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Lebanese ruling party: Disarm militias
Roee Nahmias
Published: 28.08.10, 16:48
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26 Talkbacks for this article
1. Don't disarm; bring upon yourselves another civil war...
Jehudah Ben-Israel ,   Qatzrin, Israel   (08.28.10)
...which you probably deserve...!!
2. WHEN THIS STARTED
Mark from Georgia ,   USA   (08.28.10)
We were told by some, that it was only a personal vendetta. One writer went as far to say they had talked with a friend, who went for "a drink"...I guess at a cafe... that same night. because they were not worried. At the time I wrote that RPG's are not used in personal vendetta's, and the fact that a Mosque was burned, would fly in the face of the "personal vendetta" argument. In addition, I also wrote it was suspicious that the government and the two groups involved were working together for "spin control" because the Western press had picked up the story. It simply makes not only Lebanon but all of the Muslim world look bad. Because it reveals the true problems of the region have nothing to do with Israel. If Israel were to disappear tomorrow, violence in the region would NOT. Well. well, now the "personal vendetta" is three days old, out of control and the Lebanese government wants to disarm Hezbollah and their lackeys. Look for another assassination attempt on the younger Hariri, and of course, the cheap attempt to blame Israel for it. The Myth that Israel is responsible for all the problems in the Middle East, for those who can read, have never been taken seriously. We have always known when the Muslims favorite scapegoat, Israel, was taken out the equation, the Muslim world always turns on itself. Ultimately, the problems that exist in the region are self inflicted, by the Muslims themselves.
3. What a joke!
Ben ,   London, UK   (08.28.10)
Israel left Lebanon a while ago now. Hezb wants to hold on to its weapons because this is how it will take over the country. When Israel left the country, the Lebanese army should have been the sole militarized entity. Because of the fact that Hezb has so much weapons, other groups keeps their arms as well. Because of Hezb's arms, there was a bloody war with Israel in 2006 (Hezb looking for trouble in cross border kidnappings). Because of Hezb's weapons the civil war specter lies above. Because of Hezb's arsenal, the possibility of another war with Israel lies around. Hezb is the worse thing for Lebanon today. Lebanon does not need this power hungry militia anymore!!!
4. See - There are forces against Hizbullah hegemony over Leb
Anonymous ,   TX, USA   (08.28.10)
And these forces are pushing for the Lebanese army to extend its control over larger and larger area (by that gradually & discreetly curbing Hizbullah's control without going in direct confrontation with it). A brilliant plan that would see the weakening of Hizbullah, and avoiding going into civil strife at the same time...however for this plan to succeed, it depend on one thing, and one thing only...the strenghening of the Lebanese Army to be able to undertake this task. Such thing that Israeli government is staunchly trying to sabotage by blocking Lebanese attempt at strenghening their army. Which begs the question, why Israel is blocking any attempt at curbing Hizbullah's hegemony in Lebanon, and actively seeking to paint Lebanon as Hizbalistan...and that there are no longer any institution or forces in Lebanon that are not Hizbullah affiliate. Wouldn't that be considerd a prelude to war act...where Israel depict Lebanon as an all out enemy state, in order to facilitate, and justify its upcoming agression against it, by depict your target Lebanon as being All vilians & Barbarian...wasn't that the message of Israeli officials, that they no longer see a difference between Lebanese Army and Hizbullah, and that since Hizbullah is now in the government, then all of Lebanon is now Hizbullah, and they won't be excluding the Lebanese state institutions from any attacks. Aren't all these a prelude to their up-coming war. And even though there are obviously strong lebanese forces that are still seeking to deal with Hizbullah delicately in a Lebanese way. Israel seem to prefer brute force, and destruction of Lebanon in its entirity, equating all Lebanese to Hizbullah. It could be that Israel intends to attack Iran soon, so they don't want to wait for the Lebanese to find their own solution, so they opted for taking matters in their own hand and launch a comprehensive devastating war, since Israeli officials stated that they don't want to take the time to pick targets anymore.
5. #1
Omri ,   Israel   (08.28.10)
Dont be so hateful some of them are actualy peaceful people. If you ever met a צדלניק you will know what i mean.
6. ISRAEL
zt ,   me   (08.28.10)
The israelies ain`t fools.folks. it`s just another arab show for the media.they still believe that u folks r the silly ones
7. #4. So you are aware of a “brilliant plan”. Have you taken
Harry Wright ,   UK   (08.28.10)
into account: that many in the Lebanese army are strong supporters of Hizbullah? That they actively assisted Hizbullah against Israel during the last war giving lie to the statement that Israel was fighting Hizbullah and not the state of Lebanon? That Hizbullah can commandeer the army’s weapons with the minimum of effort because few if any will oppose them? That strengthening the Lebanese army ultimately strengthens Hizbullah? That the Lebanese army carried out an unwarranted attack on Israeli soldiers while they were cutting down a tree on their side of the border (under whose instructions? Hizbullah’s?) Lebanon is Hizbullastan and it’s a pity you can’t face that reality and understand the ramifications of that fact. The Lebanese government is controlled by the Hizbullah faction in it and nothing can be done in Lebanon without Hizbullah’s approval. Not even Hariri dare express that his father was assassinated by Hizbullah. They are spinning him around and have him looking like an absolute idiot. Labanon is now indistinguishable from Hizbullah and will have to stand the consequences of weaving Hizbullah into the fabric of its society. The army approves, so who are you to say nay? Hizbullah consistently speaks of "the war with Israel” to justify their arsenal which terrifies the Lebanese themselves. They rule Lebanon with an iron fist and by intimidation. They have armed themselves to the teeth to war with Israel and started the last one. The Lebanese forces “are still seeking to deal with Hizbullah delicately”? There are delicate ways to deal with tyrants? Don’t make me laugh! Lebanon is Iran’s FOOTSTOOL!
8. Israel withdrew from Lebanon, yet Hezbollah seeks
Stephen in New York   (08.28.10)
Israel withdrew from Lebanon, yet Hezbollah seeks further war. No doubt the Hez will get their wish. It seems apparent that the next war will be unpleasant for all.
9. #4 - mental retardation....
Andy ,   ramat hasharon   (08.28.10)
is the only possible explanation for your post. Israel has nothing to do with what is going on in that toilet known as Lebanon. We could care less. Only stay the f---k away from our border. Or we will destroy your entire military infrastructure. If the Lebanese want to permit Hezbollah to arm to the teeth, that's their call. But they will pay the price for any mischief with us. And this time, we have an PM with a backbone. So we will not stop until the ability to make war on us from Lebanon is destroyed.
10. #4; Anonymous, you have it backwards
Mark from Georgia ,   USA   (08.28.10)
The recent border skirmish was started by the Lebanese army. If fact the officer in charge was a Hezbollah supporter. Isn't possible that Hezbollah is and has infiltrated the Lebanese army, at all levels. That a well armed Lebanese army could be overtaken by Hezbollah in a coup. It's no secret that there are divided loyalties among the rank and file soldier in the LAF , that's true as well, among the officers. So your tunnel vision regarding this matter has its obvious limitations, by not considering these obstacles and possibilities. Of course your usual bias in these issues, clouds your vision, and your undisguised hatred toward Israel and "blame Israel first" proclivity makes your advice suspect. At the end of the day, no country or group, have anything to fear from Israel. Since the protagonists are always Israel's enemies, not Israel. Israel only responds to aggression, Israel never starts it, nor seeks it. But always it seems...in the eyes of people yourself...that Israeli actions of self defense, will always be portrayed as illegitimate.
11. MP Succariyeh sucks
Mark ,   Lodz, Poland   (08.28.10)
"Succariyeh wondered whether the government wanted to attempt to turn Beirut into "an area like the Monaco principality, where tourists can spend the summer and play cards". " ....That's exactly how it SHOULD be...just like it used to be!...until the civil war. Lebanon should have assimilated their "palestinian" refugees in '48/'49. Beirut used to be considered the Rio de Janeiro of the Mediterranean. Hezbollah...fui
12. Yeah right..
John ,   Herzliya, Israel   (08.28.10)
"the weapons of the resistance (Hezbollah) are aimed only at Israel, but they must cover all of Lebanon. These weapons are legitimate, respectable, and against civil war." Lie after lie after lie..
13. Forgive me guys, it is all my crystal ball's fault
Anonymous ,   TX, US   (08.28.10)
It plays pranks on me feeling that it can predict anything from 8000 miles away and having an insight into the minds and hearts of tyrants, dictators, petty dictators, chieftains theocrats, emirs, princes, mean imams, pseudo democrats, and the many genocide perpetrators of the Middle East. You guys said it correctly and I will personally have a tough talk with my crystal ball or smash it.
14. # 10 Mark: you show ignorance on Lebanese affairs
(08.29.10)
Even though there is no doubt that there r Hizbullah sympathizers in the Lebanese army. But to imagine a Hizbullah coup on the army is pure fantasy from u r part. There are multiple confessions inside the Lebanese army that render any coup by one of them impossible. In fact history showed that there has never been a military coup in Lebanon ( unlike other Arab nation). Furthermore the majority of the Top brass of the Lebanese Army r anti-hizbullah (but neither r they Israeli sympathizers). Get u r facts right and stop imagining things U didn't respond to my question. Why would Israel seek to stop equipping the Lebanese army, which from above article is clearly trying to curb hizbullah's presence and influence in Beirut. Which by the way proves u wrong that Lebanese army is now overrun by hizbullah
15. #14 The Lebanese army & the Hariri faction of the government
Harry Wright ,   UK   (08.29.10)
are functionally redundant. They are just window dressing. When push comes to shove, the Lebanese “army” will submit to, align with and support Hizbullah while Hariri will act in the interest of self-preservation from the wrath of the murderous Hizbullah. Why should he think that he will not suffer the same fate as his father? Lebanon is a dysfunctional “democracy”. And why should Hizbullah engage in a coup with the army when they already have all the power and influence over it as they may desire? When the army frees up the Hisbullah warriors from regular army life to pursue more important terrorist matters? Anybody from Lebanon ever challenged them for their arms build-up in the south and elsewhere? Hizbullah has enough arms to give to the army to help them fight at their side. The Lebanese army is trying to “curb hizbullah's presence and influence in Beirut”? You still don’t get it, do you? They are BEGGING Hizbullah for some peace and quiet there. Guess who will hold sway, the citizens? Hizbullah? The Lebanese who can change this situation ain’t born yet. Those in the Lebanese army are there to collect salaries, that's all. A man has to eat, you know.
16. Seize The Moment
Brazen   (08.29.10)
The lebanese people not Christian, druze, sunni,shai' can stand for tiny lebanon and come back into the fold of the world learn how peace can benifit you and your southern neighbors.
17. Too late for that. They already have Lebanon tied up
Zvi   (08.29.10)
Hezbollah has the Lebanese government (figuratively) bound and gagged and parroting Hezby propaganda, and the LAF suicidally attacking Israel like good little Hezbollah peons.
18. #14; Anonymous, first it was posed...
Mark from Georgia ,   USA   (08.29.10)
As a possibility only, I believe when Sadat of Egypt was assassinated that some of his personal guard were in on it. I don't profess to be an expert on Lebanese affairs, and what you say may be true. That an Hezbollah coup of the LAF may be unlikely, but would you impossible? As to your question, why is Israel attempting to stop the LAF from getting better equipment. First I don't know that is the case, and in this article Israel is never mentioned as an obstacle. Since Lebanon made Hezbollah part of the government...mainly because they are afraid of Hezbollah, and in fact, are not strong enough to fight and defeat Hezbollah...is the reason for current situation ( Hezbollah being part of the official government). The article does state, the Hariri led Lebanese government want all the weapons, to disperse throughout the country, in case there was a war with Israel. So why wouldn't Israel,under those circumstances target all of Lebanon? Since the goal of the Lebanon government is to centralize all forces, including Hezbollah, just under a centralized command. Israel in my opinion has no goal to attack Lebanon, unless attacked first. By contrast, Hezbollah has a stated goal to "liberate all of Palestine" (destroy Israel). While I've never heard Israel ever state, at anytime, or anywhere they want to destroy Lebanon. The recent border skirmish was started by the LAF, and the 2006 war was started by Hezbollah. Nasrallah even admitted he underestimated the Israeli response, to his army crossing Internationally recognized borders, killing and kidnapping IDF soldiers. It seems you are the one bringing up Israeli intentions, and, again doing it without sources to back up your claims. If Israel is attacked, of course all targets will be fair game. War is, or at least should be the last option. That's why people refer to it as "the horror of war", something to be avoided at all costs. But we disagree on who the aggressor is, you, incorrectly believe it's Israel, but the facts have always shown it was Lebanon (i.e. the recent border skirmish, the last war started by Hezbollah, or even back in 1983 when the PLO amassed an terrorist army of 18,000), and used Lebanon as base to attack Israel. So maybe you are the one who is ignorant, when it comes to history. I've never confused Israeli self defense, with aggression by Israel. You on the other hand do.
19. #14 You are projecting your own ignorance unto others
Anonymous ,   TX, US   (08.29.10)
That Mark puts you to shame. You do not know squat about the region, and watching CNN bias doesn't count for much on anything.
20. Really P.M. Hariri ?
Simcha ,   So.Cal.USA   (08.29.10)
Did you get permission from your father's murderer, or did you grow a pair of cajones?
21. #4 Yes, it could be that you're all conjecture
Mark ,   Lodz, Poland   (08.29.10)
22. #4, 13, 14 & 19 - Enjoying yourself?
Anonymous 2   (08.29.10)
23. Enjoyment is in the eye of the Jihadi beholder
(08.29.10)
They love playing with people's lives and are proud of it.
24. no. 7
hebrew prophet ,   israel   (08.29.10)
Whilst this Shiite war mongering is going on the Maronite/Christian population is fleeing the country in their droves ,leaving the cowardly Sunni and Druze to either submit to the Shiite or take up arms and overthrow the Islamofascist Iranian/Syrian axis of evil with Israeli help ,the ball is in Saad Hariri,Gener al Aoun ,President Sueiman ,Faoud Siniora and others court ,but can they overcome the fear and intimidation of Hezbollah before it,s way to late and Lebanon is sent back to hell ?
25. no. 19
hebrew prophet ,   israel   (08.29.10)
Watching Al-Jazeera ,Al-Manara,or the BBC is ten times worse than CNN ,Sky so go back to watching Hezbollah,s chief clown and his early morning exercises?
26. #19; Anonymous, when you have to....
Mark from Georgia ,   USA   (08.29.10)
Go to name calling, instead of facts, the argument is over, for all to see. I have never insulted you, but questioned your ideas, and unsupported remarks. Which are always anti-Israel. But on the road of ideas, you have simply lost. When challenged to support your accusations and stories ( with reliable sources) against Israel, we find that you can't. As in our last exchange, with goat shepherds being kidnapped, we found it to be untrue, not supported by your source. So why blame me? The fact is, I can support my remarks with credible sources. You criticize CNN...I don't watch them much...I guess as being bias. Actually they are, but, against Israel. But what sources do you rely on?, apparently you believe, only your sources are the bastion of truth.
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