Sowar: Stunning Civil War Photos

With all this talk of a deja-vu fighting, Sowar, a specialized photo magazine has published a special issue on the civil war. You can check a sample of the issue online for free here, or go to their website for print editions.
PS: if you think you have a website that will interest the readers of [...]

Organized Terror Will Always Trump Armed Mobs

The latest Tripoli explosion is a sign that the pro-Syrian Alawites are shifting their tactics. To survive, the supporters of the Future Movement will have to adapt.

The Tripoli front.
The pro-Syrian Alawites have always been a minority in Tripoli, but two things have given them advantage in the past: A strategic geographical isolation with access control, [...]

Quick Note

Many things are going on in my life right now (moving houses + extra work + newly pregnant wife :) ), so my deepest apologies for not updating Beirut Spring as much as you’re used to. (besides, despite all the manufactured stories intended to bolster negotiation positions for the formation of the new government, these [...]

Is It Time For The US To Talk With Syria?

Senators John Kerry (Dem.) and Chuck Hagel (Rep.) seem to think so in an article in the Wall Street Journal.

A Political Necessity For Mr. Hariri

The Future Movement’s stance was politically important for Mr. Hariri, but it won’t be a major hurdle to the formation of a new government.
Imad Zaghloul, an FM supporter hospitalized after being attacked by mobs. (source: Almustaqbal)
Yesterday, Mr. Saad Hariri “suspended” the Future Movement’s contribution in the cabinet Line-up talks. The move was in protest against [...]

Scrambling To Save Aoun’s Face

Enemies and friends are Rushing to give the jilted General consolation prizes. Will that be enough to calm his sense of bitterness?

The first to make me smile will win…(photo source: Libération)
It can be argued that the person who lost most from the Doha accord was General Michel Aoun. According to March 14, the hapless [...]

Iran’s 5 Principles Of Middle East Hegemony

We have spoken at length about how Iran’s influence is growing in the region, but a 5-point summing up of their tactics will do no harm, right?
Thomas Friedman, It’s all about leverage, New York Times:
The “Iran & Friends” strategy is built on five principles:
Principle No. 1: Always seek “control without responsibility.” In Lebanon, Gaza [...]