A Quick Note To Minister Gebran Bassil

Hey, I’m sure you have a great plan for fixing the electricity in Lebanon. But since when was “take my word for it” a good strategy in a coalition cabinet that has no warmth between its members?

Your partners, Messrs. Jumblat, Safadi and Miqati are right to ask for more disclosure on how you want to spend $1.2 Billion dollars (with a “b”). This cabinet was from its foundation characterized by lack of trust between its members (which is okay). You shouldn’t expect them to just sign off on your demands. Checks and balances are meant to strengthen democracies. This is not personal.

Stop being indignant and stop calling your partners names. Play along. Draft a detailed plan on where the money will go and publish it for all the Lebanese to see. We all want better electricity, and if we’re convinced by your plan, we’ll pressure our representatives to support you..