Professor Ibrahim Najjar’s powerful and progressive stances in domestic law make him a potentially strong ally for women’s groups.

Forget what Speaker Berri said to PM Seniora about him “wasting” the Ministry of Justice by giving it to the Lebanese Forces. Professor Ibrahim Najjar, the LF’s choice for the seat, commands great respect in Lebanese legal circles, even in those related to Mr. Berri.

What sets Mr. Najjar aside is his field of specialization. Mr. Najjar wrote many books and treatises on domestic issues with a distinct libertarian emphasis. A quick look at his impressive bibliography and you’ll understand why women’s groups like the Campaign for Arab Women’s Right To Nationality will be salivating at his nomination.

Lebanon has many antiquated domestic laws, like the fact that a women, unlike men, can’t give their nationalities to their children if they marry non Lebanese men, or that women need to secure their husbands’ approval before traveling. Laws like these hang on in the system because the people at the top didn’t really care about them and didn’t devote any energy to straighten them out.

Granted, the Minister of Justice isn’t the person who legislates new laws, but having such a passionate advocate in such a high position can only be a good thing for Lebanese women.