Home  Opinion Perpetual political drama is not what Lebanese expect from their leaders |
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Perpetual political drama is not what Lebanese expect from their leaders |
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Written by Daily Star
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The by-elections in Lebanon Sunday generated enough heat, rancor and plain old silliness to keep the political system primed in the entertainment fast lane for several weeks, by which time we are likely to see the same set of characters come on stage again and perform another act in what seems to the world, and to many Lebanese, as a perpetual play without much substance.
The occasion then will be the impending presidential election, and some time after that the drama will be triggered by possible talks for a new electoral law, or a resumed national dialogue, or another round of elections. The reasons for political leaders to bicker and send the governance system into a long-term stalemate appear nearly endless; yet the consequences of such amateurish statesmanship on the part of the political elite in Lebanon are becoming both increasingly clear and dire. The capacity of the current ruling elite to engage in heated polemics and Machiavellian deal-making is stunning in its audacity. It is matched only by the glaring failure of this same class of high-flyers to either grasp or address the routine concerns and real needs of ordinary citizens.
With every episode of such political theater, the willingness of citizens to participate in political life dissipates, as does the integrity of the entire system of governance. Ordinary people do not understand why their leaders spend so much time making accusations against Syria, the United States, Iran, France and other faraway demons, when they should be huddling with experts and concerned activists to figure out how to reduce electricity cuts, improve education standards, generate new investments and jobs, and clean up environmental pollution. A few useful, realistic proposals on some obvious priority issues from down-to-earth politicians would do wonders at a time when citizens are begging for quality leadership in a country that is blessed with extraordinary human talent. Lebanon has enough genuine drama in its cultural life, spirited people, stunning natural assets, and vibrant commercial life. It does not need more drama from politicians.
By The Daily Star
Editorial
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&article_id=84450&categ_id=17
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Madness takes over Lebanon.
Militants are fighting in the streets of Beirut. Military guns are on both sides. What is the prospect of such a situation. Aren't the Lebanese fed-up with wars?
23 November 2007
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud left the Baabda presidential palace without handing over the power to a new president. This is the first time since independence in 1943. |
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