Lebanon
While all eyes have been on Egypt the past three weeks, across in the Arab world another country is going through massive transformations that have a major impact on Western support and influence in the region.
Lebanon is due to form its Hezbollah-backed government in the coming days. The group is officially listed by the United States, Israel and many other European countries as a terrorist group and the formation of such a government has been interpreted by these Western countries as a rise in Iranian influence, effectively hijacking the US-backed government and its influence in the region.
It is this naïve interpretation of events that could serve as a catalyst in sparking violent conflict within the region.
Lebanon became part of the French Mandate, a provision of the post world war one League of Nations, today in 1918. They gained independence in 1943 when France was occupied by Germany in 1940.
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Billy Boyle says:
Trouble tonight in the middle east, a headline older than most of the people of the planet, do you think anyone can resolve this, or is it catchcry for eternity. Read more »
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S.L says:
@ Macca….I know many 4wd owners and to them their vehicles are just transport not status symbols but this guy was definitely driving his anatomy extender. Read more »
Could you imagine a newly elected Australian Prime Minister taking five months to form a Cabinet?
In our functioning democracy the notion is hard to fathom but that is exactly what has just transpired in Lebanon.
Saad Hariri led the pro-western March 14 alliance to an emphatic electoral win back in June but not until now has he been able to form a Government.
Continue reading "Little things count, like speed limits and Cabinet stability" »
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stephen says:
It’s common knowledge Syria, Lebanon and Iran are in cahoots against Israel. There’s a war going on. Subsequently, Lebanon’s population is divided between the Hesbollah, and the more secular moderates. The situation is identical in Israel : opposing factions over Palestinian rights are vying for attention. As a secular entity,… Read more »
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R.E.L. says:
“Just imagine Nick Minchin across the Cabinet table from Peter Garrett discussing the Emissions Trading Scheme.” The analogy would be more like having Barnaby Joyce sitting across the Cabinet table from Peter Garrett whilst having the Nationals’ own private army backing him up and threatening to start a war unless… Read more »
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