Several readers have asked me what I think about it. I think it’s too bad. I can’t wish away the fact that it’s bigger than the previous opposition protests. But I’m not that disheartened or surprised by it. We knew the Lebanese Shia — as represented by Hezbollah — are generally pro-Syrian. But it’s important to recognize how politically adept these guys are. Today’s rally is ostensibly against the foreign interference of the UN resolution calling on Syria to withdraw. It’s full of anti-American and anti-Israel rhetoric, but Hezbollah has been more careful than it seems not to rub against the grain of Lebanese nationalism. In a sense, it seems to me, that it’s a conflict of two nationalistic visions — the anti-Israel nationalism of the Shia and the anti-Syrian vision of the rest.
Anyway, I need to read more. I’m generally bullish about all of the developments in the Mid-East and in Lebanon, but I have a theory about how it’s going to play out that I need to cogitate a bit more on. Not that anyone’s waiting with bated breath.
Again, in the meantime do check out Across the Bay which really is very useful.