In Lebanon there is always something happening at some level. There are literally no breaks. Quite interesting from a socio-cultural perspective and those who follow closely the political events have their hands full at any given time.
PSP leader, Walid Jumblatt decided to withdraw his envoy from the Strategic Defence committee. The controversy around the defence strategy is by no means close to an end. I am not sure how the story is going to develop. Maybe this is yet another storm in a tea cup. Or not.
Parties, groups and politicians design their vision of how the national defence strategy should look like. As you guess, the biggest elephant in the room (though not the only one) is Hizballah's armed forces.
If they continue to acquire weaponry, to train themselves, to advance some ideology [I don't believe the vilayet al faqih is suitable in Lebanon so they will be forced to come up with a weathered, more liberal version of it] the question is: what is the ultimate objective? No one invests billions of dollars in such an enterprise, to do nothing, or to continue to be second, third player. Usually, if you’re in the game, and that able, you want to be the first.
At this moment in time it is important to determine if Hizballah will at least consult with the state before starting conflicts at the border with Israel. There are many issues to be discussed, and hopefully the national dialog committee for defence strategy will come up with a plan that can accommodate the interests of many. It is good that they talk as long as they reach a conclusion.
With the parliamentary elections around the corner Lebanon deserves attention. Whatever happens there will have an impact at the regional level.
update: I received the following comment, and it is worth taking it into consideration:
This thinking of "one-upmanship among Lebanese', will ultimately divide the nation Lebanon, for an international affair. namely, securing Israel and Lebanon.
I dislike, and don't agree with Hezbollah, but I respect them, and they are Lebanese.
Delivering fear to some Lebanese against others, for affairs that are neither local, nor known. Those martyred and murdered throughout this nation's recent past, leaves no room for sympathy – therefore the accomplices cannot be Lebanese. Propagating division, cannot be Lebanese. [theFool]
I can see how some use Hizballah's different approach to politics to divide and conquer. Maybe this is the age of the Resistance as they understand resistance. Even so, one party should not decide for all without prior consultation.
In general, people fear the unknown. Let Hizballah, and other groups, come clean, and explain what their vision for the country is. Involve the citizens in the debate.
What I don't see in the country, as a foreigner, is the willingness to inform and educate. I see cheap and skilled propaganda. When one uses propaganda from early morning till late night it raises suspicion. This is true for all parties.
I often said that Hizballah is a terrific force, and it would be stupid for them, long-term, to pursue an agenda that is not 100% Lebanese.
