Tag Archives: Rafik Hariri

An Empty Package

Posted on April 5, 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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Losing the Scent in South Lebanon

Posted on April 5, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Gloria Center -20/07/2010 Last week, the IDF released evidence of Hizbullah stockpiling of weaponry in populated civilian areas of southern Lebanon. The IDF material showed an aerial map of the Shi’ite town of El Khiam. The map showed details of … 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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Lebanon enters a Tunnel, the End of which can’t be Seen

Posted on March 20, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post-18/01/2011 The political crisis in Lebanon precipitated by the resignation last week of ministers affiliated with the Hizbullah- led March 8 bloc is now entering its second stage. The countdown has already begun toward the issuing of indictments for … Continue reading →

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Hizbullah’s Throne of Bayonets

Posted on March 16, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 27/12/2010 It is obvious that given the true balance of power in Lebanon, the special tribunal investigating the murder of former prime minister Rafik Hariri is largely a virtual exercise. As Michael Young pointed out in a column … 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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Talk softly, and carry a large Carrot!

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Jerusalem Post-29/07/2009 The region is currently witnessing a concerted attempt by Saudi Arabia to mend its relations with the Syrian regime. This effort derives from Riyadh’s fear of Iran, and its sense that now may be an opportune moment to … Continue reading →

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An Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

24/10/2008 The decree by President Bashar Assad announcing the establishing of full diplomatic relations between Damascus and Beirut represents the latest stage in the emergence of Syria from diplomatic isolation. On a symbolic level, the announcement appears to suggest Syria’s … 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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Hizballah’s Push for Power

Posted on March 7, 2011 by jonathanspyer

The Guardian- 16/11/2006 Earlier this month, Hizballah General-Secretary Hassan Nasrallah issued an ultimatum to the Lebanese government of Fuad Siniora. Either, Nasrallah declared, his movement and its allies are granted a one-third blocking veto in the Lebanese Cabinet, or Hizballah … Continue reading →

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