Disir
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- Sep 30, 2011
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Berri’s reelection was always a certainty because the 27 Shiite seats in parliament are held by what is commonly referred to as the “Shiite Duo”- the Amal Movement and Hezbollah.
Coincidently, an ally of the Assad regime, Berri’s previous tenures as speaker were an extension of Syrian hegemony, which started with the Taef agreement and lasted until 2005 when former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was assassinated.
Following 2005, Berri became a pillar of the Iranian axis as he provided political legitimacy to Hezbollah, which through a series of political alliances with Michel Aoun’s Free Patriotic Movement was able to control the critical functions of what remained of the state.
For over three decades, Nabih Berri has survived as the high priest of the Lebanese archaic client list system. It’s one which saw the warlords who fought through the civil war (1975-1990) claim legitimacy through elected office and freely abuse the resources of the state. It has resulted in its total collapse.
Yet this time around, Berri did not have enough leverage or votes to be elected by an absolute majority. His win is frail as he was only able to garner 65 votes which is embarrassing for this veteran politician who in the past was able to win by a landslide. In addition, many opposition MPs used their voting ballots to send a clear message to Berri and the establishment he protects, by writing symbolic statements such as Justice to the victims to the Beirut port explosion and justice to the slain activists including Lokman Slim, confirming that they won't accept to be silenced anymore.
This symbolic win for the anti-establishment faction will pave the way for the next crucial democratic showdown, which is slated in September when the term of President Michel Aoun is set to expire.
In the past, Berri has violated the constitution by refusing to convene the parliament for over two and a half years, until the Iran axis were able to broker a deal with Aoun elected President.
Thus, the humiliating vote for Berri has weakened the chances of repeating the aforementioned scenario. Hezbollah as always will again need to use its weapons to derail the election of a president that can lead the Lebanon political and economic resurgence.
english.alarabiya.net
The above is an opinion piece. However, it does showcase another player and it carries a bit of hope. I'm always hopeful that Hezbollah will be thrown out of the country and any pretense of legitimacy goes with it.
Coincidently, an ally of the Assad regime, Berri’s previous tenures as speaker were an extension of Syrian hegemony, which started with the Taef agreement and lasted until 2005 when former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was assassinated.
Following 2005, Berri became a pillar of the Iranian axis as he provided political legitimacy to Hezbollah, which through a series of political alliances with Michel Aoun’s Free Patriotic Movement was able to control the critical functions of what remained of the state.
For over three decades, Nabih Berri has survived as the high priest of the Lebanese archaic client list system. It’s one which saw the warlords who fought through the civil war (1975-1990) claim legitimacy through elected office and freely abuse the resources of the state. It has resulted in its total collapse.
Yet this time around, Berri did not have enough leverage or votes to be elected by an absolute majority. His win is frail as he was only able to garner 65 votes which is embarrassing for this veteran politician who in the past was able to win by a landslide. In addition, many opposition MPs used their voting ballots to send a clear message to Berri and the establishment he protects, by writing symbolic statements such as Justice to the victims to the Beirut port explosion and justice to the slain activists including Lokman Slim, confirming that they won't accept to be silenced anymore.
This symbolic win for the anti-establishment faction will pave the way for the next crucial democratic showdown, which is slated in September when the term of President Michel Aoun is set to expire.
In the past, Berri has violated the constitution by refusing to convene the parliament for over two and a half years, until the Iran axis were able to broker a deal with Aoun elected President.
Thus, the humiliating vote for Berri has weakened the chances of repeating the aforementioned scenario. Hezbollah as always will again need to use its weapons to derail the election of a president that can lead the Lebanon political and economic resurgence.
Lebanon has seen the unhappy return of Nabih Berri
The recent Lebanese Parliamentary elections brought a whiff of hope as the forces of change, those who rose out of the October 17, 2019, popular protest,
The above is an opinion piece. However, it does showcase another player and it carries a bit of hope. I'm always hopeful that Hezbollah will be thrown out of the country and any pretense of legitimacy goes with it.
