Comments on: Picking on Berri

By: Palestinian Rights in Lebanon: Reform on the Way? « Qifa Nabki | A Lebanese Political Blog

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 01:34:34 +0000

[...] for example, the issue of deconfessionalizing the political system. Nabih Berri’s recent proposal to establish a national commission to explore the idea fell flat, largely because it was issued [...]

By: FPM Engages in Post-Election Soul-Searching « Qifa Nabki | A Lebanese Political Blog

Wed, 05 May 2010 15:09:25 +0000

[...] in various municipalities in Mount Lebanon have embittered many supporters. The FPM has also backpedaled on abolishing confessionalism in Lebanon, an issue which has strong support among university students and young professionals [...]

By: Lebanon To March for Secularism « Qifa Nabki | A Lebanese Political Blog

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:32:21 +0000

[...] in what all of this secularism business is, you can read up on the issue here, here, here, here, here, and [...]

By: DJT

DJT — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:20:09 +0000

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/fisk/

Bob Fisk thinks its gonna be a long summer

By: marillionlb

marillionlb — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:11:06 +0000

I agree with you Mr Karam when it comes to education. I have seen graduates for Egypt more apt than their Lebanese conterparts. Furthemore I don’t see any change taking place in Lebanon without bloodshed. My fellow countrymen are far from being able to grasp and value democracy let alone a secular state. Lebanese are in need of a dictatorship and nothing less, for most of them do not know how to think for themselves.

By: netsp

netsp — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:40:02 +0000

I would be interested in a post summarising what you see as the practical costs of confessionalism.

By: ghassan karam

ghassan karam — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:30:46 +0000

Marillionlb,
My frustration exhibited in #16 not withstanding you r question is a legitimate one.
I honestly believe that the conditions in Lebanon are not ripe for the revolution that the elimination of sectarianism will usher simply because a revolutionary change will not succeed from the top down. Where is the popular support for Beri? It is practically non existent. And your point about education needs not be qualified to obly civic., it goes way betond this, The last time that I checked the average # of years of schooling in Lebanon was around 4 years. We are proud of the relatively high literacy rate but we forget how low is the bar and how easy it is to clear it. If one was to apply the same standard that is applied to the developed countries that of “functional literacy” then our numbers will drop like a rock.
I still believe that questioning the ulterior motive of Beri is not helpful. However to argue that the dialectical conditions are not ripe is a fair position which does not negate the need to commence the process of setting up a commission. That in itself might be the spark to ignite the popular support needed.

By: jihad beydoun

jihad beydoun — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:08:14 +0000

by the way you guys needd to add a facebook and twitter button so we can share your article easily !!

m sharing this one !

By: jihad beydoun

jihad beydoun — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:07:28 +0000

great article guys !! totally agree with everything !
so when are you guys running for elections ??

By: marillionlb

marillionlb — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:53:15 +0000

One question comes to my mind. How long would it take for this new generation of “sheeple” to actually understand and adapt to such a concept. And by the time (and if) Mr berri achieves his goal it will be the turn of this exact same generation to take over. Without education, especially civic education Lebanon will not be capable of embracing any kind of change.
I sure hope that I will get to see a secular state in my time, but I very much doubt it; maybe if my son is lucky enough.