Moscow Won’t Accept a 50+1 President — Albalad

The big bear decides yet again to stand in the way of American policy in the region

If one is to believe Albalad’s “sources”, it seems Russia would consider a 50+1 President illegitimate. The fact the Mr. Putin summoned Mr. Hariri for a visit tomorrow makes this more likely.

Why is Russia doing this?

This has nothing to do with Lebanon, it is about general Russian policy. Emboldened by new oil wealth, the Russians have been charting an independent foreign policy that often stands in the way of US designs, from Kosovo to Iran and now to Lebanon.

It’s easy to misunderstand the Russian position as support for Hezbollah or Iran. But that’s not the case. Although Russia is against a 50+1, it also against a two government solution. What it seems to want is -wait for it- “a consensus President”.

Also Read:

Russia Clashes With U.S. on Mideast Policy -February 07- (Washington Post)

Related Beirut Spring post:

• In October 2005, I was mad at Russia because it didn’t want to vote for sanctions against Syria.