Tag Archives: Lebanon

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 Domino Effect

Posted on March 16, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 27/12/2009 Lebanese Prime Minister Sa’ad Hariri’s December 19 visit to Damascus is the latest marker in the return of the coercive Syrian presence in Lebanon. It is also an indication of Syria’s successful defiance of the west. Hariri’s … Continue reading →

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Illusion and Reality Clash in Lebanon

Posted on March 16, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 08/03/2010 Initially, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon probing the murder of Rafik Hariri focused on Syria. Lately, indications suggest that the main focus is now on Hizbullah. Tension is currently rising in Lebanon, amid reports that the Special … Continue reading →

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The Culture of Tyranny

Posted on March 15, 2011 by jonathanspyer

13/02/2008 The ancient city of Damascus received another mark of recognition last week. Following in the wake of Liverpool – which was recognized as the European Capital of Culture, and Stavanger in Norway, which was named the non-EU European Capital … Continue reading →

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Lebanon 2006: Unfinished War

Posted on March 15, 2011 by jonathanspyer

22/02/2008 The Lebanon war of 2006 failed to resolve any of the issues over which it was fought. Ultimately, the war may be understood as a single campaign within a broader Middle Eastern conflict–between pro-Western and democratic states on the … 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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Hezbollah’s Delusions

Posted on March 10, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 12/10/2009 The latest events in Lebanon offer an image in miniature of larger regional developments. The Iranian-backed Shi’ite Islamist movement Hezbollah is pursuing a long-term strategy intended to eventually deliver Lebanon into its hands. In the short term, … 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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For Assad, Conflict is a Raison d’Etre

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

05/09/2009 The Baghdad government’s assertion of Syrian responsibility for the explosions which killed more than 100 people in Iraq on August 19 has re focused attention to Syrian policy vis-a-vis its eastern neighbor. Syria’s approach in Iraq offers a prime … 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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