Qifa Nabki
Elections
Middle East International Re-Launches
The fortnightly Middle East International has just been re-launched, under the stewardship of some very able editors and advisors. Some of you may recall the highly-regarded magazine during its first run from the early 1970’s up until 2005. Well, it’s back, and I have to say that it looks very good. The first issue is … Continue reading
The New Cabinet: Observations & Projections
The dust still hasn’t settled on the new cabinet — partly because some ministers are actively trying to kick it up — but it’s worth remarking briefly on some of its features, and on the challenges facing PM Hariri over the next week or so. 1) The Kata’eb Defection: As we’ve all heard by now, … Continue reading
Lebanon’s Cabinet Lineup
** See below for continuing updates ** At approximately 8PM Beirut time, President Michel Suleiman signed the following decrees, dissolving the current cabinet and appointing the new one. Decree #2837: The cabinet led by Prime Minister Fouad Siniora is now resigned. Decree #2838: Saad al-Hariri is hereby appointed Prime Minister. Decree #2839: Pursuant to the … Continue reading
Looking Ahead
The cabinet formation process seems to be chugging along (fingers crossed), and the expectation is that the executive branch will finally get down to business later this week. It’s the end of an era, and some readers believe that this means that I should engage in a dab of ponderous reflection. Who am I to … Continue reading
Almost Half a Year Later, Lebanon Finally Has a Cabinet
Well, it took five months (almost to the day) but Lebanon seems to have finally turned the page on the historic parliamentary elections held on June 7, 2009. Not to jinx things, but the media is rife with reports that efforts to form a national unity government have succeeded, with the majority March 14 Forces … Continue reading
Qifa Nabki 
And the people say…