A Trap

The kidnapping (and now, killing) of two P.S.P youths should be seen for what it is: An attempt at provocation.

One look at the comments section in Naharnet’s coverage of the incident is enough to give us a clear idea of how high the feelings are running in Lebanon right now. A PSP sympathizer threatens from his comfortable seat in Dubai that they will “hunt Hezbollah Down”. Another hot head from, you guessed it, Dallas TX makes it more clear: “Return them or else”.
 
It is not yet clear who kidnapped Ziad Ghandour and Ziad Kabalan (pictured), but the objective might precisely be the “or else” above. An “Anonymous source” (always anonymous) throws in the theory that it might be a vendetta act from Hezbollah members to revenge the killing of one of their own.
 
The country is rife with rumors, politicians are scrambling to contain the situation and armed forces have spread all over Beirut to establish security. What’s imperative right now is that we all stand back from the brink and cool our heads.
 
Perhaps something good might come out of this incident too. For the first time in months, Druze leader walid Jumblat spoke with Speaker Berri. Let’s hope that this crisis ends and turns into an opportunity.