Home  Opinion Now that Annan has done his job, will Lebanon's leaders do the same? |
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Now that Annan has done his job, will Lebanon's leaders do the same? |
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Written by Daily Star
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Now that Annan has done his job, will Lebanon's leaders do the same?
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has built the diplomatic framework for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, and with it the outlines of a structure on which thoughftul Lebanese leadership can now hang the meat of a functioning state. As has so often been the case in Lebanon's history, observers are anxious to see how this country's complex internal dynamic responds to the incessant pushing and pulling of outside forces. There are fears that the counter-productive bickering which was silenced by the war might simply resume, setting the stage for future crises, both foreign and domestic.
Such fears are legitimate, but their fulfillment is not inevitable. Lebanon has long possessed the trappings of a viable liberal democracy, and it has recently produced a number of political leaders who seem to recognize that appearances are no longer enough to satisfy a long-suffering people. The conflict with Israel actually had a number of silver linings, one of which was the forging of a productive working relationship between Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Foaud Siniora. This will be essential in the months to come if, as will likely be the case, President Emile Lahoud remains in office despite widespread calls for his departure. If a logjam is to be averted, Berri will have to assert Parliament's authority, and he will need Siniora's support to do so. Together they can make a strong case for influential figures across the spectrum to set aside what amount to petty differences in order to pursue an agenda that strengthens the instruments of the state.
A new electoral law belongs at the top of this agenda. Parliamentary democracy comes in many shapes and sizes, but Lebanon's system has little in common with effective models in other countries. The goal of electoral reform should be to make Parliament more representative and therefore more democratic. Once that has been accomplished, the transition to relevance will be just short of automatic. Some politicians will suffer as a result, but the long-term benefits for the country are more than worth it.
If such statesmanship can be coaxed out of Hizbullah, the Lebanese Forces and the Progressive Socialist Party (to name but three key actors), this country has excellent prospects for the future. If not, the rest of us have little choice but to watch a foundering ship of state wallow in waves wrought by others - and hope it doesn't end up on the rocks again.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Editorial
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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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