hezbollah

Syria: Balancing State Authority and Plural Sensitivities

In the wake of the Soviet Union’s collapse in the early 1990s, French author and political analyst Alain Minc published a book with a strikingly evocative title that captured the spirit of the moment: The Revenge of Nations. He argued that decades of highly centralized communist rule had failed to erase the national sentiments of populations ...

The Grammar of a Bungled Transition 

The interpretation of political events can often lead to misunderstandings and confusion. It is crucial to establish clear communication and guidelines to navigate such complexities effectively. Without these measures, the potential for misinterpretation increases, which can exacerbate tensions and hinder progress. Therefore, fostering an ...

Lebanon Finalizes Response to US Proposal as Tom Barrack Requests Clarifications

Lebanon is nearing completion of its official response to the US proposal addressing the disarmament of Hezbollah. According to reports by “Al-Jadeed” TV, the tripartite presidential committee convened Sunday evening at Baabda Palace to finalize the Lebanese remarks before handing them over to US envoy Tom Barrack. Barrack, for his part, has ...

Hezbollah: A Gun to Lebanon’s Head

Same clarity, same concern — and this time, perhaps, a colder anger. The American envoy didn’t come for coffee. He came to assess the situation. And to restate the facts as they are: Hezbollah is dragging Lebanon toward civil war, and the world may well decide to walk away. This isn’t a threat — it’s a possible outcome of the current ...

Cross Our Heart

Lebanon faces an existential threat, warns Tom Barrack. He suggests the country could be absorbed into one of those large regional blocs the United States dreams of building for energy, commercial or security reasons. The diplomat likely had a slip of the tongue. He should have read the letter addressed in 1989 by Pope John Paul II to all Catholic ...

Two Dead in Israeli Strikes in Khiam and Yohmor al-Shaqif

Israeli Army spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced that the Army “carried out an airstrike earlier on Saturday, eliminating a member of Hezbollah’s Radwan Force who was involved in efforts to rebuild infrastructure in the Khiam area in southern Lebanon.” He added on the X platform (formerly Twitter): "The operative’s ...

Naim Qassem Rejects Disarmament, Warns Israel

Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, speaking at a memorial for commander Ali Karaki, emphasized the group’s ongoing resistance against Israel and accused the latter of repeatedly violating ceasefire agreements in southern Lebanon. Qassem claimed that Hezbollah fully implemented the ceasefire along the Litani River and that the ...

Iran Reportedly Adopts New Methods to Supply Arms to Its Allies, Including Hezbollah and the Houthis

Iran has adopted new tactics to supply weapons to its allies, notably Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, according to a report published on Friday by The Wall Street Journal. According to the American daily, Tehran has stepped up its efforts to transfer weapons to its partners despite targeted strikes carried out by the United States ...

When the Government Prefers Glitter Over Sovereignty

As Lebanon sinks deeper into the abyss with each passing day, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government (with a few notable ministerial exceptions) clings to a political denial that is as irresponsible as it is dangerous. Rather than addressing the real threats jeopardizing the very existence of the Lebanese state, the executive branch seems ...

Dr. Al-Sharaa, Mr. Al-Jolani: The Metamorphosis Illusion

For two days, the Israeli Army has bombed Syrian militias now acting as auxiliaries to the regular army. On Wednesday, Israeli jets struck the outskirts of Syria’s military headquarters in Damascus—a clear political and military message: ongoing attacks on Syria’s Druze minority will not be tolerated. Yet on the ground, confusion reigns. ...

The Endless Countdown: Lebanon’s Ceasefire Deadlock and the Impossible Disarmament

Sixty days—no more! That was the confident, oft-repeated promise declared at the signing of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel in November 2024. This now-mythic deadline was then heralded as the decisive countdown to peace in Lebanon. What followed? Everything but peace: extensions, postponements, shifting timelines and a ...

Parliament Debates Security, Sovereignty and State Reforms

Parliament reconvened on Tuesday afternoon to resume discussions on the government’s general policy agenda, following a break announced by Speaker Nabih Berri earlier in the day. The morning session had opened at 11 AM in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, cabinet ministers and MPs. Although the session was largely calm and orderly, a ...