Qifa Nabki
Middle East
Moving On
It had to happen sooner or later. I can imagine that when Majd al-Assad died last week, Saad Hariri’s advisors all reached for their cell phones at the same time and called Qoreitem. “This is our chance. Let’s get it over with.” On the occasion of Hariri’s visit to Damascus, I found myself reflecting on … Continue reading
News and Notes
Here’s some worthwhile reading to keep you busy. My buddy Sean questions Spencer Ackerman’s credentials. But not in a snarky way. Middle East Policy Group Survey quotes a State Dept. analyst wondering whether Lebanon should be sacrificed (to Syria) in the service of American interests (via FLC). Brian Whitaker reflects on the latest ICG report … Continue reading
Sleiman meets Obama
President Michel Suleiman met with President Obama yesterday afternoon in the Oval Office. Judging from the two leaders’ remarks at the post-meeting press conference, it seems like it went roughly according to script. Sleiman: Thank you for receiving us Mr. President. Obama: Thank you for coming, Mr. President. It’s an honor to have you. Sleiman: … Continue reading
Sleiman in Washington to Meet Obama Today
Lebanese President Michel Sleiman is in Washington today for an Oval Office ziyaara with President Barack Obama. Here’s what White House press secretary Robert Gibbs had to say about the visit: “The president looks forward to consulting with President Sleiman on a broad range of issues of mutual concern, including efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship … Continue reading
Should Lebanon Default On Its Debt?
In addition to being responsible for Shakira, the biggest plate of hummus in the world, and Hank the Angry Drunken Dwarf, the Lebanese can be proud of another dubious distinction: their enormous national debt, which is said to be in the neighborhood of $47-52 billion. Measured per capita or as a percentage of GDP, it … Continue reading
Qifa Nabki 
And the people say…