What He Said, What He Meant

Two statements by two different men can be taken for face value, or understood cynically. This post gives them the benefit of the doubt.

1- Patriarch Sfeir said that the Presidency has to be highly respected.

Cynical interpretation: The Patriarch would rather have a criminal Christian at the top than see his mandate shortened. In other words: President Lahhoud should stay.

Benefit of the doubt: The Christians are squabbling among themselves and they can’t make up their minds yet on who should be the next President. The Patriarch just wants to give this power struggle its due time.

2- John Bolton said that the investigation should be able to interview President Assad.

Cynical interpretation: The Americans want to humiliate yet another Arab Leader.

Benefit of the Doubt: The Americans are trying to make it easier for Bashar to broker a deal with them at the expense of Assef shawkat and other men who could be more powerful than him.