Lebanon a New Daring, Critical Mood Emerging in Lebanon

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Lebanon a New Daring, Critical Mood Emerging in Lebanon 4 June 5, 2016 News & Analysis Lebanon A new daring, critical mood emerging in Lebanon Dalal Saoud Beirut espite the gloom and uncertainties facing the country, Lebanon has successfully conducted four rounds of munici- Dpal elections. What was supposed to be a rather folkloric exercise pro- duced results that took “untouch- able” political leaders by surprise, shaking what they thought was their absolute control of their com- munities. A new mood, critical of Lebanon’s political establishment, expressed itself in different ways and levels during May’s series of municipal elections — the first such opportu- nity for Lebanese to express their political voice since the start of the Syrian war in 2011. The country has been without a president since May 2014 and the parliament’s mandate has been extended twice since 2013. What was supposed to be a rather folkloric exercise produced results that took “untouchable” political leaders by surprise. The fact that the municipal elec- tions took place on time and with- out incident proved that Lebanon’s leaders were wrong and manipula- Sunni politician Ashraf Rifi votes at a polling station during Tripoli’s municipal elections, Lebanon, on May 29th. tive in citing security as an excuse for not having general elections. Their political disputes, coupled the Sunni Future Movement, the cessions and deals, mainly his but the door is not closed for Hariri oppositions”. with widespread corruption and Shia Hezbollah Party and Amal nomination of Suleiman Frangieh, to reconfirm his position as the “The weak political performance the burden of hosting more than Movement, the Christian Lebanese a pro-Hezbollah political leader and leader of the Sunnis.” of these parties explains the erosion 1.2 million Syrian refugees, plunged Forces (LF) and the Free Patriotic personal friend of Syrian President The Christian LF-FPM alliance of public support: poor governance the country into political and eco- Movement (FPM) and the Druze Bashar Assad, for the Lebanese had its own share of objections, and widespread corruption. The nomic paralysis, creating a malaise Progressive Socialist Party, struck presidency, as well as his alliance proving that it cannot control the majority of votes cast were against among the population. odd alliances to secure what they with Mikati in the municipal elec- Christians and impose itself as their dominant political parties,” Sala- The municipal elections, how- thought would be easy wins. Con- tions. sole representative. mey said. ever, presented an opportunity to trary to their expectations, they Hezbollah and its traditional Shia Is it the beginning of real, long- generate long-absent political ac- were confronted with close races “These elections ally the Amal Movement faced re- awaited change? countability. against strong traditional families reflected a new sistance to their attempts to assert The people are more encouraged “These elections reflected a new and new political and civil society popular mood, no dominance among Shias and sup- after the municipal elections and popular mood, no more at ease with figures. more at ease with press local resentments. would be more daring but the polit- the main political parties and their The rising star was Ashraf Rifi, a “There are signs of objection ical-sectarian system is still strong bumptious attitudes and imposed Sunni former police chief who re- the main political within the Shia community, too, in the absence of an alternative. deals,” said Fadia Kiwan, director signed as Justice minister earlier parties.” but still they are not clear due to The political leaders might have of the Institute of Political Science this year in protest at what he called Fadia Kiwan, director of the Hezbollah’s heavy hand and sacred finally recognised the malaise in at St Joseph University. “However, the dominant role of the heavily Institute of Political Science resistance slogan,” Kammourieh the country but do not seem yet the objection expressed was about armed, Iran-backed Shia Hezbollah. at St Joseph University said. ready to change. They quickly en- the performance and not the politi- Rifi’s list won a majority of seats Imad Salamey, a political sci- gaged again in discussions to agree cal choices adopted by the parties.” on the council in the northern city “Change is looming within the ence professor at the Lebanese a new election law that would pre- Kiwan said there is resistance to of Tripoli in the final round of the Sunni community but these are American University, explained serve their influence. the control and hegemony of Leba- municipal elections, defeating an calls to change from within (the that among the main outcomes of non’s political parties, saying: “No alliance backed by Sunni leaders, Future Movement) and for Hariri, the election was the emergence of Dalal Saoud is the deputy one is controlling his own commu- including former prime ministers who has been away for a long time, “sectarian duets” consisting of tra- Editor-in-Chief of The Arab Weekly nity… and there is no (political) po- Saad Hariri and Najib Mikati. to make a good review,” said Amin ditional political contenders within and has been reporting on the Arab larisation anymore.” Analysts said Rifi’s victory ex- Kammourieh, a political analyst. each sectarian group “joining force region since 1990. She is based in The main parties, which include pressed a rejection of Hariri’s con- “Rifi could be a new player, partner, to confront and suppress local civil Beirut. Lessons from Lebanon’s municipal elections Viewpoint he final round of ticularly the victory of the Tripoli’s to represent 85% of Lebanon’s presidential bid. Lebanon’s municipal Choice list, which was backed by Christians. However, the Christian Former The fourth round of elections elections, which took former Justice minister Ashraf coalition was unable to defeat an also confirmed the changing place in North Rifi. The result indicated Rifi is electoral list backed by Telecom- Justice mood among Lebanon’s Sunnis Lebanon governorate, an emerging force in Lebanese munications Minister Boutros Harb minister and represents a step back for the marked the end of a politics, particularly among the in Tannourine and an electoral list Ashraf Rifi is Hariri-led Future Movement. This Tmonth of elections in a country country’s Sunni community. backed by Future Movement MP is something that the Future Move- an emerging that has been unable to elect a Tripoli’s Choice defeated an Hadi Hbeish and former Kataeb ment itself recognised, explaining president for more than two years electoral list endorsed by senior party MP Mikhail al-Daher in Qou- force in its strange alliance with Mikati, and that has not had parliamen- political figures, including former baiyat. Lebanese whom it accused of treason after Mohamad tary elections since 2009. prime ministers Saad Hariri and The results of the elections con- politics, he became prime minister follow- Kawas The elections, which took place Najib Mikati firm Lebanon’s ability to immunise ing what it said was a Hezbollah over four rounds starting May 8th, Rifi’s success comes amid a po- itself from the worst of the Syrian particularly “coup” over Hariri’s own govern- determined the face of Lebanon’s litical row between him and Hariri, conflict. The municipal elections among the ment in 2011. However, even this municipal councils for the next six the leader of the Future Move- took place without a hitch, even in country’s bitter alliance was not enough to years and contain important indi- ment. Rifi resigned his cabinet areas adjacent to the Syrian border. Sunni overcome Rifi’s popularity. cations regarding the new political post after former minister Michel Observers say there is no real The most important revelation is reality in the country. Samaha — convicted of smug- security or logistical justification community. the rise of a new grass-roots power The last round of municipal gling explosives into Lebanon and for postponing vital parliamentary that threatens traditional politics elections was full of surprises, par- planning attacks — was granted elections scheduled for next year. and the dominance of Lebanon’s bail from prison after serving less The alliance between Lebanon’s major parties. This power, as than one year of a four-and-a-half- two largest Christian parties, represented by various electoral year sentence. Hariri endorsed Geagea’s Lebanese Forces and lists across Lebanon that sought Lebanon has been unable Samaha’s bail. Rifi also strongly Aoun’s Free Patriotic Movement, is to take on more traditional par- criticised Hariri’s endorsement of important to note. Until recently, ties, is calling for the introduction to elect a president for Suleiman Frangieh for president. Geagea and Aoun had been rivals of a proportional representation more than two years and The municipal elections were for Lebanon’s presidential seat. electoral system that would reduce the first chance to see the reper- Some political observers have the influence of Lebanon’s major has not had parliamentary cussions of the Christian alliance yet to be convinced about the parties. elections since 2009. between Samir Geagea’s Lebanese long-term future of their political Forces and Michel Aoun’s Free Pa- alliance, saying it would fall apart Mohamad Kawas is a Lebanese triotic Movement, which purports should Frangieh decide to forgo his writer..
Recommended publications
  • Lebanon's Versatile Nationalism
    EUI Working Papers RSCAS 2008/13 MEDITERRANEAN PROGRAMME SERIES Lebanon’s Versatile Nationalism Tamirace Fakhoury Muehlbacher EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE, FLORENCE ROBERT SCHUMAN CENTRE FOR ADVANCED STUDIES MEDITERRANEAN PROGRAMME Lebanon’s Versatile Nationalism TAMIRACE FAKHOURY MUEHLBACHER EUI Working Paper RSCAS 2008/13 This text may be downloaded only for personal research purposes. Additional reproduction for other purposes, whether in hard copies or electronically, requires the consent of the author(s), editor(s). Requests should be addressed directly to the author(s). If cited or quoted, reference should be made to the full name of the author(s), editor(s), the title, the working paper, or other series, the year and the publisher. The author(s)/editor(s) should inform the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at the EUI if the paper will be published elsewhere and also take responsibility for any consequential obligation(s). ISSN 1028-3625 © 2008 Tamirace Fakhoury Muehlbacher Printed in Italy in May 2008 European University Institute Badia Fiesolana I – 50014 San Domenico di Fiesole (FI) Italy http://www.eui.eu/RSCAS/Publications/ http://cadmus.eui.eu Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies The Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies (RSCAS), directed by Stefano Bartolini since September 2006, is home to a large post-doctoral programme. Created in 1992, it aims to develop inter-disciplinary and comparative research and to promote work on the major issues facing the process of integration and European society. The Centre hosts major research programmes and projects, and a range of working groups and ad hoc initiatives. The research agenda is organised around a set of core themes and is continuously evolving, reflecting the changing agenda of European integration and the expanding membership of the European Union.
    [Show full text]
  • Presidential Elections in Lebanon: Consensus Or Conflagration? by David Schenker
    MENU Policy Analysis / PolicyWatch 1299 Presidential Elections in Lebanon: Consensus or Conflagration? by David Schenker Nov 1, 2007 ABOUT THE AUTHORS David Schenker David Schenker is the Taube Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute and former Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. Brief Analysis n October 31, Saad Hariri, leader of the "March 14" majority bloc in the Lebanese parliament, met with O opposition leader Michel Aoun, head of the Hizballah-allied Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), the largest Maronite Christian party in Lebanon. Discussions focused on the September 25-November 25 presidential elections, which will decide whether Lebanon's next chief executive will align with the pro-Western, reform-minded March 14 coalition or follow the path of current president Emile Lahoud and align with Syria. Despite increasing pressures on the March 14 forces -- including an apparent Syrian-orchestrated assassination campaign -- a breakthrough agreement between the majority and the opposition remains unlikely. Meanwhile, Hizballah has warned the March 14 bloc that if it does not compromise on the choice of president, the opposition will adopt a "more direct" approach. Background In the aftermath of the February 2005 assassination of former Lebanese premier Rafiq Hariri, Syria was forced to withdraw its forces, and the March 14 bloc won the parliamentary elections and formed a government. The government coalition included Hizballah ministers, but differences quickly emerged, primarily over the prospective international tribunal to prosecute Hariri's killers. In November 2006, Hizballah's ministers essentially quit after Prime Minister Fouad Siniora requested UN assistance to establish the tribunal, and tensions have been high ever since.
    [Show full text]
  • Approving a President: Hezbollah and the Lebanese Political System
    Approving a President: Hezbollah and the Lebanese Political System Maddie Jurden Research Assistant, ICT Summer 2015 This article examines the current presidential deadlock in Lebanon, and the important role Hezbollah has played. The ties between Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah influence the outcome of the election and have the potential of deep repercussions for stability in Lebanon and the region as a whole. In light of the growing instability attributed to the Syrian civil war, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and the deterioration of political stability, it is vital that the Lebanese deadlock situation be rectified as soon as possible. This article outlines the possible economic, political and security effects of the ongoing presidential deadlock, and analyzes Hezbollah’s role. * The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT). 2 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................. 4 BRIEF HISTORY OF LEBANON..................................................................... 5 Current Governmental Power Distribution ..................................................... 9 BRIEF HISTORY OF HEZBOLLAH ................................................................ 9 Lebanon's Historical ties to Syria and Iran .................................................... 12 Modern Day Hezbollah ................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Political Party Mapping in Lebanon Ahead of the 2018 Elections
    Political Party Mapping in Lebanon Ahead of the 2018 Elections Foreword This study on the political party mapping in Lebanon ahead of the 2018 elections includes a survey of most Lebanese political parties; especially those that currently have or previously had parliamentary or government representation, with the exception of Lebanese Communist Party, Islamic Unification Movement, Union of Working People’s Forces, since they either have candidates for elections or had previously had candidates for elections before the final list was out from the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities. The first part includes a systematic presentation of 27 political parties, organizations or movements, showing their official name, logo, establishment, leader, leading committee, regional and local alliances and relations, their stance on the electoral law and their most prominent candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections. The second part provides the distribution of partisan and political powers over the 15 electoral districts set in the law governing the elections of May 6, 2018. It also offers basic information related to each district: the number of voters, the expected participation rate, the electoral quotient, the candidate’s ceiling on election expenditure, in addition to an analytical overview of the 2005 and 2009 elections, their results and alliances. The distribution of parties for 2018 is based on the research team’s analysis and estimates from different sources. 2 Table of Contents Page Introduction .......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • European Union Election Observation Mission to the Republic of Lebanon 2018 EU Election Observation Mission – Lebanon 2018 FINAL REPORT
    Parliamentary Elections 2018 European Union Election Observation Mission to the Republic of Lebanon 2018 EU Election Observation Mission – Lebanon 2018 FINAL REPORT LEBANON FINAL REPORT Parliamentary elections 2018 EUROPEAN UNION ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION www.eueom-lebanon2018.eu This report has been produced by the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Lebanon 2018 and contains the conclusions of its observation of the parliamentary elections on 6 May. The contents of this report do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union. 1 EU Election Observation Mission – Lebanon 2018 FINAL REPORT Table of Contents I. Executive summary ................................................................................................. 3 II. Introduction ........................................................................................................... 8 III. Political background ............................................................................................... 9 IV. Implementation of previous EOM recommendations ............................................ 10 V. Legal framework ................................................................................................... 11 VI. Election Administration ........................................................................................ 14 VII. Voter registration ................................................................................................. 17 VIII. Registration of candidates and political parties ....................................................
    [Show full text]
  • NDH Annual Report – 2002 –
    The Human Rights practices in Lebanon – 2002 Title Page I- Introduction 2 The Lebanese situation (political and economic) 2 Evolution of the Human Rights context in Lebanon 3 II- Civil and Political Rights 4 Integrity and personal safety 4 Safety: Assassinations, Terrorism and physical aggression 4 Disappearance and Prisoners 7 Physical and Psychological Torture 9 Arbitrary Arrest and Exile 10 Prisons 13 Death Penalty 13 The Judicial Power 14 Integrity of the judicial power & fair trials 14 The Executive Power’s hold over the Judicial Power 16 The military Court 16 Freedoms 17 Religion and freedom of belief 17 Freedom of expression, of thought and of opinion 18 Right to peaceful meetings and demonstrations 21 Freedom of movement 22 Participation in Public Life 23 Elections 23 Corruption 25 Private Life 25 Searches 25 Phone tapping 26 III- Economic and Social Rights 26 Labour 26 Social Security 27 Discrimination 27 Women 27 Children 28 Disabled People 28 Refugees and Asylum seekers 29 Drug addiction 29 Homosexuality 30 Exploitation and human traffic 30 IV- Ecology 30 I- Introduction a) The Lebanese Situation Lebanon is a parliamentary republic. The executive power is held by the President (Maronite Christian) and the Council of Ministers headed by a Prime Minister (Sunnite Muslim). The Parliament, headed by a Shiite Muslim, is composed of 128 deputies; half of whom are Christians, the other half is Muslims. The judiciary power is generally submitted to the political authority both on its structural level and functional level. After the end of the military hostilities in 1990, military operations between the Israeli army and Lebanese military formations persisted only in the south of Lebanon until May 24, 2000, when the Israeli armed forces withdrew from Lebanon.
    [Show full text]
  • THE POLITICS and LIBERATION of LEBANON by Etienne Sakr (Abu Arz)*
    THE POLITICS AND LIBERATION OF LEBANON By Etienne Sakr (Abu Arz)* For 30 years, political events in Lebanon were dominated by Syrian occupation until 2005, when the Syrian army withdrew under international pressure. Yet the national future of Lebanon remains clouded in doubt and tension, as acts of terror against anti-Syrian elements continue, the March "Cedar Revolution" is stymied, and the country totters between freedom and political paralysis and breakdown. Events in Lebanon in the first half of 2005 Lebanese/Maronite-Palestinian fighting in altered the political state of affairs Beirut and Mount Lebanon.3 concerning Syria's long occupation of that By June 1976, Syria also sent its own country. Yet the outcome of these events is army into Lebanon to dominate the country still unclear and fluid. This article analyzes and subdue it to the will of Damascus. the history of the Lebanon issue and Manipulating the complex fighting scenario prospects for creating a new, more in Lebanon, Syrian-Palestinian cooperation equitable and stable order given the against the Christian community became dramatic changes which have taken place. the major motif. For example, in February 1980, the Syrians turned over the western STAGES AND METHODS IN SYRIAN area from Damur to the Zahrani to the PLA, OCCUPATION OF LEBANON along with heavy military equipment.4 On The hegemonic notion of Greater Syria July 20, 1976, following the launching of provides the ideological and historic Syria's direct military intervention in underpinnings for Damascus's drive to Lebanon, Hafiz al-Asad gave an historic eliminate Lebanese independence.1 Among speech in which he declared that its tools in realizing this goal was the "[throughout] history, Syria and Lebanon Saiqah Palestinian faction established in have been one country and one people"--a 1968.
    [Show full text]
  • Lebanon at the Crossroads Hearing Committee On
    S. HRG. 113–457 LEBANON AT THE CROSSROADS HEARING BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON NEAR EASTERN AND SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIAN AFFAIRS OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS UNITED STATES SENATE ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION FEBRUARY 25, 2014 Printed for the use of the Committee on Foreign Relations ( Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/ U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 91–137 PDF WASHINGTON : 2014 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512–1800; DC area (202) 512–1800 Fax: (202) 512–2104 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20402–0001 VerDate Mar 15 2010 15:12 Nov 07, 2014 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 5011 Sfmt 5011 S:\FULL COMMITTEE\HEARING FILES\113TH CONGRESS, 2ND SESSION\2014 ISSUE TE FOREI-43947 with DISTILLER COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey, Chairman BARBARA BOXER, California BOB CORKER, Tennessee BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, Maryland JAMES E. RISCH, Idaho JEANNE SHAHEEN, New Hampshire MARCO RUBIO, Florida CHRISTOPHER A. COONS, Delaware RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin RICHARD J. DURBIN, Illinois JEFF FLAKE, Arizona TOM UDALL, New Mexico JOHN McCAIN, Arizona CHRISTOPHER MURPHY, Connecticut JOHN BARRASSO, Wyoming TIM KAINE, Virginia RAND PAUL, Kentucky EDWARD J. MARKEY, Massachusetts DANIEL E. O’BRIEN, Staff Director LESTER E. MUNSON III, Republican Staff Director —————— SUBCOMMITTEE ON NEAR EASTERN AND SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIAN AFFAIRS TIM KAINE, Virginia, Chairman BARBARA BOXER, California JAMES E. RISCH, Idaho BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, Maryland MARCO RUBIO, Florida CHRISTOPHER A. COONS, Delaware RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin RICHARD J.
    [Show full text]
  • The Political Affiliation of Lebanese Parliamentarians and the Composition of the Different Parliamentary Blocs IFES Lebanon
    Lebanon’s 2009 Parliamentary Elections The political affiliation of Lebanese Parliamentarians and the composition of the different parliamentary blocs International Foundation for Electoral Systems IFES Lebanon Briefing Paper September 2009 Lebanon’s 2009 Parliamentary Elections have resulted in a majority of 71 deputies and an opposition of 57 deputies. Each coalition is composed of different political parties and independent deputies. However, on the 31 st of August, and after the recent position of MP Walid Jumblatt, the Majority forces held a meeting at the residence of designate PM Saad Hariri. While 67 deputies attended the meeting and 2 deputies were outside of Lebanon, MP Najib Mikati and MP Ahmad Karami were not present and declared themselves as “centrists”. The table (1) provides the number of Parliamentarians belonging to each political party and the number of independent Parliamentarians. The table (2) gives the number of deputies in each parliamentary bloc as they stand now. The table (3) provides the political affiliation and the parliamentary bloc of each deputy, indicating that some deputies are members of more than one parliamentary bloc, but within the same coalition of the majority or the opposition. These data are subject to change based on the future political developments. Table (1) Number of Table (2) Number of Political Affiliation deputies Parliamentary Blocs deputies FM 25 Lebanon First 41 Independent/March 14 th 20 Futur Bloc 33 LF 8 Democratic Gathering 11 Kataeb 5 LF 8 PSP 5 Zahle in the Heart 7 Hanchak 2
    [Show full text]
  • Lebanon: Background and U.S. Policy
    Lebanon: Background and U.S. Policy Christopher M. Blanchard Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs February 14, 2014 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R42816 Lebanon: Background and U.S. Policy Summary Lebanon’s small geographic size and population belie the important role it has long played in the security, stability, and economy of the Levant and the broader Middle East. Congress and the executive branch have recognized Lebanon’s status as a venue for regional strategic competition and have engaged diplomatically, financially, and at times, militarily to influence events there. For most of its independent existence, Lebanon has been torn by periodic civil conflict and political battles between rival religious sects and ideological groups. External military intervention, occupation, and interference have exacerbated Lebanon’s political struggles in recent decades. Lebanon is an important factor in U.S. calculations regarding regional security, particularly regarding Israel and Iran. Congressional concerns have focused on the prominent role that Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shiite militia, political party, and U.S.-designated terrorist organization, continues to play in Lebanon and beyond, including its recent armed intervention in Syria. Congress has appropriated more than $1 billion since the end of the brief Israel-Hezbollah war of 2006 to support U.S. policies designed to extend Lebanese security forces’ control over the country and promote economic growth. The civil war in neighboring Syria is progressively destabilizing Lebanon. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, nearly one million predominantly Sunni Syrian refugees have fled to Lebanon, equivalent to close to one quarter of Lebanon’s population.
    [Show full text]
  • Public Transcript of the Hearing Held on 20 November 2014 in the Case
    20141120_STL-11-01_T_T96_OFF_PUB_EN 1/46 PUBLIC Official Transcript Procedural Matters (Open Session) Page 1 1 Special Tribunal for Lebanon 2 In the case of The Prosecutor v. Ayyash, Badreddine, Merhi, 3 Oneissi, and Sabra 4 STL-11-01 5 Presiding Judge David Re, Judge Janet Nosworthy, Judge Walid Akoum, and 6 Judge Nicola Lettieri - [Trial Chamber] 7 Thursday, 20 November 2014 - [Trial Hearing] 8 [Open Session] 9 --- Upon commencing at 10.09 a.m. 10 [The witness takes the stand] 11 THE REGISTRAR: The Special Tribunal for Lebanon is sitting in an 12 open session case of the Prosecutor versus Ayyash, Badreddine, Merhi, 13 Oneissi, and Sabra, case number STL-11-01. 14 PRESIDING JUDGE RE: Good morning. We are sitting to continue 15 with the evidence of Mr. Hamade. 16 Good morning to you -- 17 THE WITNESS: Good morning, Your Honour. 18 PRESIDING JUDGE RE: -- Mr. Hamade. I trust that you are well 19 refreshed and ready to continue with your evidence. 20 THE WITNESS: Yes, thank you, Your Honour. 21 PRESIDING JUDGE RE: All right. Before we get to your evidence, 22 I'll just note the appearances for the day. 23 And for the Prosecution we have Mr. Cameron and Ms. Bari. For 24 the Legal Representatives of the Victims, Mr. Haynes and 25 Ms. Abdelsater-Abusamra. For Mr. Ayyash Mr. Hannis is here, Mr. Edwards Thursday, 20 November 2014 STL-11-01 Interpretation serves to facilitate communication. Only the original speech is authentic. 20141120_STL-11-01_T_T96_OFF_PUB_EN 2/46 PUBLIC Official Transcript Witness: Marwan Hamade –PRH038 (Resumed) (Open Session) Page 2 Examination by Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • The Political Economy of Contemporary Le!Banon: a Study of the Reconstruction
    THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF CONTEMPORARY LE!BANON: A STUDY OF THE RECONSTRUCTION by: Tom Pierre Najem A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Middle East Politics The copyright of this thesis rests with the author. No quotation from it should be published without the written consent of the author and information derived from it should be acknowledged. Supervisor: Professor Tim Niblock PhD Thesis 1997 The Centre for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies University of Durham Autumn 1997 0 23 JAN 1998 ii ABS TRACT The general purpose of this study is to look at the post- war economic reconstruction of Lebanon. More specifically, our primary aim is to examine, within the context of development theory, the institutional arrangement for implementing the various reconstruction programmes. In order to address these points, we will need to examine several important issues: How the economic leadership of post-war Lebanon has developed; what the institutions providing economic leadership have been; what plans have been developed for Lebanon's reconstruction; what groups have participated in the reconstruction; and what the principal obstacles to the economic reconstruction of the country have been. We will argue that the institutional arrangement is inappropriate for implementing the recovery programme. In part, because of the institutional arrangement, the recovery programme has suffered, and it is conceivable that the programme may fail to strengthen the Lebanese economy. The information collected for this study originated from three main sources including: material obtained from library research in the U.K.,; material collected in Lebanon from organisations, institutions, and individuals involved in the recovery programme; and material acquired from a series of unstructured interviews conducted in Lebanon in the winter of 1997 with individuals intimately associated with the reconstruction, prominent opponents of the system, and general observers of the Lebanese scene.
    [Show full text]