Tag Archives: Beirut

Analysis: Lebanon Election Results Offer Some Relief, but No Major Changes

Posted on April 5, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post-08/06/2009 It is now clear that the pro-Western March 14 alliance has won an unexpected victory in parliamentary elections in Lebanon, and senior sources in the Hizbullah-led March 8 bloc have conceded defeat in statements to Western reporters. Contrary … Continue reading →

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A Question of Power

Posted on March 29, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 10/05/2008 The recent events in Beirut pose a simple, fundamental question: Who rules in Lebanon? The answer proposed by Hizbullah last week is that the government of Fuad Saniora and Saad Hariri is to be permitted to hold … Continue reading →

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The Gardeners of Beirut

Posted on March 27, 2011 by jonathanspyer

23/10/2008 An anecdote recently told me by a senior source in the Arab media indicates the process by which Hizbullah is rebuilding its strength south of the Litani River. The source, who is well connected in Lebanon, related the story … Continue reading →

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What if Hizbullah Won?

Posted on March 21, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 31/05/2009 With a week to go before Lebanon’s parliamentary elections, it is impossible to accurately predict the result. There are no reliable polls. It is clear, however, that the rival blocs – the pro-Western March 14 alliance and … Continue reading →

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Analysis: Sectarian Rage there, Heightened Clarity Here

Posted on March 20, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 26/01/2011 Events have moved fast in Lebanon. The country now faces the prospect of a government controlled by Hizbullah and consisting solely of the movement and its allies. Parts of Lebanon looked in danger of slipping into chaos … Continue reading →

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The Question of Power in Lebanon

Posted on March 10, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 12/05/2008 When recent events in Beirut pose a simple, fundamental question: Who rules in Lebanon. The answer proposed by Hizbullah last week is that the government of Fuad Saniora and Saad Hariri is to be permitted to hold … Continue reading →

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Subtly and determinedly, Syria is taking over Lebanon

Posted on March 10, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician 08/08/2008 Lebanese President Michel Suleiman is to visit Syria next week, to discuss the opening of diplomatic relations between the countries, a Lebanese official told reporters this week. French President Nicolas Sarkozy last month hailed President Bashar Assad’s … Continue reading →

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The Unfinished War

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

29/10/2009 The explosion in the south Lebanese village of Tayr Felseir offers the latest evidence of the way in which Hizbullah is rebuilding its infrastructure following the Second Lebanon War in 2006. In the pre-2006 period, Hizbullah maintained its military … Continue reading →

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Terrorism: Hizballah’s brand is Tarnished

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post- 29/09/2009 A famous Hizbullah marching song, “Hizbullah ya ayuni” (Hizbullah – my eyes), contains the following verse: “And today through the blood of the brave, the merciful creator has given us victory, and the whole world and all … Continue reading →

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An Empty Package

Posted on March 8, 2011 by jonathanspyer

30/05/2008 At this past Sunday’s cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert issued a public statement relating to the revived negotiations with Syria. The talks, the prime minister wished to assure us, were “serious” and would be conducted with “all due … Continue reading →

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