“Breakthrough” On Electricity Plan

Apparently a compromise that pleases all sides was reached on the vaunted Bassil electricity plan. One of the more interesting ideas in the compromise is the inclusion of Electricity de France in a supervisory role (technical and financial).

If the ruling coalition manages to pull this off and people eventually feel that they’re getting more electricity, this would be great for the Lebanese people but a serious political setback for March 14.

Some will argue, sensibly, that Basil’s electrical plan is a disaster. But that really doesn’t matter in Lebanese politics. The reconstruction of Beirut by Mr. Hariri was arguably very wasteful, involved a lot of corruption, “theft” and property loss. But the very fact that the job was done earned Mr. Rafik Hariri his popularity and the political reputation that he accomplishes things.

If the present government pulls that off, Mr. Saad Hariri could be in for a serious long-term challenge.