Syria's "Simple Dispute" with Lebanon
If controlled media functions as a yardstick of governmental policy, then does the recent calm concerning Syria in Saudi news services imply that Saudi Arabia is beginning to show its softer side with regards to the Syrian Regime? Since last week, references to Abdul-Halim Khaddam have decreased in various newspapers, and in the past few days, with the onset of the Saudi initiative taken to heal the "rift" between Lebanon and Syria, this same media has become affectionate towards Bashar.One example - among many - is an article published in Arab News. Take a quick look.
Done? Great.
So, let's recap some of the points discussed. Besides reminding us Lebanese that Khaddam "was the architect of Syria's de facto occupation of that country", and that "Walid Jumblatt also has a personal bone to pick with the Syrian leadership, whom he accuses of being behind the death of his own father in 1977" - although I think that with Jumblatt the rivers of antagonism run deeper than that - the author also refers to the "demonizing of Syria", which has its roots before the Iraq War, since
In 1996, "Clean Break: A strategy for securing the realm" calls for the weakening of Syria. It was penned by prominent US neo-conservatives on behalf of the former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is the precursor to the 2000 Project for a New American Century paper, pinpointing the Syrian regime as "dangerous". There is, therefore, a much larger agenda at play than a simple dispute between neighbors.
The author is probably right in saying that there is a much larger agenda at play, but ... is condescending in calling the current situation a "simple dispute".
Anyway, let's move on. The author concludes with:
Would an enforced regime change in Syria really benefit Lebanon? How would that impact upon Lebanon's internal stability? Wouldn't it be divisive when Hezbollah is likely to support Bashar, while so-called reformists would be tempted to fall in behind Khaddam? Worse, mightn't the door once again be opened up to foreign intervention in the shape of either US troops or the Israelis?
Like it or not, Lebanon and Syria are always going to share a border and in many cases will always be blood cousins. It's time for the Lebanese to remember that blood is thicker than water and to beware of foreigners bearing gifts.
Bathing her point in clichés, the author has reverted to the archaic - and meaningless - argument of "without Syria, Lebanon is ... naught." Quite quaint, isn't it. The main question to be asked, however, is whether this article (which isn't an exception) reflects the Saudi regime's position ... or is in fact just a completely independent piece. As always, time will tell ... but betting on the former isn't a risky gamble ...
posted by Lazarus, 10:36 PM
3 Comments:
Eiher way, the Saudi regime is mediocre and visionless.
Ditto for the author of this crap.
Our problem is that the Arab world is "bathing" in this type of exceedingly weak "analysis" which can only leave all problems intact.
Somehow, Lebanese and Arabs need to peel away from IDIOCY, no other word for it. Until then....
By
JoseyWales, at 4:15 AM
Same cliches indeed. All comments coming from the Arab medias are the same. Pretty boring stuff unfortunately. In the US they have annual Pulitzer Prizes to reward superior journalism. Since many bloggers are following all kind of news outlets, we should hook up with our "blood cousins/brothers/sisters" bloggers in Arab countries and start the "Arab Bloggers Prize" for journalists with a positive IQ. First prize will be a dinner with MsLevantine of course.
By
Ms Levantine, at 8:19 AM
Josey, of course the Saudi regime is "mediocre and visionless" to use your words. And yet we seek their advice and expect them to play a constructive role in hekping bring about the type of a sate that is the antithesis of what they are!!! Our politicians must have their heads checked.
Saudi Arabias Wahabi Islam was described in the last issue of The Economist as:"rigid, uncompromising,...self-righteous...and xenophobic. The kingdom is the only country in the world, except perhaps North Korea, where the practice of all faiths but one is officially banned".
Seeking the counsel of Saudi Arabia regarding the establishment of democratic institutions and a pluralistic society is not any different that seeking the help of a noreformed user in kicking the habit.
By
Anonymous, at 9:19 AM
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