'Demographic' Segregation in Lebanon

A good article on sectarian segregation in Lebanon in Al-Akhbar: "Return to the Ghetto." The article lists several examples of people facing problems when trying to rent or buy in an area that is dominated by another religious group. The most outrageous aspect of this problem is the influence that municipalities are exerting to prevent people from moving into their areas, using their power to stop or slow down real-estate transactions. Collusion in enforcing segregation goes all the way up the political hierarchy, with powerful politicians playing an active role in this. 

Hezbollah and its sacred challenge

Hanin Ghaddar writes about Hezbollah and its sacred challenge today on Now Lebanon. She asks:

 

"So how can we survive the sacred Resistance’s plan to paralyze the country?

Internally, the only solution is to resist; that is, refuse to give in to the threats. Maybe we can also see this as an opportunity to reassess our strategies and options. We can ask what went wrong and determine what March 14th’s long-term strategy is (if indeed we have one). We can ask if we all agree on one civil, secular and democratic state. Will urgent social concerns and human rights issue ever be considered as priorities? Did we really try to open up to the Shia community? Is it too late to do so?"

The most pertinent questions is the one about the long-term strategy of March 14. It does indeed seem like March 14 doesn't have such a long-term strategy, nor is it in fact sure of what it stands for anymore. The Special Tribunal for Lebanon is not on its own a sufficient political goal to pursue. Effectively, March 14 has contrived to lose the mandate it gained through the parliamentary elections and is now trying to protect its fragile position. Expect months of paralysis in the government and state institutions while this crisis awaits divine intervention to be resolved.

 

Fire fighters' rights in Lebanon

Thanks to the blog From Beirut with Funk for recognizing the real heroes at Ain El Remmaneh Fire, the civil defense fire fighters. On the occasion, it's worth bringing their dire situation to public attention. Fire fighters in Lebanon are treated as part-time employees and paid for 10 days of work a month. Their service is based on 24-hour shifts every three days and consequently, they have very little benefits. They have a small package of medical benefits that only covers injuries sustained on the job, they don't have pensions or educational benefits or any other benefits enjoyed by the army, police and general security personnel. Effectively, the civil defense staff have only the 'right' to risk their lives in return for no recognition or adequate compensation.

Let's hope that their competence in controlling the fire in Ain El Remmaneh would bring some public and media attention to their unacceptable situation. This is not a way to treat people who risk their lives in the line of duty.

A principled opposition to the STL

'Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun said Tuesday that he never called for cancelling the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), but has instead wanted to highlight vague matters that make him doubt the tribunal’s credibility'

The complete absence of a principled stance against the STL amongst its opponents is astounding. I would respect their opposition if it emanated from such a principled stance, instead they keep coming up with all sorts of whimsical reasons to oppose the tribunal. Aoun has always insisted on sovereignty, why doesn't he and his allies make an argument against the STL based on the principle that outsourcing justice is a violation of sovereignty? The common factor among March 8 and 14 is that they are both willing to use the STL, in their own different ways, to settle scores with their opponents.

National Dialogue: Marriage counselling for Lebanese Factions

What is the purpose of the National Dialogue outfit in a parliamentary democracy? As I read somewhere recently, this outfit is like a council of elders that overrides all the constitutional institutions. I personally think of it more as marriage counselling for the faction leaders, a space where they can get together and let off some steam without being bound by democratic formalities. The 8th of March factions are now officially boycotting the sessions to put pressure on their opponents. In other words, they are having a tantrum and threatening a divorce.

The National Dialogue should not be tolerated by the Lebanese public. Two years ago, we had national elections and we had our say, it's time we hold politicians to account and ask that they respect the choices we made then. The National Dialogue circumvents democratic processes and disregards the outcome of the elections. Time to say no to this medieval outfit.

Water shortage in Lebanon

The chronic water shortage in Lebanon is a classic example of the inability of the country to solve its problems and provide one of the most basic requirements of its citizens. According to figures in Al-Akhbar newspaper, Lebanon receives an annual waterfall of 8.5 billion cubic meters, of which only 1.2 billion is stored while the rest is lost. Annual demand is at 1.45 billion cubic meters and it's increasing with population growth. Without major investment in storage and distribution infrastructure, expect the problem to get worse.

Gebran Bassil, the Minister for Energy and Water Resources, reassures the Lebanese public that  there will be a comprehensive strategy for water in Lebanon by the end of 2010. But will the political will be there to address this problem? Expect this politically-induced drought to carry on.

Lebanon in 2020, Qifa Nabki

A nice way to get this blog rolling, the Lebanese blogger Qifa Nabki asks what will Lebanon look like in 2020? There's a survey asking 'What do you expect to see in Lebanon by 2020?' and lists options such as 'A secular system of government', '24/7 electricity across the country' or 'A civil marriage code'. We suggest you take the survey, although QN missed an 'all of the above option'. It could have been useful.

Welcome to Another Lebanon

Welcome to Another Lebanon, a new blog interested in exploring ideas for a different future for our country. We're aware that we're entering a crowded market so we will strive to bring you high quality ideas and content. We're interested in a different type of politics to the one we've grown accustomed to but that has led to nothing but frustration and perpetual crises. As we await to conclusion of the current crisis around the STL, it's time to think about how we can take matters into our own hands. Please come back and feel free to leave comments.