Aoun's Moment

Michel Aoun should speak now…or forever hold his peace.


To hell with being a minister

If the responses to my previous post are any indication, Hezbollah’s actions in the south are deeply unpopular with the Lebanese. Still, the government now being formed is touted as one that should protect the “resistance” and defy U.N. resolution 1559 (that calls for Hezbollah's disarmament).

If our elected leaders have their way, they will also include traditional opponents of Hezbollah (Like Michel Aoun and Qornet Shahwan) in their government of “national action”, to the dismay of the people who voted for them.

This is why the violence in the south now presents both an opportunity and a threat to politicians who are traditionally opposed to Hezbollah’s role.

On one hand, if they accept what’s going on and proceed with joining the government, it would be a seal of approval to Hezbollah’s reckless behavior. This will make them subject to popular anger and will cost them dearly in the next elections. (It will also strip Michel Aoun of his dearly held maverick status)

On the other hand, this is their golden opportunity to assert themselves. Michel Aoun for instance could ask for some form of control over Hezbollah if he is to join the government. If Qornet Shahwan does the same (to please its mad-as-hell constituency and to fix their reputation as “softies”), it will strip away the international legitimacy that the government sorely needs.

In other words, Michel Aoun, all eyes are on you now. It is time you established that “5% difference” between your program and Hariri’s and show us what you’re really made of.