Lebanon stance on Syria prompts controversy, ire

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman opposed a recent vote in the Arab League that withdrew Syria's membership. [Mohamed Azakir/Reuters]

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman opposed a recent vote in the Arab League that withdrew Syria's membership. [Mohamed Azakir/Reuters]

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As political tension mounts in Syria and international reactions grow louder, sharp divisions are emerging between Lebanon's political parties regarding what kind of action to take against the Syrian regime.

Lebanon rejected the Arab League's resolution to suspend Syria's membership during a meeting of foreign ministers in Cairo on November 12th. President Michel Suleiman justified Lebanon's position in the Arab League as one taken to "safeguard Lebanon's interests".

"Lebanon is not in opposition to the Arab League's resolutions, but to the isolation of any country in the region", he said, adding that he hoped that the Syrian government would "accelerate the implementation of the Arab initiative, open dialogue with all factions of the opposition, and proceed courageously and expeditiously in implementing reform".

Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Lebanon's position "stems from historical and geographical considerations and realities that are unique to Lebanon".

Lebanon stance 'shameful'

Former Prime Minister Hariri described Lebanon's stance as "shameful".

"Those who claim they seek to preserve the neutrality of Lebanon and protect it from the repercussions of the Syrian crisis have thrust the country into the heart of the storm and on the wrong side (of the Syrian conflict), the side that advocates murder, dictatorship and an anti-Arab identity," Hariri said on his Twitter account November 13th.

Hassan Nasrallah, secretary-general of Hizbullah, said in a November 11th speech that Syria is facing is a plot to overthrow its regime. He called on the Lebanese to "not bet on [collapse of the regime] because it will fail as previous bets have" and threatened that "war against Iran and Syria would engulf the entire region".

Parliamentarian Walid Jumblatt, head of the Progressive Socialist Party, described events in Syria as a "revolution". On October 30th, he called on the Syrian regime to stop firing on peaceful demonstrators, withdraw its military forces from the cities, release all political prisoners, implement political reform, and draft a new constitution.

Since protests began in March, an estimated 3,500 have died according to the United Nations. The Syrian government is blaming "armed terrorist gangs" for spreading violence in the country.

Despite Lebanon's opposition, the Arab League suspended Syria's membership until the government agrees to implement an Arab initiative to end violence against demonstrators and called for the withdrawal of Arab ambassadors from Damascus. Yemen and Syria joined Lebanon in voting against the resolution, and Iraq abstained.

Differing opinions

While pro-Syrian Lebanese parties project a grim picture of Lebanon's fate if the Assad regime falls, March 14 forces argue that it would have a positive impact on Lebanese-Syrian relations and the Arab Spring should be supported in Syria.

Dr. Sana Hammoudi, a professor of political relations at the Arab University of Beirut, said Lebanon is in a difficult position because of its geography and that Syria maintains substantial influence in Lebanon.

"Lebanon will inevitably pay for what is happening in Syria, but I do not think it would reach the point of internal fighting in Lebanon if the Syrian regime is replaced," she said.

"The heightened pressure could lead the Syrian regime to vent it in Lebanon, and the international community could apply economic pressure on Lebanon to tighten the noose on the regime in Syria."

Hammoudi ruled out the outbreak of war or the possibility that Hizbullah would take steps to demonstrate support of the Syrian regime "because everyone in Lebanon has had enough of civil war".

Political analyst Antoine Farah said Lebanon is no longer neutral because of its position in the UN Security Council and its vote on sanctions against Syria, in addition to its opposition to suspending Syria's Arab League membership.

"That stance has put Lebanon in an embarrassing position, prompting the president and the prime minister to justify the Lebanese position to the international community," he said.

Farah said Lebanon is the geographical and historical "lung of the Syrian regime", and that the political climate in Lebanon is biased in favour of the Syrian regime, which raises suspicions in the international community.

"Some parties who harbour these suspicions are seeking to apply pressure on Lebanon from time to time and in different areas, including banking, where they called for tighter controls on money originating from Syria," he said, noting that banking is a pillar of Lebanon's economy.

Farah said international pressure has eased restrictions on the Syrian opposition in Lebanon and helped displaced Syrians in Lebanon.

Hussein Salamah, a political analyst, said Lebanon's stance on Syria has left the international community at a loss.

"The international community is confounded by Lebanon's split into two camps, because one conforms to the international community and the other supports the Syrian regime, which impedes the application of pressure on it," he said.

In his view, any pressure, especially economic pressure, would adversely affect the Lebanese camp that opposes the Syrian regime more than it would affect Hizbullah, which Salamah said "has no [shared] interests with the outside world, and thus would not be affected".

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  • READER COMMENTS

    علاء مناحي

    2012-1-16

    The Lebanese government is supposed to work hard to save those refugees from Hezbollah and work hard to stop them, because those poor refugees suffer from many problems and suppression, as well as the lack of supplies, aid and shelter. They also do not know when their problem will be solved and when Bashar will leave Syria alone to enjoy peace and security. The situation will be better than ever and the unjust ruler will be deposed. The refugees will return to their homes honorably and we wish for more security and stability for them. The Syrian refugees in Lebanon did not receive enough support or good shelter; rather, they live in camps or even with Lebanese families. Some of those refugees are perplexed, because the situation is very difficult after they left Syria, only to find themselves being hunted, being what is referred to as “the wanted Syrians.” This is another problem that will cause many problems for them. It is assumed that Hezbollah will help the free people and the refugees from Syria, instead of destroying their nerves and making them experience their worst conditions. They need to stand with them until the situation calms down in Syria and returns to its normal conditions. The Syrian people are poor and they cannot endure what is happening now. They live in a very difficult situation, and we want the Lebanese government to find solutions to the problem of the refugees, God willing, until things calm down in Syria. We wish that they could return safely to their homes.

  • خميس

    2011-12-30

    This trivial regime thought that it was exempt from the penalty. I swear that the ignorant regime will not escape the punishment… You are waiting for the punishment, one after the other. The Arab countries should not recognize this ignorant, corrupt party. It is unfair to recognize it, even in a small village, so it will not rule a great country and great people like the beloved, injured Syria, which is close to our hearts. We ask God to destroy this oppressor.

  • jaber sabeh

    2011-12-24

    It is important to respect the country’s sovereignty. And we must respect and believe the country’s word. Thus, when the observer sees a member of the Shabiha kill a demonstrator, he will give a statement that says that one of the armed members wore a police uniform in order to sow discord. However, there was no order to shoot him. Thus, all people must respect and believe in the country’s sovereignty. And if they want to drown in the details, they must learn how to swim.The free and honest Syrians have no supporter except God. Thus, you must not expect anything from the Arab League, America or Europe. In fact, our logo is “No to death and humiliation.” We will rely on God and we will go into the streets every day. Thus the Revolution of Dignity will continue until we achieve victory, God willing. And we will achieve victory over the criminal al-Assad, who is the enemy of God, and over those who have played with our blood. In fact, there are 4 martyrs in my family, and I will have the honor of being the fifth, God willing. Thus, our revolution will continue until we liberate the country, God willing. Long live Syria and its people, who will put an end to the injustice of Bashar and his followers and supporters. The Western countries want to intervene in order to reduce difficulties. In fact, Iraq’s invasion was easy. However, the Syrian regime has been the agent of Zionists and the protector of their border for decades. Thus, the Arab countries have been in trouble and they don’t know how to deal with the Syrian regime, as long as there is the Israeli veto. I want to say to the Levant citizens that they must not be sad, because the world will not abandon you. And as long as you are oppressed, God will be with you and will help you achieve victory.

  • همام عبد الخالق

    2011-12-22

    We have heard enough about bloody events for many months. Whoever thinks that he belongs to humanity should react. I swear a thousand times that the removal of the tyrant is the duty of true Muslims who are more humane than others. If you were serious, Turkey, you would have avoided the attractive statements and occasional reluctance. In so doing, you are offering Iran an opportunity to take over the blessed land. In fact, Iranians will control the Arabian Peninsula, which witnessed the start of their empire’s demolition. Iranians are making progress in avenging the Prophet and his companions. Their interests converged with those of the Westerners, who are also hostile.

  • غسلن

    2011-12-21

    The conflict between truth and falsehood has existed since the human beings’ creation. In fact, the nation’s scholars have done their duty in order to fight falsehood. Thus, they have considered these organizations that have left Islam as Takfiris. In fact, the Mujahideen are the best in the nation, because they have sacrificed their souls, money, comfort and security for the sake of their religion and nation. However, they need the support of the nation. That’s why we must take a stance that will satisfy God Almighty and anger Satan and his followers. In fact, this battle will end with the victory of this nation and its future. This is in order to stop the stealing of wealth and to restore just rule to this miserable life. The solution must be found by the Arab League. Thus, it is important to send observers immediately. In fact, talking about Turkey and about the buffer zone has no meaning, because Turkey doesn’t want to face Syria. Besides, Turkey includes millions of people who are loyal to Syrian President Bashar. Thus, the Syrian forces have spread on the Turkish borders. That’s why I think that the military confrontation will not serve Turkey, especially since the number of soldiers in the Syrian army is about one million. Besides, they have thousands of rockets. Thus, what is the interest of Turkey?

  • باسم نميري

    2011-12-21

    Before the revolution, you used to say in your statements that the Baathist -Assadi regime used to send terrorists to Iraq. What happened? The terrorist, colonial Baathist regime has become your ally and Bashar has become your friend. The sanctions imposed by the Arab League against Syria are merely a play on the free Syrian people. All people know that a blockade against Syria cannot take place, because the neighboring countries, such as Iraq, Jordan, the Gulf countries and Lebanon will be the first ones harmed. That is why the Arab League wants to save face through getting the signature of the Baathists. Of course, the poor Syrian people are the one who will pay the price, and the members of the Arab League will enjoy safety. The Arab League has conspired with the Syrian regime. Can someone convince me why the League has asked for an air blockade since the first month? Even Qatar has participated, using fighters under the pretext that there is genocide. Yet, we should bear in mind that Gaddafi, may God bless him, was combating armed people who were supported by air cover. This means that we have not seen these pictures in Libya. Besides, the story of dissenters is suspicious. Thus, we have to excuse the regime and the world should be convinced that there are two conflicting parties.

  • DJ

    2011-12-19

    The famous parliament member has shown all his hidden hatred and spite towards Hezbollah, its general secretary Hassan Nasrallah and the president of its parliamentary cluster and his son-in-law, in an immediate answer to a question asked by his niece. The seventeen-year-old asked her uncle, the parliament member, who came to their house to celebrate her birthday: “How do you see the conditions? And where are we heading to?” The parliament member answered, “As long as there is someone called Hassan Nasrallah, only God knows where we are heading.” He added, “This country will only straighten out if Hezbollah is disarmed and if the Syrian and Iranian influences are demolished.” He also noted, “The president of their bloc has become a lump of clay in the hands of the party, changing into different shapes and forms as per the demand.” He also added that what the president of their cluster says in secret is different from what is announced, especially the sharp and bitter criticism of Hezbollah and its general secretary. The parliament member also revealed that during a meeting that took place a while ago with the bloc, the president of the cluster presented an idea to the market in the ministers’ council and the parliament. So one of the ministers asked, “Would Hezbollah be included in this idea?” and the president of the bloc answered, “They never will, God willing.” He also added, “From now on, I will do what only serves our best interest.” He noted, “We are sure that Hezbollah sends some of its members to Syria to oppress the demonstrators, although they are denying it. We even heard from very close sources that a number of party members were murdered in Syria.” He also confirmed that the president of his cluster is willing to deal with the Turks, if this serves his best interest, because the only dream he always has is to sit on the chair of the palace in Abeda. The parliament member added that if the bloc president reaches the first chair, may God forbid, this means that his son-in-law will rule the country and the people. He also assured, “The harmony between the bloc president and Hezbollah is only a matter of time.”