Lee Smith reviews Brookings Institute scholar Kenneth Pollack's new book in Slate this week.
Smith argues, "The paradox is that one of our [America's] sharpest limitations is that we believe democracy is a universal cure-all, good for all people at all times, when that is almost certainly not the case."
Sadly, I agree, to a certain degree, with Smith.
Smith seems to believe that Arab culture and society are not prepared for democracy because Middle Eastern states do not exist. In countries that could be described as states, like in the Gulf, the countries are by no means liberal, and primarily operate through local familial connections. Their visa and citizenship requirements guarantee that the foreign working populations develop no long term attachments to their places of residence, or if they do, that they understand and abide by how the local system works.
Where I differ with Smith is in my idealism. I would like to believe that democracies are predicated on constitutions. The Arab nationalists of the 60s, and even many pro-Syrian and pro-Western Lebanese politicians today also believe this, which is why they argue so vehemently over government policy statements (as is happening in the Beirut Serail as I write).
Americans are not incorrect to believe in democracy. In some places, democracy is an easy fix to a constitutional/ governmental quandary. After the fall of the Soviet Union, many Central and Eastern European countries saw the value of joining their Western European brethren in a democratic community. Social networks and cultures crushed under the weight of Soviet oppression desired a panacea and found it in joining the democratic world and the European Union.
However, these people had an incentive to join. They had something to gain. The Soviet Union, on which they relied, failed, and they needed an immediate fix to their desperate problems. The United States and Europe came along.
Nothing is promised for democracies in the Middle East. If anything, the Lebanese example tells the Emirati that they are better off without a democratic system. Could they have done nearly as much in the last 20 years if they were like the Lebanese, a playground for regional actors, rife with corruption.
As MP Farid el-Khazen noted, in 1975 when Franco died, would Spain have become a functioning democracy if the countries around it were not? Would it have become a democracy if France was struggling with a civil war?
In the end, this post is more about Lebanon than Middle East democracy. This should not be surprising given that Lebanon is the only Arabic speaking Middle Eastern country with a heritage of democracy, regardless of how plagued and dissimilar to Western democracy it is.
The primary problem with Lebanon is that the Constitution is not applicable to the society it governs. The Francophone constitution represents a model in which one faction can rule benificently over minorities, from the center/ capital with no other form of representation. However, even the majority faction was divided when the Constitution came into being, and the minority was more of an opposition than a pliant recipient of majority good will.
Taef was not the solution for Lebanon. Lebanon is in need of a constitutional convention to re-evaluate the management of the country.
The end of foreign occupation of the country - which happened both in 2000 and 2005 - could have been a useful opportunity for such a discussion. However, in 2000 the occupation of only one party ended. In 2005, the occupation of another party ended, but the interests of that party remained.
Given the activities of foreign actors and foreign-allied actors in Lebanon (a senior member of Fatah was assassinated today in Ain el Helwe), this period is one of crisis, rather than a post-occupation calm, like that experienced in the United States, Eastern Europe, and many other post-Colonial democracies. Also unfortunate, is the fact that years of war entrenched warlords in power rather than enlightened warriors fighting for their people, not just for themselves.
President Sleiman will convene a national dialogue. Hopefully, something will come of it. If not, the hope of Lebanese nationalists, idealists, and supporters of Arab democracy will die.
The Middle East has been very good at murdering idealism and forcing individuals to conform to the tribal, sectarian rubrique.
We could be left with an international opinion about the Middle East similar to Smith's. If we want to support Lebanese democracy, now is the time to do it.
If we want war, there are far more interested parties willing to supply us with weapons than those willing to support our democratic gambit.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Lebanese Reactions to Qantar's Release
My friends and I were in a pub this evening when Samir Qantar spoke.
I wanted to see and listen to the speak, but the pub owner intentionally turned off the television to prevent just such viewing and conversations.
Regardless, friends arriving late (which is expected in Lebanon), told us about the contents of the speech. I apologize to all those offended, but I was not expecting much. Samir Qantar was imprisoned in his teens. Unlike most of my friends, who doubt Qantar's intellectual capabilities based merely on his presentation, I am willing to give the man a second chance. According to al-Akhbar, he reads the Arabic press on a daily basis.
Regardless, the man has been imprisoned for years, and has not been honing is speech making abilities. If any, Qantar in Naqoura looked surprised by his reception. He truly appreciated the welcome he received.
Unfortunately, Lebanon does not provide much more than this day to him. Hezbollah might try to nominate him for a parliamentary seat, but his speech today manifests that he must take a few years to practice his political skills. Obviously, this is a man who has been imprisoned since his teens. If Antoine Zahra and Gebran Bassil have trouble giving proper interviews to a perspicacious Lebanese interviewer, imagine what the Lebanese media would do to Qantar.
I wanted to see and listen to the speak, but the pub owner intentionally turned off the television to prevent just such viewing and conversations.
Regardless, friends arriving late (which is expected in Lebanon), told us about the contents of the speech. I apologize to all those offended, but I was not expecting much. Samir Qantar was imprisoned in his teens. Unlike most of my friends, who doubt Qantar's intellectual capabilities based merely on his presentation, I am willing to give the man a second chance. According to al-Akhbar, he reads the Arabic press on a daily basis.
Regardless, the man has been imprisoned for years, and has not been honing is speech making abilities. If any, Qantar in Naqoura looked surprised by his reception. He truly appreciated the welcome he received.
Unfortunately, Lebanon does not provide much more than this day to him. Hezbollah might try to nominate him for a parliamentary seat, but his speech today manifests that he must take a few years to practice his political skills. Obviously, this is a man who has been imprisoned since his teens. If Antoine Zahra and Gebran Bassil have trouble giving proper interviews to a perspicacious Lebanese interviewer, imagine what the Lebanese media would do to Qantar.
Prisoners in Helicopter
The 5 former prisoners are getting in a helicopter on the way to the Beirut Airport.
None of the prisoners spoke to the crowd in Naqoura.
None of the prisoners spoke to the crowd in Naqoura.
Return Celebration Occuring in Naqoura
The 5 former prisoners are wearing Lebanese Army uniforms. None these people fought for the Lebanese Army when they were caught, thus their uniforms suggest an coordinated effort to brand this event as one that unifies Lebanon.
The international media is heavily covering the events. The events in Lebanon are getting far more coverage than on the Israeli side. The jubilation on the Lebanese side is being compared with the somber tone on the Israeli side.
No live prisoners were returned to Israel.
The international media is heavily covering the events. The events in Lebanon are getting far more coverage than on the Israeli side. The jubilation on the Lebanese side is being compared with the somber tone on the Israeli side.
No live prisoners were returned to Israel.
5 Prisoners Back in Lebanon
The five Lebanese prisoners are in Lebanon. Soon, they will take a helicopter to Beirut to meet:
the Lebanese President,
Prime Minister,
Speaker of Parliament,
Lebanese cabinet,
the heads of all branches of Lebanese security and intelligence services,
other Lebanese leaders and dignitaries,
the Iranian Ambassador,
the German Ambassador,
the commander of UNIFIL,
and others.
the Lebanese President,
Prime Minister,
Speaker of Parliament,
Lebanese cabinet,
the heads of all branches of Lebanese security and intelligence services,
other Lebanese leaders and dignitaries,
the Iranian Ambassador,
the German Ambassador,
the commander of UNIFIL,
and others.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Qantar is a Criminal
I am glad that the Lebanese in Israeli prisons will be returned to Lebanon.
The soldiers captured in the 2006 war were pawns in Hezbollah's scheme, and it is good that they will return to their families. However, Samir Qantar is a different story.
It is true: many Lebanese who committed horrific crimes during the civil war should be imprisoned. The murderers of Sabra, Shatila, Bhamdoun, Souk al Garb, Damour, Tell al Zaater, the wars of the camps, and more go unpunished. However, few of those civil war crimes were specifically identified. Individual A was never accused of being guilty of killing Victim B.
Regarding Samir Qantar, the crime is evident. Qantar killed Israeli government personnel and civilians during a raid in the middle of a war. However, he also killed a four year old girl by smashing a rock into her head. There is no excuse on Earth to justify that action, and there is no way that I can ever say that this man is a hero. Any man willing to smash in the head of a 4 year old child with a rock should remain in prison for the rest of his life.
My disgust has no words... My tears...
War is horrible. Horrible things happen. Many of the most horrible events go undocumented. When horrendous events are documented, one has a moral duty to take those issues into account. If one does not, one is morally worse than his enemy and spiritually bereft. Any moral arguments for war and a righteous cause evaporate when one accepts disgusting, horrendous, reprehensible acts as normal, or even heroic.
Now, we hear in al-Akhbar newspaper that Hezbollah wants Qantar to run for parliament. Obviously, Druze leader and PSP chief Walid Jumblatt might oppose this. However, Qantar might run with Hezbollah's support.
Nothing would say more about Hezbollah's ethics than for them to nominate Qantar. The party claims moral legitimacy, but their actions defy their rhetorical claims.
The soldiers captured in the 2006 war were pawns in Hezbollah's scheme, and it is good that they will return to their families. However, Samir Qantar is a different story.
It is true: many Lebanese who committed horrific crimes during the civil war should be imprisoned. The murderers of Sabra, Shatila, Bhamdoun, Souk al Garb, Damour, Tell al Zaater, the wars of the camps, and more go unpunished. However, few of those civil war crimes were specifically identified. Individual A was never accused of being guilty of killing Victim B.
Regarding Samir Qantar, the crime is evident. Qantar killed Israeli government personnel and civilians during a raid in the middle of a war. However, he also killed a four year old girl by smashing a rock into her head. There is no excuse on Earth to justify that action, and there is no way that I can ever say that this man is a hero. Any man willing to smash in the head of a 4 year old child with a rock should remain in prison for the rest of his life.
My disgust has no words... My tears...
War is horrible. Horrible things happen. Many of the most horrible events go undocumented. When horrendous events are documented, one has a moral duty to take those issues into account. If one does not, one is morally worse than his enemy and spiritually bereft. Any moral arguments for war and a righteous cause evaporate when one accepts disgusting, horrendous, reprehensible acts as normal, or even heroic.
Now, we hear in al-Akhbar newspaper that Hezbollah wants Qantar to run for parliament. Obviously, Druze leader and PSP chief Walid Jumblatt might oppose this. However, Qantar might run with Hezbollah's support.
Nothing would say more about Hezbollah's ethics than for them to nominate Qantar. The party claims moral legitimacy, but their actions defy their rhetorical claims.
Friday, July 11, 2008
New Cabinet: Not that Great
I'm glad there is a new Lebanese government (for information on political affiliation, see NOW Lebanon. However, their data is not entirely correct. For example, they list both Ibrahim Shamsedine and Tarek Mitri as Information Minister). I am not happy with the cabinet composition.
Last year, Michael Young predicted in the Daily Star that if Saad Hariri wanted to assume the office of prime minister, he would be forced to appoint a cabinet of ministers composed of major sectarian political players from different regions in Lebanon. Although Saad is not PM, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's cabinet seems to have this composition, which is a major disappointment.
The good:
1. Ziad Baroud, Minister of Interior. Baroud brought together a diverse and encompassing group to create a new electoral law for Lebanon that represents minority and majority interests from all different perspectives. The law is infeasible in Lebanon's current climate, but sets the standard for humane, ethical, and equitable democratic representation in Lebanon.
I have no doubt he will ethically and competently serve Lebanon in his capacity as the chief law enforcer in Lebanon. [Full disclosure: I know the Minister personally, and happen to like him].
Baroud's appointment is also a statement of President Sleiman's commitment to Lebanon. Baroud is one of President Sleiman's 3 cabinet appointees. I know nothing of their personal or familial relationship, but the fact that Baroud is serving in this cabinet is encouraging.
2. Elias Murr, Minister of Defense. Minister Murr is a political appointee, but serves as if he is a technocrat. He was an excellent Interior Minister, and even better as Minister of Defense. He knows the political obligations of his position, but ensures that his ministry is constantly improving and working to meet international standards.
Politically, he and his father, Metn MP and za'im Michel el-Murr, balance between the competing influences in Lebanon. He supported former President Emile Lahoud, then support the 14 March Coalition when the situation required it of him, and is now representing President Michel Sleiman.
This could be interpreted as political opportunism or the machinations of a political family trying to constantly maintain their grip on power, however, the excellent job Murr has done in his position suggests a realistic and competent defense of Lebanon and Lebanese sovereignty.
President Sleiman appointed Murr, as well.
3. Raymond Audi, Minister of the Displaced. I know little about Raymond Audi's political background. I have an account with his bank, and I have met him on a few apolitical occasions. The Minister collects and appreciates art, which is a shared interest.
Regardless, a banker and financier assuming a ministry allegedly reputed as one of the best for graft and embezzlement, could be a positive development.
However, it is not necessarily a positive development that one of the wealthiest and most prominent Lebanese citizens is filling a position that could go to a less prominent and wealthy expert in the field.
4. Muhammed Khalifeh, Minister of Health. Khalifeh was an excellent Health Minister in the previous government. Unfortunately, his Amal political affiliation forced him to resign from his position before the end of his term, but he still upheld the highest of standards.
A few months ago, Hezbollah spread rumors that the Future Movement would support Khalifeh as Minister of Health in the next government, given his capabilities. This was not just a swipe at Amal (rumored to actively endorse embezzlement), but a vote of confidence in a capable minister.
5. Tarek Mitri, Minister of Information. I am not sure what the Minister of Information does. I know that journalists receive their press credentials from the Ministry. PSP MP Ghazi Aridi has occupied the position for so long, I generally associate it as the ministry for eloquent government spokespeople.
Regardless, Mitri is a technocrat par excellence. He joined the previous government as one of President Lahoud's appointees, but continued to serve in a prominent capacity in the 14 March government as the "opposition" resigned.
Mitri was the best post-war Minister of Culture, and (no insult to Minister Aridi - who has received a portfolio boost) will probably be the best post-war Minister of Information. He's competent, qualified, dignified, and highly competent.
The bad:
1. Elie Skaff, Minister of Agriculture. Do I need to explain? It has been publicly alleged that Skaff profited massively from his previous Ministerial posts.
Skaff dominates Zahle and West Bekaa politics. The man is quite genial. He has an excellent sense of humor, and his politics are not sectarian. Future Movement Sunnis in the West Bekaa love Skaff just as much Greek Catholics in Zahle.
However, naming him to this portfolio is a blatantly political attempt to provide aid to Bekaa farmers in an effort to win over votes in the next parliamentary elections for himself, Michel Aoun, and pro-Syrian allies (perhaps, Abdel Rahim Mrad), against supporters of the Future Movement and other 14 March parties.
2. Gebran Bassil, Minister of Telecommunications. Telecommunications? Seriously? Why, because he dominates the Lebanese airwaves so much?
Bassil is regularled criticized for being ill-prepared for television interviews. His political rise is entirely tied to his marriage to Michel Aoun's daughter. FPM members claim he is brilliant, and singlehandedly crafted their "Memorandum of Understanding" with Hezbollah. 14 March supporters claim the man is the incompetent scion of the Aounist establishment.
Such an important Ministry? Really?
At this time, Lebanon needs a truly competent person in this position. Why not the allegedly competent Issam Abu Jamra? (Oh, yeah. That's because Aoun wanted to steal the ceremonial "deputy prime minister" from Elias el-Murr).
Former Telecommunications Minister Marwan Hamade was reputed to leave the majority of day to day business to his operations officer, who is also the head of Ogero. However, Hamade's political view - primarily his interest in safeguarding his personal safety (he was a target of assassination in 2004) and that of his associates - provided impetus to guarantee that the Interior Ministry and UN investigating team had access to the necessary telephone files.
I know the former Minister personally, and he is a highly intelligent man. His political view, however, might have also stifled the privatization of Lebanon's telecommunications networks, as his Future Movement chief operations officer is rumored to be making present decisions based on an interest in becoming the future CEO of a privatized Ogero. The head of Ogero is competent, but I hear there needs to be a bit more oversight in the ministry. Will Bassil provide it?
Hamade's son also owns a telecommunications firm, which was a blatant conflict of interest for the former minister, which is sadly expect in Lebanon (please don't cancel my internet account).
If Bassil takes aggressive action, I will support him the entire way. If, while in this position, he behaves like the Aounist political partisan he has for the last three years, I will be utterly disgusted, especially at this crucial time.
Thankfully, the heads of Ogero, MTC, and Alfa are highly intelligent and competent individuals. Given their competence, if Bassil decides to use his post for political purposes alone, Lebanon will be fine. If he chooses to stifle March 14 investigations into assassinations, his post will be devastating for Lebanon.
3. Talal Arslan, Minister of Youth and Sports. Seriously? Arslan? Come on, opposition. Do you really hate Waleed Jumblatt that much? I guess so. Thanks for letting him know where you stand. If you nominated Wiam Wahhab during the cabinet negotiations for the position, you would have even more blatantly let all of us know your fealty to the Syrian regime. Oh, wait. You did that by annointing Ali Qanso as a Minister of State.
The expected:
1. Bahia Hariri, Minister of Education. I understand the political calculations for naming Hariri to this position, but is there any way she could be construed as a technocrat? Sadly, I don't think so.
Hariri has suffered significantly with the assassination of her brother, the daily attacks on her family's reputation, and the threats to her personal safety. Regardless, I can think of no other reason to appoint her to this ministry other than in preparation for the next elections. Hezbollah, the Saad family, and other powerful families in Saida have the strength to sweep Bahia Hariri out of her seat in the qada during the next elections, if 14 March is not aggressive.
But seriously, education? I guess the Hariri's used to give a lot of education grants, but they significantly decreased those efforts in 1998.
Hariri deserves a cabinet seat. My disappointment is that there are so many qualified educators in Lebanon who truly deserve this position who would make it their personal priority to better the quality of education in Lebanon. If Lebanon produces anything, it is educated and brilliant minds, many of whom serve as teachers and professors in Lebanon, and also the majority of others who pursue careers abroad.
2. Muhammad Chattah, Minister of Finance. Chattah is a smart man. He is dignified and loyal.
He also happens to be from Tripoli, which will be the sight of a major electoral battle during the next elections, especially if Muhammad Safadi, Najib Miqati, and Omar Karami unite and throw money at the locals.
Chattah has the required experience for this crucial position. He is also one of the most trusted Hariri/Siniora aides. Yet, Jihad Azour was excellent as Minister of Finance. He won international awards, was loved by his staff, and has international credibility.
I understand that the Future Movement was limited in the number of Christian ministers it could appoint. I understand that Hezbollah/Amal tried to name all of the Shia ministers, so Future tried to name all of the Sunni ministers. I understand that Chattah is competent and credible and will probably do an excellent job. But shouldn't Future fight to be able to appoint competent Christian ministers, or at least urge Future's Christian political allies to lend a spot to a technocrat? Shouldn't the Future Movement award competence?
I am happy that a competent person is in the position of Finance Minister. I am also happy that Chattah was named as a member of the cabinet. He would serve well in any cabinet position.
However, I do not like that his appointment can be construed as being made for blatantly political and sectarian reasons, and that a highly competent, technocratic, successful, admirable person was removed from the cabinet.
3. Khaled Qabbani, Minister of State. Seriously, Future Movement, what does Qabbani do for you? I'm being entirely serious.
In the previous government, he was education minister. Did he serve with particular distinction?
In the previous government, he made a ridiculous fuss about the Habtoor Grand Hotel being a story too tall. It was a non-decorous move.
Is he that important for the next elections? Siniora, is he that good of an adviser? Or, do you just like his tinted glasses, and the fact that he follows you around everywhere and looks like a pious Muslim when you pray in front of television cameras?
4. Tamam Salam, Minister of Culture. Come oooooooon, Future Movement. This move is so blatantly political, it is ridiculous.
Salam is a good guy. He's from a prominent Sunni Beiruti family. Getting him on your side helps you prevent Salim al-Hoss and other pro-Syrian Sunnis in Beirut from winning a seat or two in the newly apportioned Beirut parliamentary districts.
However, after an excellent technocratic Minister of Culture like Tarek Mitri, Salam seems like an entirely political appointee. I'm not saying that he will not do a phenomenal job. He might. But your reasons for choosing him, Mitri's excellent tenure, and the huge possibility that he will use the trappings of his office without returning the favor to the Lebanese people who democratically elected the parliament that appoints him is reason enough for me to be disappointed. Please, please, please, surprise me with your competence, sense of duty, and interest in defending Lebanon's cultural freedom, Minister Salam. I apologize for my skepticism in advance.
5. Everybody else. Pretty much all of the other ministers are expected and their appointments made for political reasons, so I won't comment on them. The above ministers are the ones that most inspired/ disappointed me.
Obviously, many ministers received their positions based on pragmatic politics, not competence. However, this cabinet is much better than it would have been if political views were the only justification for appointments. There is plenty of competence.
Obviously, I am also much more disappointed with the Future Movement than with other parties. This, obviously, shows my bias and the fact that I expect more from PM Siniora than I do from, say, Elie Skaff and Ali Qanso.
I have come to expect a certain type of behavior and a certain display of moral and ethical values from Amal and Hezbollah, which makes me surprised when a compentent and qualified person like Muhammad Khalifeh is appointed as a minister.
The PSP cabinet selections are expected. I am surprised that Marwan Hamade is not a minister in the current government. However, losing a seat to Talal Arslan was probably a difficult compromise to make, as well.
I do not know why Waleed Jumblatt continues to appoint Wael Abou Faour to positions. This is not to say anything about about Minister of State (ie, without portfolio) Abou Faour. I have never met him. However, he is obviously providing value to his party and people. I say this merely because I do not know much about Abou Faour, which is entirely my fault.
The ministers representing the Free Patriotic Movement, the Lebanese Forces, the Kataeb, and the Qornet Shehwan Gathering are untested commodities. Much would be expected of Qornet Shehwan cabinet member Nassib Lahoud. However, he does not have a portfolio. This means that he will probably dominate Lebanese microphones between now and the next parliamentary elections. His cabinet seat might also put him in a better negotiating position with Amine Gemayel, Michel el-Murr, Karim Pakradouni, and Hagop Pakradounian in getting elected as a parliamentarian from Metn.
Last year, Michael Young predicted in the Daily Star that if Saad Hariri wanted to assume the office of prime minister, he would be forced to appoint a cabinet of ministers composed of major sectarian political players from different regions in Lebanon. Although Saad is not PM, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's cabinet seems to have this composition, which is a major disappointment.
The good:
1. Ziad Baroud, Minister of Interior. Baroud brought together a diverse and encompassing group to create a new electoral law for Lebanon that represents minority and majority interests from all different perspectives. The law is infeasible in Lebanon's current climate, but sets the standard for humane, ethical, and equitable democratic representation in Lebanon.
I have no doubt he will ethically and competently serve Lebanon in his capacity as the chief law enforcer in Lebanon. [Full disclosure: I know the Minister personally, and happen to like him].
Baroud's appointment is also a statement of President Sleiman's commitment to Lebanon. Baroud is one of President Sleiman's 3 cabinet appointees. I know nothing of their personal or familial relationship, but the fact that Baroud is serving in this cabinet is encouraging.
2. Elias Murr, Minister of Defense. Minister Murr is a political appointee, but serves as if he is a technocrat. He was an excellent Interior Minister, and even better as Minister of Defense. He knows the political obligations of his position, but ensures that his ministry is constantly improving and working to meet international standards.
Politically, he and his father, Metn MP and za'im Michel el-Murr, balance between the competing influences in Lebanon. He supported former President Emile Lahoud, then support the 14 March Coalition when the situation required it of him, and is now representing President Michel Sleiman.
This could be interpreted as political opportunism or the machinations of a political family trying to constantly maintain their grip on power, however, the excellent job Murr has done in his position suggests a realistic and competent defense of Lebanon and Lebanese sovereignty.
President Sleiman appointed Murr, as well.
3. Raymond Audi, Minister of the Displaced. I know little about Raymond Audi's political background. I have an account with his bank, and I have met him on a few apolitical occasions. The Minister collects and appreciates art, which is a shared interest.
Regardless, a banker and financier assuming a ministry allegedly reputed as one of the best for graft and embezzlement, could be a positive development.
However, it is not necessarily a positive development that one of the wealthiest and most prominent Lebanese citizens is filling a position that could go to a less prominent and wealthy expert in the field.
4. Muhammed Khalifeh, Minister of Health. Khalifeh was an excellent Health Minister in the previous government. Unfortunately, his Amal political affiliation forced him to resign from his position before the end of his term, but he still upheld the highest of standards.
A few months ago, Hezbollah spread rumors that the Future Movement would support Khalifeh as Minister of Health in the next government, given his capabilities. This was not just a swipe at Amal (rumored to actively endorse embezzlement), but a vote of confidence in a capable minister.
5. Tarek Mitri, Minister of Information. I am not sure what the Minister of Information does. I know that journalists receive their press credentials from the Ministry. PSP MP Ghazi Aridi has occupied the position for so long, I generally associate it as the ministry for eloquent government spokespeople.
Regardless, Mitri is a technocrat par excellence. He joined the previous government as one of President Lahoud's appointees, but continued to serve in a prominent capacity in the 14 March government as the "opposition" resigned.
Mitri was the best post-war Minister of Culture, and (no insult to Minister Aridi - who has received a portfolio boost) will probably be the best post-war Minister of Information. He's competent, qualified, dignified, and highly competent.
The bad:
1. Elie Skaff, Minister of Agriculture. Do I need to explain? It has been publicly alleged that Skaff profited massively from his previous Ministerial posts.
Skaff dominates Zahle and West Bekaa politics. The man is quite genial. He has an excellent sense of humor, and his politics are not sectarian. Future Movement Sunnis in the West Bekaa love Skaff just as much Greek Catholics in Zahle.
However, naming him to this portfolio is a blatantly political attempt to provide aid to Bekaa farmers in an effort to win over votes in the next parliamentary elections for himself, Michel Aoun, and pro-Syrian allies (perhaps, Abdel Rahim Mrad), against supporters of the Future Movement and other 14 March parties.
2. Gebran Bassil, Minister of Telecommunications. Telecommunications? Seriously? Why, because he dominates the Lebanese airwaves so much?
Bassil is regularled criticized for being ill-prepared for television interviews. His political rise is entirely tied to his marriage to Michel Aoun's daughter. FPM members claim he is brilliant, and singlehandedly crafted their "Memorandum of Understanding" with Hezbollah. 14 March supporters claim the man is the incompetent scion of the Aounist establishment.
Such an important Ministry? Really?
At this time, Lebanon needs a truly competent person in this position. Why not the allegedly competent Issam Abu Jamra? (Oh, yeah. That's because Aoun wanted to steal the ceremonial "deputy prime minister" from Elias el-Murr).
Former Telecommunications Minister Marwan Hamade was reputed to leave the majority of day to day business to his operations officer, who is also the head of Ogero. However, Hamade's political view - primarily his interest in safeguarding his personal safety (he was a target of assassination in 2004) and that of his associates - provided impetus to guarantee that the Interior Ministry and UN investigating team had access to the necessary telephone files.
I know the former Minister personally, and he is a highly intelligent man. His political view, however, might have also stifled the privatization of Lebanon's telecommunications networks, as his Future Movement chief operations officer is rumored to be making present decisions based on an interest in becoming the future CEO of a privatized Ogero. The head of Ogero is competent, but I hear there needs to be a bit more oversight in the ministry. Will Bassil provide it?
Hamade's son also owns a telecommunications firm, which was a blatant conflict of interest for the former minister, which is sadly expect in Lebanon (please don't cancel my internet account).
If Bassil takes aggressive action, I will support him the entire way. If, while in this position, he behaves like the Aounist political partisan he has for the last three years, I will be utterly disgusted, especially at this crucial time.
Thankfully, the heads of Ogero, MTC, and Alfa are highly intelligent and competent individuals. Given their competence, if Bassil decides to use his post for political purposes alone, Lebanon will be fine. If he chooses to stifle March 14 investigations into assassinations, his post will be devastating for Lebanon.
3. Talal Arslan, Minister of Youth and Sports. Seriously? Arslan? Come on, opposition. Do you really hate Waleed Jumblatt that much? I guess so. Thanks for letting him know where you stand. If you nominated Wiam Wahhab during the cabinet negotiations for the position, you would have even more blatantly let all of us know your fealty to the Syrian regime. Oh, wait. You did that by annointing Ali Qanso as a Minister of State.
The expected:
1. Bahia Hariri, Minister of Education. I understand the political calculations for naming Hariri to this position, but is there any way she could be construed as a technocrat? Sadly, I don't think so.
Hariri has suffered significantly with the assassination of her brother, the daily attacks on her family's reputation, and the threats to her personal safety. Regardless, I can think of no other reason to appoint her to this ministry other than in preparation for the next elections. Hezbollah, the Saad family, and other powerful families in Saida have the strength to sweep Bahia Hariri out of her seat in the qada during the next elections, if 14 March is not aggressive.
But seriously, education? I guess the Hariri's used to give a lot of education grants, but they significantly decreased those efforts in 1998.
Hariri deserves a cabinet seat. My disappointment is that there are so many qualified educators in Lebanon who truly deserve this position who would make it their personal priority to better the quality of education in Lebanon. If Lebanon produces anything, it is educated and brilliant minds, many of whom serve as teachers and professors in Lebanon, and also the majority of others who pursue careers abroad.
2. Muhammad Chattah, Minister of Finance. Chattah is a smart man. He is dignified and loyal.
He also happens to be from Tripoli, which will be the sight of a major electoral battle during the next elections, especially if Muhammad Safadi, Najib Miqati, and Omar Karami unite and throw money at the locals.
Chattah has the required experience for this crucial position. He is also one of the most trusted Hariri/Siniora aides. Yet, Jihad Azour was excellent as Minister of Finance. He won international awards, was loved by his staff, and has international credibility.
I understand that the Future Movement was limited in the number of Christian ministers it could appoint. I understand that Hezbollah/Amal tried to name all of the Shia ministers, so Future tried to name all of the Sunni ministers. I understand that Chattah is competent and credible and will probably do an excellent job. But shouldn't Future fight to be able to appoint competent Christian ministers, or at least urge Future's Christian political allies to lend a spot to a technocrat? Shouldn't the Future Movement award competence?
I am happy that a competent person is in the position of Finance Minister. I am also happy that Chattah was named as a member of the cabinet. He would serve well in any cabinet position.
However, I do not like that his appointment can be construed as being made for blatantly political and sectarian reasons, and that a highly competent, technocratic, successful, admirable person was removed from the cabinet.
3. Khaled Qabbani, Minister of State. Seriously, Future Movement, what does Qabbani do for you? I'm being entirely serious.
In the previous government, he was education minister. Did he serve with particular distinction?
In the previous government, he made a ridiculous fuss about the Habtoor Grand Hotel being a story too tall. It was a non-decorous move.
Is he that important for the next elections? Siniora, is he that good of an adviser? Or, do you just like his tinted glasses, and the fact that he follows you around everywhere and looks like a pious Muslim when you pray in front of television cameras?
4. Tamam Salam, Minister of Culture. Come oooooooon, Future Movement. This move is so blatantly political, it is ridiculous.
Salam is a good guy. He's from a prominent Sunni Beiruti family. Getting him on your side helps you prevent Salim al-Hoss and other pro-Syrian Sunnis in Beirut from winning a seat or two in the newly apportioned Beirut parliamentary districts.
However, after an excellent technocratic Minister of Culture like Tarek Mitri, Salam seems like an entirely political appointee. I'm not saying that he will not do a phenomenal job. He might. But your reasons for choosing him, Mitri's excellent tenure, and the huge possibility that he will use the trappings of his office without returning the favor to the Lebanese people who democratically elected the parliament that appoints him is reason enough for me to be disappointed. Please, please, please, surprise me with your competence, sense of duty, and interest in defending Lebanon's cultural freedom, Minister Salam. I apologize for my skepticism in advance.
5. Everybody else. Pretty much all of the other ministers are expected and their appointments made for political reasons, so I won't comment on them. The above ministers are the ones that most inspired/ disappointed me.
Obviously, many ministers received their positions based on pragmatic politics, not competence. However, this cabinet is much better than it would have been if political views were the only justification for appointments. There is plenty of competence.
Obviously, I am also much more disappointed with the Future Movement than with other parties. This, obviously, shows my bias and the fact that I expect more from PM Siniora than I do from, say, Elie Skaff and Ali Qanso.
I have come to expect a certain type of behavior and a certain display of moral and ethical values from Amal and Hezbollah, which makes me surprised when a compentent and qualified person like Muhammad Khalifeh is appointed as a minister.
The PSP cabinet selections are expected. I am surprised that Marwan Hamade is not a minister in the current government. However, losing a seat to Talal Arslan was probably a difficult compromise to make, as well.
I do not know why Waleed Jumblatt continues to appoint Wael Abou Faour to positions. This is not to say anything about about Minister of State (ie, without portfolio) Abou Faour. I have never met him. However, he is obviously providing value to his party and people. I say this merely because I do not know much about Abou Faour, which is entirely my fault.
The ministers representing the Free Patriotic Movement, the Lebanese Forces, the Kataeb, and the Qornet Shehwan Gathering are untested commodities. Much would be expected of Qornet Shehwan cabinet member Nassib Lahoud. However, he does not have a portfolio. This means that he will probably dominate Lebanese microphones between now and the next parliamentary elections. His cabinet seat might also put him in a better negotiating position with Amine Gemayel, Michel el-Murr, Karim Pakradouni, and Hagop Pakradounian in getting elected as a parliamentarian from Metn.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Best Araq?
Tripoli is under attack, and no one knows what will happen in Lebanon come the end of summer. However, summer is tourist/ araq season.
Grapes ripen in the autumn, however, summer always reminds me of copious cups of araq.
Sure, sure, araq baladi is the best. I am sure your uncle makes the best brew on top of some mountain somewhere, and only the best cousins can get their hands on the stuff. I have a big jug of the stuff sitting in my pantry.
There needs to be a corporate Lebanese araq ranking. Michael Karam wrote a book about araq, but there needs to be a practical list.
Lebanese abroad love bringing the sexy blue Massaya araq bottles and the Rif "traditional Lebanese" logo araq bottles back to Liberia, Australia, and Canada. Yet, which are the best? Does the best araq come in the best branded bottles? Can one purchase an amazing bottle of branded araq?
1. Kefraya - Kefraya's araq is creamy and smooth. Unlike other brands of araq, Kefraya's is not watery. The beverage is consistent and cool. The taste of Kefraya araq, unlike araq baladi, is consistent from year to year. The araq flavor is excellent, but it is the texture that puts Kefraya over the top and into hte number one position.
2. Le Brun - Le Brun is the Lebanese standard. Brun began producing araq in Zahle in the 19th Century, and the current owners, the Issa family, continue the tradition. Like Kefraya, Brun araq is consistent and delicious. Brun is the perfect araq to accompany a meal. Brun araq accompanies dishes well, but will hardly provide a unique araq experience.
3. Touma - This inexpensive araq brand is the best quality for the cost. The bottles are ridiculously cheap. The content is watery and provides a bit of an aftertaste, but does the job, as long as one is looking for the right amount of alcohol to kill the bacteria in kibbeh nayyeh during a Sunday afternoon lunch.
There are plenty of other araq brands:
Pricier:
Ksarak
Massaya - the blue bottle
Rif - the traditional Lebanese/ baladi logo
Mid-range:
El Beit al Araq
As Samir
Fakra
Kouroum
Wardy
Chateau Khoury (I haven't tried it, but if it is as good as the wine, then it should be in the top three)
Inexpensive:
Gantous
Litani
Hasbani
What are your favorites?
Grapes ripen in the autumn, however, summer always reminds me of copious cups of araq.
Sure, sure, araq baladi is the best. I am sure your uncle makes the best brew on top of some mountain somewhere, and only the best cousins can get their hands on the stuff. I have a big jug of the stuff sitting in my pantry.
There needs to be a corporate Lebanese araq ranking. Michael Karam wrote a book about araq, but there needs to be a practical list.
Lebanese abroad love bringing the sexy blue Massaya araq bottles and the Rif "traditional Lebanese" logo araq bottles back to Liberia, Australia, and Canada. Yet, which are the best? Does the best araq come in the best branded bottles? Can one purchase an amazing bottle of branded araq?
1. Kefraya - Kefraya's araq is creamy and smooth. Unlike other brands of araq, Kefraya's is not watery. The beverage is consistent and cool. The taste of Kefraya araq, unlike araq baladi, is consistent from year to year. The araq flavor is excellent, but it is the texture that puts Kefraya over the top and into hte number one position.
2. Le Brun - Le Brun is the Lebanese standard. Brun began producing araq in Zahle in the 19th Century, and the current owners, the Issa family, continue the tradition. Like Kefraya, Brun araq is consistent and delicious. Brun is the perfect araq to accompany a meal. Brun araq accompanies dishes well, but will hardly provide a unique araq experience.
3. Touma - This inexpensive araq brand is the best quality for the cost. The bottles are ridiculously cheap. The content is watery and provides a bit of an aftertaste, but does the job, as long as one is looking for the right amount of alcohol to kill the bacteria in kibbeh nayyeh during a Sunday afternoon lunch.
There are plenty of other araq brands:
Pricier:
Ksarak
Massaya - the blue bottle
Rif - the traditional Lebanese/ baladi logo
Mid-range:
El Beit al Araq
As Samir
Fakra
Kouroum
Wardy
Chateau Khoury (I haven't tried it, but if it is as good as the wine, then it should be in the top three)
Inexpensive:
Gantous
Litani
Hasbani
What are your favorites?
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Deals? Lebanon, America, and the Middle East
Lebanese have been talking about a deal between America, Iran, and Syria for years. From 2005-2007, this deal seemed unlikely.
2008, however, is the year in which quite a few Lebanese analysts believe some deal has "actually" occurred.
One professor at the American University of Beirut argues, "Look at the violence in Iraq. It has decreased tremendously. This could not happen without Syria and Iran taking action.
"Look at Israel's negotiations with Syria under Turkish eyes. America definitely knows about this, not just on the intel level, but on the diplomatic level. Something is happening."
Is there a deal? I have no idea. For a long time, I did not think it would even be possible. Now, however, there are military movements. What does it mean? Still, no idea, and yet what local politically connected analysts are saying is that the Tribunal matters less and less.
For quite a long time, many Sunni in Beirut were interested in toppling the Syrian regime. That language is gone. They seem to believe the regime in Damascus is here to stay, not because of an American deal, but because of a confluence of interests, much of which emanates from the Arabian Gulf.
Is it possible that the US is urging the Gulf States to take an easier line on Syria? Yes. Is it possible that the Turks and Israelis are involved in influencing the American position? Yes. Is this true? I have no idea.
My read:
1. After the Hezbollah campaign in Beirut in May 2008, it seems that the Europeans are willing to placate the Iranians and Hezbollah. The EU was never aggressive in the first place, and now seem far more willing to normalize relations.
2. It is regularly mentioned that the Israeli government is weak, and Prime Minister Olmert is looking for minor gains. He has Ehud Barak's example to follow. Olmert might be perceived as a failure now, but if he can craft some sort of deal, his political life could last long after this term as Prime Minister.
3. The Saudi government realizes that its efforts at international diplomacy have only brought disgrace to the King in situations where he has put his credibility on the line, ie the Mecca Agreement and support for Hariri and the Siniora government. Iran/Syria have checked him at each advance.
4. President Bush's term is coming to an end, and it is more important to justify and guarantee a free and stable Iraq than it is to crush other American enemies.
5. From what I hear from Europeans, there is an international belief that the Middle East conflict can be contained at the moment, given the price of oil. The US, Europe, India, and China have an interest in preventing a Mideast cataclysm, and Iran and Russia perhaps believe that their currently profitable interests would be hurt if there is any more instability.
I have no idea, but what I hear indicates that the US, and especially Europe, are taking a much less aggressive stance when it comes to Mideast politics. And "deal" rumors are spoken about in Beirut as if it verified fact...
2008, however, is the year in which quite a few Lebanese analysts believe some deal has "actually" occurred.
One professor at the American University of Beirut argues, "Look at the violence in Iraq. It has decreased tremendously. This could not happen without Syria and Iran taking action.
"Look at Israel's negotiations with Syria under Turkish eyes. America definitely knows about this, not just on the intel level, but on the diplomatic level. Something is happening."
Is there a deal? I have no idea. For a long time, I did not think it would even be possible. Now, however, there are military movements. What does it mean? Still, no idea, and yet what local politically connected analysts are saying is that the Tribunal matters less and less.
For quite a long time, many Sunni in Beirut were interested in toppling the Syrian regime. That language is gone. They seem to believe the regime in Damascus is here to stay, not because of an American deal, but because of a confluence of interests, much of which emanates from the Arabian Gulf.
Is it possible that the US is urging the Gulf States to take an easier line on Syria? Yes. Is it possible that the Turks and Israelis are involved in influencing the American position? Yes. Is this true? I have no idea.
My read:
1. After the Hezbollah campaign in Beirut in May 2008, it seems that the Europeans are willing to placate the Iranians and Hezbollah. The EU was never aggressive in the first place, and now seem far more willing to normalize relations.
2. It is regularly mentioned that the Israeli government is weak, and Prime Minister Olmert is looking for minor gains. He has Ehud Barak's example to follow. Olmert might be perceived as a failure now, but if he can craft some sort of deal, his political life could last long after this term as Prime Minister.
3. The Saudi government realizes that its efforts at international diplomacy have only brought disgrace to the King in situations where he has put his credibility on the line, ie the Mecca Agreement and support for Hariri and the Siniora government. Iran/Syria have checked him at each advance.
4. President Bush's term is coming to an end, and it is more important to justify and guarantee a free and stable Iraq than it is to crush other American enemies.
5. From what I hear from Europeans, there is an international belief that the Middle East conflict can be contained at the moment, given the price of oil. The US, Europe, India, and China have an interest in preventing a Mideast cataclysm, and Iran and Russia perhaps believe that their currently profitable interests would be hurt if there is any more instability.
I have no idea, but what I hear indicates that the US, and especially Europe, are taking a much less aggressive stance when it comes to Mideast politics. And "deal" rumors are spoken about in Beirut as if it verified fact...
Physician Elections
I have seen no press coverage regarding the League of Physicians elections. Then again, I haven't really been looking.
Over the past two weeks, I've received myriad text messages:
"Dear Dr., for the election on July 6, don't forget your LOP card or ID, Tazkara, Ikhraj Kaid less than 1 year, or passport. These are the only ID paper [sic] accepted." - 30 June 2008
"Dear Dr., the Lebanese Order of Physicians is pleased to grant you for the coming 2 weeks a free Dr.s platinum Mastercard with free benefits." - 1 July 2008
"Dear Doctor, You are the voice of wisdom, of pride. You are Lebanon best [sic]. Lebanon will appreciate to hear your voice Sunday for our brothers the doctors candidates of 14th of March. Confirm your choice for the best Sunday 7th until 13:00. Make the difference. God bless you. The friends of 14th of March." - Signed Doctors14th 3 July 2008
I accidentally deleted the first half of this message, but here is the second half:
"Make the difference. Please vote, Lebanon needs you. We need you [sic] vote for the candidates of 14th of March. God bless you. The friends of 14th of March." - 6 July 2008
"Get a USD 5,000 loan from BLC Bank and repay only USD 135 a month." - 7 July 2008
On the day of the election, I received a personal call from one of the candidates.
He was surprised and angered to hear that I had no intention of voting. I do not believe that syndicates and professional associations should be governed by the usual Lebanese political refrains. This might anger many of you readers. One (more specifically, you) may argue that Lebanese politics is such that these minor elections make politically significant something that should remain parochial; therefore, by your logic, I should manifest my political beliefs in a professional situation.
Unfortunately, I do not believe in politicizing healthcare. Labor unions throughout the world are political, but in Lebanon their politics have little to do with bettering the conditions of their constituents (doctors, construction workers, hotel and services workers, plumbers, etc.), and more to do with making a political statement for a particular political faction.
Don't forget, Hezbollah invaded Beirut under the pretext of a labor strike to raise the minimum wage.
Over the past two weeks, I've received myriad text messages:
"Dear Dr., for the election on July 6, don't forget your LOP card or ID, Tazkara, Ikhraj Kaid less than 1 year, or passport. These are the only ID paper [sic] accepted." - 30 June 2008
"Dear Dr., the Lebanese Order of Physicians is pleased to grant you for the coming 2 weeks a free Dr.s platinum Mastercard with free benefits." - 1 July 2008
"Dear Doctor, You are the voice of wisdom, of pride. You are Lebanon best [sic]. Lebanon will appreciate to hear your voice Sunday for our brothers the doctors candidates of 14th of March. Confirm your choice for the best Sunday 7th until 13:00. Make the difference. God bless you. The friends of 14th of March." - Signed Doctors14th 3 July 2008
I accidentally deleted the first half of this message, but here is the second half:
"Make the difference. Please vote, Lebanon needs you. We need you [sic] vote for the candidates of 14th of March. God bless you. The friends of 14th of March." - 6 July 2008
"Get a USD 5,000 loan from BLC Bank and repay only USD 135 a month." - 7 July 2008
On the day of the election, I received a personal call from one of the candidates.
He was surprised and angered to hear that I had no intention of voting. I do not believe that syndicates and professional associations should be governed by the usual Lebanese political refrains. This might anger many of you readers. One (more specifically, you) may argue that Lebanese politics is such that these minor elections make politically significant something that should remain parochial; therefore, by your logic, I should manifest my political beliefs in a professional situation.
Unfortunately, I do not believe in politicizing healthcare. Labor unions throughout the world are political, but in Lebanon their politics have little to do with bettering the conditions of their constituents (doctors, construction workers, hotel and services workers, plumbers, etc.), and more to do with making a political statement for a particular political faction.
Don't forget, Hezbollah invaded Beirut under the pretext of a labor strike to raise the minimum wage.
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