoun and General Lagoud ; someone who unites the christians and keeps their diversity away from enemosity and one who brings the Shiites back to Lebanon and the Sunnis away from extremism.

guys,

Many seem to forget that Suleiman made it clear that he will only take over if BOTH sides agree. Sounds hardly like a coup to me.

Also, even Michael Young, a staunch M14 commentator, argued that this fact should be used to shape the potential Suleiman presidency..

A pro-Suleiman article?

I wonder why.
Haven’t we had enough of Presidents with Military background??
In this case Aoun would be a better candidate.

I say No to Military Presidents, we’ve had enough.

Lebanon needs to enter a new age, and it starts by appointing people in that direction.

Still doesn’t change the fact that he’ll probably be a lame duck president.

Ok, he’s a nice fellow, no problem with that. And I have no problem with he being the interim president of…. the AANFAoL “All Around Nice Fellows Association of Lebanon”. But the country ? and via a constitutional shortcut ? no way.

Ralf, I know that our supreme toilet-paper (aka “the constitution”) isn’t perfect (none of them are), the “taef” name isn’t that good (hey, how about “Biarritz” ? more catchy isn’t it ?) - but:

1) It’s not written in stone, it can be changed: when/if the will of the people (and no, not the politicians alone) behind its pages has also changed.
2) Otherwise, do by the book.

What’s the point of the “by the book” ?
Easy, it’s the only that the State can be saved/work. People, persons, presidents - like fashion come and go - but the State (should) remain. If you use a shortcut now, you invite a new one anytime - we’ve seen it lot’s of times! where it has lead us ? a dead-end - those patches over the toilet-paper must stop.
Frankenstein was also made by a series of patches (ok, my bad: “compromises”).

Please, also notice that I’m not against him *personally* (even if the “hot river” by now should be “cold”).

the lebanese (everyone of us) need to have a dictator and hope he keeps his foot on our neck. We have to admit we are fucked up and we get what we deserve.
I spent about 3 hours with 5 lebanese discussing “I got a big dick” and “big johnson touch for $2″ FUCKED UP

I don’t dislike him, it’s just that he was nominated when Syria was here, so he can’t be too independent from it imo.
And about the article, I heard similar stories when Lahoud became president, so I am not falling for it.

Mustapha,

Many seem to forget that Suleiman made it clear that he will only take over if BOTH sides agree. Sounds hardly like a coup to me.

And you fell for that? I’m kinda disappointed in you lately :)

These politicians say stuff like that, the same was as Hezbollah talks about “national unity” when in truth we all know what they really mean is “We get to have veto power”.

Just because Suleiman and his backers are wooing you and M14 to “accept” Suleiman doesn’t mean it’s not a coup. The fact that it goes against the constitution makes it a coup. The fact that the M14 side is gonna be TRICKED to accept it, makes it a coup.

“”but Jay what is better a coup or a civil war?”"

It’s looking more and more like this is going to be the basis that is used to determine the future. The blackmail is working, the fear factor is working.

First Suleiman said that he would not take sides if there was no President and he would resign the Army to avoid doint so.

Next - He is willing to lead a military (transitional - snark) government if asked and become Prime Minister which he agrees is Constitutional (back in 1988 it was)

Next he says he will only do this if ‘both sides’ agree and I guess what they need to agree on is that a coup is better than a civil war.

Has anyone come up with that Military Dictator that willingly gave up Power once taken? Na, I didn’t think so.

Easy, it’s the only that the State can be saved/work. People, persons, presidents - like fashion come and go - but the State (should) remain. If you use a shortcut now, you invite a new one anytime

Exactly! Very well said.

And in Lebanon, these shortcuts keep happening over and over. And then people wonder why they happen yet again. At some point, we have to stop accepting the shortcuts. Or we’ll never be a proper country.

Tell you what, Ralf, if the constitution is such a piece of crap that it should be ignored, let’s also ignore the UN delimited borders. I mean, why should Syria respect our borders? It’s just a line on a piece of toilet paper.
Why should Israel respect our borders? Just a line on toilet paper.
Why should anyone respect our flag, or our 10,452 km2? If we can’t even respect our own institutions…

I see that the tone came down a little and the stupidities read in the first 15 posts are not repeated and that is a plus for our conversation. I’m sorry if i wrote tough things and might have hurt peoples feelings with harsh words, it’s just that I don’t like to be answered with mindless comments such as “his mothers fathers uncle sister uncle … ” or ” he was appointed by syria…” or “we have to respect the constitution” the only time where we shouldn’t!
(BV the UN delimitation of the border ARE ignored, syria does not respect the border! Which lebanese respect his flag or the 10452? and please who respect our institutions?)

If I may propose Mustapha, would you please start 2 posts with the following subjects:
- Should we respect the Constitution? or a new one is necessary?
- What is the way out from todays crises? Is a military government a good or bad option?
what do you think?

HUMULITY IS UN-LEBANESE. The man is unfit to be president.

I have similar stories about Siniora (when he was Finance Minister), and Nassib Lahoud (when he was a member of parliament). In fact, I even have a story like that about Fares Boueiz.

I have a lot of nasty stories about Michel Aoun, but I bet he has his good days two.

I have remarkably good things to say about President Lahoud’s behavior. He’s remarkably charming and gracious in person. I’ve met him a number of times, and he’s never done anything to make me think ill of him. I personally overheard him instruct his staff to give a large tip to the hotel staff when he was traveling abroad. Does that mean that he’s a good president?

Ralf says (BV the UN delimitation of the border ARE ignored, syria does not respect the border! Which lebanese respect his flag or the 10452? and please who respect our institutions?)

That’s my point, Ralf! We have to start SOMEWHERE. If no one ever respects any of our institutions, why bother calling it a country? If we have any hope of enforcing the borders, the sovereignty, etc. we have to AT LEAST start by looking a bit serious about our constitution, our presidential elections, and the laws inside Lebanon. Otherwise, might as well pack up and move to Somalia.

Ralf, I’ll answer your 2 questions:

1. We SHOULD respect the constitution.
2. We need a new one. But it should be created through the state’s institutions, in a constitutional way (i don’t know the details of how our constitution allows for amendments, but you get the idea).

We cannot simply say “We don’t like the current constitution, we need a new one, so let’s ignore the old one in the meantime.”

That is my opinion. For what it’s worth.
I’ve already explained that following the latter course of action would result in zero respect for any new constitution, laws, and our state as a whole. You simply cannot have someone randomly publish a piece of paper and say “There’s your new constitution.” That stuff has to be done within the constructs of the system (as currently flawed as it might be).

Military president/gov. = Democracy in danger

It’s as simple as that.

goddamn stupid restaurant story!!! Again I repeat, I did not write this story to say : “here is our new president!” I wrote the story to tell the others who were attacking Sleiman blindly that they better know the guy before criticizing him so bluntly. As i witnessed his humbleness, and know lots of people in his town of Amchit that really respect him without being politicaly on his side (that is if he has a political side), I just said that the guy does not deserve the criticismes based on silly rumors that other bloggers were saying. That was the point of the comment that was transformed into the subject of a post without my knowledge and not in its integrity. (What did you do ya Mustapha ;-) ) I sure agree that being civilised in a restaurant does not mean that you are a good president. DUH! So stop commenting on this story and look at other good things that this man Sleiman has done and that are on the comment but no one wants to talk about, like for instance the lebanese army transforming from one day to another from the maniacs that would kick your ass and send you to Noura Palace if you dont have your military papers on a checkpoint, to lebanese brothers that are here to protect our rights!

Ralf,

I don’t think anyone here has questioned Suleiman being a nice guy, or assaulted his character.

The responses were not at YOUR post, but rather at Mustapha’s initial post about whether a “nice guy” was enough of a reason to qualify as president. The answer to which is NO.

Now stop getting worked up and have some Arak or a beer, on me! :)

Ya Nadim, where do you see democracy in Lebanon? Ya Bad Vilbel where do you see a constitution in Lebanon?
Those 2 words and many others does not exist in our country.
You want to start something, lets not start it on wrong bases.
Taef is our Diktat! “They” wrote “our” constitution when the country was 15 parts or more. Was there a referendum on the Taef? No! Was there a newly elected parliament , a government when Taef was written? NO!!!
If we want to build things from scratch than it is more than time for a revolution or a military coup. This is how real changes begin. When the past is erased and a new present is born. I am a lebanese and I don’t see the logic in our constitution naming 3 heads for the state, a president, PM and a Speaker. I don’t understand why all must agree on the president and on the government member and the Speaker (That is in the constitution ya BV and it is anti-democratic by excellence)thats why i propose again, lets discuss the Taef constitution and we will all see that it holds only the name constitution but as a book of laws and rights its CRAP, and it must not be respected for the sake of teh future of our country.

Cheers BV!
For the record my name is not ralf Sleiman, i’m not defending my father here. You answered the question of BSpring in your comments, but the others went on cursing Sleiman while they follow Aoun, Geagea, Jumblat, Nabih and all the other douchebags. And that truly drove me nuts. you right, i’d better go back to my work and forget that whole siliness that never got us anywhere.
One Almaza from me to you ;-)

They used to say similar stuff about Lahoud. I wasn’t fooled then, and I am not fooled now.

Ralf,

I agree with you that our constitution sucks. I agree with you that Taef is a dictat.
I agree with you the whole thing needs revising.

But you seem to be suggesting that a military coup or a revolution is the answer. If this revolution was coming from the Lebanese people, then I might be on board with you. But when said coup is orchestrated in DAMASCUS, it smells like just another diktat. You wanna replace one diktat with another? What good is that?

ralf,
Let me add that if you’ve followed my posts here and on my own blog for any time, you’d know that i COMPLETELY agree with you about how undemocratic it is to have the “consensus” candidate. I was ranting and raving about that very point around the time of the Metn elections.
I never understood how these idiots could use the word “democracy” while at the same time trying to take the choice out of the people’s hands, by imposing “consensus candidates” that run unopposed, because all the leaders (with no input from the people) agree on them.

Removing the choice from the people’s hands leads to a lack of accountability. As long as leaders keep picking each other for posts (amongst each others), there is absolutely no way for us to hold them accountable.

So yeah, I agree, this whole system is undemocratic and needs to go. And as you said WE need to discuss Taef and a new constitution. Emphasis on WE, the Lebanese, the people. Revolution are born from within, and from the populace.
I think you’re under the impression that an imposed military ruler is some sort of revolution. It isn’t. Not when this name is imposed from outside.

Michel Sleiman is qualified to become President because of his past actions towars the criticial situation in Lebanon :
- Wisdom dealing with the Cedar Revolution on March 14th 2005.
- His presence at Walid Ido’s funeral with Hariri.
- Reaction towards Syrian trash in Naher El Bared. While being diplomatic of not pointing Syria is a question to be discussed.
- Condemning Israel wars which is important point for the Lebanese Shiaa.

In other words, Sleiman has proven to be wise, patriotic and he’s PURE 100% LEBANSE. He puts Lebanon as his #1 Priority: taking ditance from Syria, Iran, and the West at the same time.
Which is the opposite to March 8th and their ideological link to Qum and Tehran. And it is diffrent from March 14th,where they’re giving Great Sacrifices but unable to rely on real groud force to protect their life and assure security. Therefore Sleiman could help March 14th by his moderation and with respect to the Rule of Law.

Sorry Sam,

Those are not valid qualifications.

Besides, how do you know his #1 priority is Lebanon? How do you know he won’t take orders from anywhere else? Your word against mine?

I’d like to remind everyone that Suleiman has been in charge of the Army for 9 years. This is the same Army that had to beg for helmets, flak jackets and bullets on the second day of the camp battle.
This needs explaining. Suleiman was imposed by Syria in the beginning, and he was left in place by the current Government, but he did not improve the Army any in the last 2 years … why is that?

[...] • Back in August, I argued precisely for what Mr. Jumblat is doing today • I then Called Mr. Suleiman the inevitable candidate • I also shared an anecdote about him that a reader posted • In September I pinpointed the one word Mr. Suleiman likes to be associated with. [...]