Rafik al-Hariri - Former Lebanese PM - Assasinated

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Jaakko


So what? If you really think the relative merits of Syrian sabre rattling makes the Bush admin's comments any more reasonable, you're really not in a position to discuss any politics.
The people in Lebanon and Syria are NOT going to go "well, since the Syrian government has said some mean things, I don't think the Americans mean anything bad by that".

are you actually paying any attention to what people in lebanon are saying - i dont think mclellans comments are uppermost in their minds, now.

'This (Lebanese) regime is backed by the Syrians. This is the regime of terrorists and terrorism that was able yesterday to wipe out Rafik al-Hariri," Druze leader Walid Jumblatt said after presenting his condolences to Hariri's family in Beirut. '

[Jaakko]

Originally posted by lord of the mark


are you actually paying any attention to what people in lebanon are saying - i dont think mclellans comments are uppermost in their minds, now.

So nobody listens to the US then? They might as well be talking to the air?

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Jaakko


So nobody listens to the US then? They might as well be talking to the air?

we stake out our diplomatic position, for the leaders, and for the world community. But i dont think anyone is going around in lebanon concerned about the US words. Hell, one of the most important leaders in their country has just been murdered. Your agenda just may not be theirs.

Heres what one Lebanese MP said 'We hold the Lebanese government and the Syrian government, the power behind it, responsible for the crime," said Lebanese MP Bassem Sabeh. '

Look, it isnt all about the US.

[GePap]

Yes, what opposition Lebanese are saying.

I doubt a poll will be taken anyhow- thought I would guess most Lebanese would suspect a Syrian conspiracy (this is the ME). I don't know aboput violence flaring up thought, as some people claim.

[Jaakko]

Originally posted by lord of the mark


we stake out our diplomatic position, for the leaders, and for the world community. But i dont think anyone is going around in lebanon concerned about the US words. Hell, one of the most important leaders in their country has just been murdered. Your agenda just may not be theirs.

Heres what one Lebanese MP said 'We hold the Lebanese government and the Syrian government, the power behind it, responsible for the crime," said Lebanese MP Bassem Sabeh. '

Look, it isnt all about the US.

It wasn't about the US until the US decided it wants to connect the assassination to a Syrian withdrawal.

What if Syria decides to tighten their grip in Lebanon, out of concern that the US is going to meddle? What if it results in another round of sectarian fighting in Lebanon? What if that then topples the Syrian government, allowing the fundies lurking in the back to make a power play?

It's not a big chance of that happening, but the US comments certainly made that chance a bit bigger. And for what? Some useless political point scoring, nothing more.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by GePap
Yes, what opposition Lebanese are saying.

I doubt a poll will be taken anyhow- thought I would guess most Lebanese would suspect a Syrian conspiracy (this is the ME). I don't know aboput violence flaring up thought, as some people claim.

BBC "Grief turned to anger among Mr Hariri's supporters, and mourners in the capital tried to torch the local offices of the Syrian Baath Party."

But i think ge is right, this probably wont expand in the near future - everyone has to sit and figure out the politics first.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Jaakko


It wasn't about the US until the US decided it wants to connect the assassination to a Syrian withdrawal.

What if Syria decides to tighten their grip in Lebanon, out of concern that the US is going to meddle? What if it results in another round of sectarian fighting in Lebanon? What if that then topples the Syrian government, allowing the fundies lurking in the back to make a power play?

It's not a big chance of that happening, but the US comments certainly made that chance a bit bigger. And for what? Some useless political point scoring, nothing more.

arguably so did the UNSC resolution. The US reasserted its support for that, which is completely appropriate - and shouldnt be be held back by a chain of what ifs.

[Jaakko]

Originally posted by lord of the mark


arguably so did the UNSC resolution. The US reasserted its support for that, which is completely appropriate - and shouldnt be be held back by a chain of what ifs.

The resolution wasn't in response to an assassination of a prominent figure. The UN also isn't distrusted and disliked (some would say hated) like the US in the region. If you can't see the difference, I once again have to point out that you shouldn't be discussing these things at all.

As for what ifs, it's called knowing the potential consequences of your acts and planning accordingly. Just like doing a risk/benefit assessment.
Even though you might want to emulate your president and his administration in their ignorance, I must burst your bubble and tell you that actions do in fact have consequences.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Jaakko

I must burst your bubble and tell you that actions do in fact have consequences.

Something the Syrians should learn.

[Jaakko]

Originally posted by lord of the mark


Something the Syrians should learn.

So you do in fact agree with me and admit you were wrong?

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Jaakko

What if Syria decides to tighten their grip in Lebanon, out of concern that the US is going to meddle? .

IE when the Syrians take advantage of post-assasination disorder to tighten their grip, they will blame the US, and this statement in particular. Thanks for letting us know the Damascus party line.

[Jaakko]

Originally posted by lord of the mark


IE when the Syrians take advantage of post-assasination disorder to tighten their grip, they will blame the US, and this statement in particular. Thanks for letting us know the Damascus party line.

Doesn't make the US' statement any smarter now does it?

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Jaakko


Doesn't make the US' statement any smarter now does it?

Bye, troll.

[Jaakko]

Originally posted by lord of the mark


Bye, troll.

Troll? Is this your standard response whenever you lose an argument?

[lord of the mark]

WaPo

"During the debate last October, a car bomb severely wounded Marwan Hamadi, a former economy minister, and killed his driver days after Hamadi had resigned his cabinet post in protest. Hamadi is aligned with the Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, a vocal critic of Syria's presence in Lebanon and a Hariri ally. "

Odd how these gangster types mainly seem to assasinate Lebanese pols who have opposed Syria.