“The containers near the airport must be removed, the Iranian ambassador in Lebanon must be expelled from Beirut and Iranian planes must be banned from landing in Lebanon,” Jumblatt said.
A report that landed on Jumblatt's desk said that Hizballah is keeping under surveillance the airport. This is yesterday's news. The airport area is known as one of Hizballah's areas.
The idea behind the strategy is to put more pressure on Hizballah. Will it work? It might (to some extent), if its part of a package deal. In 2007 Minister Ghazi Aridi talked about the parallel telecommunication lines of Hizballah. Suffice to say that the lines are still in place. If anything, most likely they were extended in all these months. I can only suspect that the government reluctance to respect the laws was triggered by the fear that,
Far from me the thought that its OK to have Hizballah, a Khomeinist party with a militia, in control of the airport, the suburbs (dahyeh) and of other areas in the country. However, this is a fact and Hizballah built its strength since the early 80s. All governments, including this one has strongly and largely supported Hizballah. In love, war and politics everything may be allowed, just not excusable. No later than 2006, Siniora and others hurried to congratulate the party for the victory. Don't ask which victory. Politicians will do and say anything to remain in power. Fine. The problem is that to this day we have the bayan wizari, i.e. the cabinet statement, in which the government fully endorses Hizballah as a resistance movement that has the right to fight for the liberation of the Shebaa farms and prisoners jailed in Israel.
Jumblatt's statement is important. However, it was meant for Western consumption. I’ll think otherwise when the government acts on the ground instead of whining in media. For more on the subject check this op-ed.
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