Comments on: Is the Opposition Losing Patience With Aoun?

By: Who Won? « Qifa Nabki

Who Won? « Qifa Nabki — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:07:19 +0000

[...] until he got what he wanted — proved effective. And were it not for the rest of opposition growing tired of the charade, Aoun probably would have kept spanking until Gebran Bassil was appointed [...]

By: Middle East Studies at Middlebury · Lebanon’s New Cabinet

Middle East Studies at Middlebury · Lebanon’s New Cabinet — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:05:41 +0000

[...] after several months and ridiculous drama, Saad Hariri finally formed Lebanon’s second cabinet since the Syrian withdrawal and the [...]

By: ghassan karam

ghassan karam — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:02:33 +0000

LBC is reporting that the new cabinet has been born. I cannot help but wish the new born a healthy and prosperous life.

By: ghassan karam

ghassan karam — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:38:56 +0000

Beirut is rife with sspeculation that the deal is done. FPM will keep Tel communication and the other “prize” will be Energy/Electricity.

By: danny

danny — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:46:07 +0000

QN,

Perfect read.Also, as I mentioned above we will see Aoun flop and flip and declare victory when his instructions arrive from damascus through Gigi…
We will see the cabinet very soon…

By: Qifa Nabki

Qifa Nabki — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:52:59 +0000

RedLeb

As I said, it’s not just M14 outlets that are reporting this now.

Also, when Wi’am Wahhab starts speaking publicly in support of Saad Hariri (!!!) and criticizing Aoun, you have to believe that the writing is on the wall.

Syria is happy with the deal. Now Aoun needs to start playing by their rules. That’s how I read these three developments.

By: danny

danny — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:31:14 +0000

#4. Gigi (Im Basil) has been summoned to his new masters’ domain. Once he returns from Damascus we’ll see Aoun flip again. These flip flops and rants really does not bother the Lebanese as they think this village idiot is funny!!

By: RedLeb

RedLeb — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:20:10 +0000

QN,
I’m not convinced. Or at least, saying ‘the opposition’ is losing patience is too general an assessment. I think Syria is getting impatient, but doesn’t necessarily translate to the whole opposition.

I wouldn’t rely too much on M14 news outlets to figure out the inner dynamics of the opposition. From all I’ve read and seen, I would say Aoun is more upset with Franjieh than the other way round. But it is not so much as a rift, as just an annoyance that Franjieh gave away too much too soon. The end result has been Franjieh being sidelined from the mediations, rather than any change in Aoun’s behaviour.

As for Berri, it sounds more like theatrics than anything else. I’m sure Berri wants to get a government formed so as to restart the gravy train. But announcing a one man sit-in is a publicity stunt to show the people that he really cares. It’s not applying any real pressure on Aoun.

The whole formation has been a pissing contest between Aoun and Hariri to determine who is ‘the real Christian leader’. And I’m sure Hizbullah really want Aoun to win this. As long as Aoun keeps getting concessions from Hariri, Hizbullah will be patient. And as long as Hizbullah is OK with it, the rest of the opposition will follow suite.

Syria is probably more concerned on being a good sport with Saudi Arabia, so they want things moving more quickly. I’m actually worried now that Syrian pressure will have the opposite effect as Aoun will seek to display his independence from the Syrians.

By: FordPrefect

FordPrefect — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:13:39 +0000

I apologize if this question is obvious but I really haven’t been keeping up with the news.

What did the crazy General ask for this time? I remember when this whole thing started he wanted 6 ministers including the telecommunication for his son in law.

What did he change his demands to now ?

By: ghassan karam

ghassan karam — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:40:54 +0000

If for some reason that is beyond my powers of deduction Lebanon must have a “national unity” cabinet then Beri, Arslan, Frangieh and others should stop shedding crocodile tears. Challenge them to give the proposed cabinet sans Aoun a vote of confidence or is that asking for too much?