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Defensive Strategy

(The scene: a Beirut cafe) Abu Michel: Says here in as-Safir that the next Israel-Lebanon war is gonna happen next April. Abu Samir: You still read that rag? An-Nahar says that the war is gonna be sooner than that. January, February, maximum. Abu Michel: Impossible. Abu Samir: Suit yourself. Abu Michel: The Israelis won’t attack … Continue reading →

Neoliberalism & the Syrian Economy

There’s an interesting debate going on in the previous post about Dr. Charbel Nahas, and whether or not he’s likely to spearhead an FPM-sponsored assault on Haririan neoliberalism. If that’s just a tad too much “inside baseball” for you, then check out the following couple of links, which shed light on the future of Syria’s … Continue reading →

Charbel Nahas: The FPM’s Secret Weapon?

For a period of a couple months, the cabinet formation was help up by a dispute about the appointment of Gebran Bassil — Michel Aoun’s son-in-law — as Telecommunications Minister. Aoun wanted him re-appointed; Saad Hariri did not. Eventually, a compromise was reached: the FPM was allowed to keep the Telecommunications Ministry as long as … Continue reading →

Hail to the Chief

Who Won?

I wasn’t really planning to write a post on this subject, but since people like winners and losers, maybe it’s worth saying something. One commenter writes: I’d be interested to read your analysis on who you think “won” from this cabinet haggling/negotiation. Do you think by holding out so long and getting more or less … Continue reading →