How can we be balanced in receiving the Syrian Foreign Minister?
Fine, we should begrudgingly try to open a new page with Syria. We should focus on our interests and not on our resentments..etc, but am I the only one who finds today’s Daily Star editorial troubling?
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem’s visit to Beirut today will represent an opportunity for Lebanese politicians to cultivate a friendship with a man who could prove to be an indispensable ally to their country. Moallem comes to Lebanon with a proven track record of overcoming monumental challenges: As foreign minister he has most recently overseen Damascus’ return from isolation at a time when it seemed as though Syria would never be able to regain its place in the international fold. Just as Syria has benefited from Moallem’s efforts, Lebanon can be reap the rewards of Moallem’s diplomatic prowess if Lebanese politicians use Monday’s visit to begin building an alliance with the Syrian minister.
What’s with all the groveling? We’re talking about a man who only last week threatened us with more violence if we don’t form a new government.
Really, what do you think our best attitude toward Mouallem should be?
Hello, my name is Mustapha and I've been blogging about Lebanese society, business and politics since February 2005.
Sorry to say it but Syria effectively controls Lebanon through Hezbollah and other groups. I wonder if our so called government will be pressuring Syria to release Lebanese prisoners. or even better if HA will ask Syria to let lebanese prisnoers return to their parents. As a lebeanse living in Australia i think our so called politician are puppets of the syrian regime from nasrallah to the president.
By the way Mustafa love your blog keep up the good work.
Honestly, why are you surprised? The Daily Star has had its nose firmly planted between Assad’s and Nasrallah’s cheeks for a while now, thanks to the bootlicking of the managing editor, Marc Sirot. It’s disgusting, but that’s kneejerk and unthinking anti-Americanism for you. He and some of his cronies automatically call all Christians “fascists” because of the ideology of the LF and the Phalange.
The DS has been an embarrassment for ages.
“Fine, we should begrudgingly try to open a new page with Syria.”
Mus, Can I respectfully ask why ? Who said so ?
In Lebanon’ sectarian politics, the Daily Star tends to be on Berri’s side. Each paper in Lebanon caters to a given master…
But knowing who runs what, one can read between the lines. AS long as one does not read daily.
TDS is just a rag…Espousing to kiss the fat murderer’s ass is amazing!!
I guess the DS is so devoid of ideas they have decided to elevate “the teacher” to new heights of a supreme politician/magician/diplomat…
Did we miss something???
Why not re-establish relations? I think the Syrians and the Lebanese share a lot in common. Their fat lying scheming murdering politicians really aren’t that different from ours you know.
@Z
yes, we’re like brothers – Cain & Abel. I just don’t like to be casted by our “leaders” in the Abel part/role.
This begs a return trip to an old problem: how to make the “sheeple” (where are you BV ???) hold those who are voted accountable ? Even within sectarian lines this doesn’t happen…. the few choose how the many will act – and they act.
Pardon my french, but if the “fat bastard” represents and “opportunity” I wonder what will come out of Pres.Sleiman’s visit, is it back to Hrawi days? IF the relations between Lebanon and Syria are to be well set and it should be within the frames of the Arab League and the UN and definitely not through those wretched agreements signed in the 90s, nor with Nasri Khory and his council of tutelage. Muallem’s visit is not a step in the right direction, its a major setback. As for the DS, its really turned into a rag!
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