Lebanese government of November 2009
Encyclopedia
In November 2009, after five months of negotiations following the 2009 parliamentary elections
, Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri
formed a national unity government
.
, ten from the opposition March 8 Alliance
, and five allotted to President Michel Suleiman
. This formula denied March 14 a majority of cabinet posts, while also preventing the opposition from wielding veto power, which requires 11 posts. Thus, at least in theory, the ministers selected by President Suleiman—considered impartial—hold a swing vote on decision making.
withdrew his PSP from the governing March 14 alliance. The Future Movement said that though everyone had the right to adopt their independent agendas the March 14 coalition never rejected other parties. Mountain Unity bloc MP Fadi al-Aawar told the told FPM's Orange TV
that Jumblat's withdrawal would not automatically mean his admission to the March 8 alliance. He also suggested that the alliance with March 14 was "out of necessity" and then had to end to pave the way for a new period.http://www.allvoices.com/news/3821628/s/36602667-aawar-jumblatt-s-withdrawal-from-march-14-does-not-mean-he-joined-march-8 Jumblatt also told
US charge d’affaires Michele Sison that both the STL was not strong enough to intimidate Syria and that "during that stage [of support for March 14], I was in a [state of] alienation which led me to use rhetoric that does not match [my] national heritage. I have now [restored] my real, natural and historical position." It was suggested that, as a result of statement during the weeks and months prior to his withdrawal, he had made the decision to withdraw based on growing dissent.
announced that all ten opposition ministers had resigned following months of warnings by Hezbollah that it would not remain inactive should there be indictments against the group. The New York Times suggested the resignations came after the collapse of talks between Syria and Saudi Arabia to ease tensions in Lebanon. It also suggested that the opposition wanted 11 resignations before Hariri's meeting with US President Barack Obama
so as to embarrass Hariri for not having a government. However, Suleiman-appointee, Minister of State Adnan Sayyed Hussein, resigned later. The resignations stemmed from PM Hariri's refusal to call an emergency cabinet session over discussion for withdrawing cooperation with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon
, which was expected to indict Hezbollah members in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. Following the fall of the government reports of an "imminent release" of the indictments circulated, though constitutionally there would be no government to receive the indictment as this was first time in Lebanese history a government had fallen after the resignations of a third of the government. Preliminary indictments were issued January 17 as expected,) though they were pending STL approval.
The government lasted barely 14-months and was considered dysfunctional; its collapse precipitated a climate of political deadlock and tension similar to that which existed between 2006 and 2008
.
President Michel Suleiman is constitutionally responsible for the formation of a new government, though the prospects for reconciliation between the two polarised parliamentary blocs remains dim in the near-term. He accepted the resignations saying: "In line with clause one of article 69 in the Lebanese constitution
on the circumstances under which the government is considered to have resigned...as the government has lost more than one third of its members...the cabinet [is requested to] act as a caretaker government until the formation of a new government."
Suleiman asked Hariri to maintain a caretaker role while charging him with forming a new government following an emergency return from a summit in the United States and a stopover in France and Turkey. He said that "There is no alternative for all of us but dialogue, and no side in Lebanon will be able to eliminate the other," further adding that he would work with his allies to form a government in line with "national unity" objectives.
Hariri vowed to find a way out of the crisis saying his allies and him would take part in "consultations" to a name a new leader.
Nabih Berri
, the Lebanese parliamentary speaker and a member of the March 8 alliance, said Suleiman would formally launch talks to create a new government on January 16. However, March 8 said it would no longer be involved in an Hariri government. Mohammed Raad, an Hezbollah MP, said his party would nominate a candidate for prime minister who has "a history of resistance." Though, March 14 said it would not accept anyone other than Hariri. One of his bloc's MP's, Boutros Harb, said "I do not see a government in the country without Saad al-Hariri" and despite March 14 saying it was willing to compropose that "there’s no way to compromise on the issue of the court and justice." March 8's Health Minister Mohamad Jawad Khalifeh said: "We don’t want any escalation. We are committed to the Constitution. We don’t know what commitment the others are talking about."
Walid Jumblatt, the former March 14 member and head of the PSP, traveled to Syria to discuss the crisis with al-Assad amid possibilities that he could be a kingmaker
in forming a new government. His Democratic Gathering bloc was scheduled to meet on 16 January to discuss its stance over the parliamentary consultations.
During Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah
's first speech after the fall of the government, broadcasted on Al Manar, he said that "the opposition unanimously will not name Hariri tomorrow [and that the move to bring down the government was] constitutional, legal and democratic. Despite the fact we reject the indictment simply for being politicised, Lebanon is our homeland and we are keen on its safety and stability."
Issam Noaman, a former cabinet member, blamed the United States for spoiled a compromise between Hezbollah and Hariri. "They (US) want Hezbollah to be declared as a terrorist party; a terrorist group. They (US) in fact pressured Hariri not to accept any compromise before this particular resolution is declared. They don't care afterwards what happens, whether there is a judgment by the court or not. But once this accusation-resolution is declared they think that will denounce Hezbollah as a terrorist party."
Supranational
The Secretary-General of the Arab League
, Amr Moussa
, said that only an unity government can prevent another civil war. He said doors of dialogue must be left open to form a "national accord" that would be in Lebanon's "supreme interest".
Eric Mottu of the International Monetary Fund
said instability could be detrimental to the economy of Lebanon
and that the withdrawals from the government "will further erode confidence and may heighten the risk of a further slowdown. "For growth, investment, consumption and tourism it could be a risk."
International - Iran blamed the United States and Israel for "sabotage and obstruction" that led to the fall of the government.
- Deputy Prime Minister Silvan Shalom
said the possibility of a Hezbollah-dominated government was "a very, very dangerous development. [It would be like having] an Iranian government on Israel’s northern border."
- Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said: "The resignations will be dangerous, as they will cause clashes once again. Thus, we hope these resignations will not take place. They have the potential to cause everything built so far to collapse." He also warned of possible regional repercussions.
- As Hariri returned to Lebanon he met Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
, who pledged to play "an active role" in ending the political crisis. "We cannot tolerate Lebanon becoming mired in political instability. All parties to the Lebanon crisis must act very responsibly and must above all take into account Lebanon's interest." He also said that Turkey would work with Iran and Syria to resolve problems.
- Foreign Secretary William Hague
said the withdrawals were "extremely serious" and could have "grave implications" across the Middle East. He also said the UK "strongly condemns" alleged attempts to undermine the STL "which must be allowed to do its work without any obstacle. Justice must take its course and there should be an end to impunity for political assassinations in Lebanon."
- The President's office said that Hezbollah was "demonstrating their own fear and determination to block the government’s ability to conduct its business and advance the aspirations of all of the Lebanese people." Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said "We view what happened today as a transparent effort by those forces inside Lebanon, as well as interests outside Lebanon, to subvert justice and undermine Lebanon’s stability and progress, We believe that the work of the Special Tribunal must go forward so justice can be served and impunity ended." She was also said to have spoken on the issue of the STL and its repercussions with other regional leaders.http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=169885&language=en The ambassador to Lebanon said that the "United States and the international community have said from the beginning, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is an irrevocable, international judicial process; its work is not a matter of politics but of law. The resignation of some of Lebanon's ministers will not change this...The United States remains steadfast in its support for Lebanon's state institutions through our robust military, security, and economic development assistance. We expect a new government will emerge through constitutional procedures, and our strong partnership with Lebanon will endure." The US continued to maintain that the STL was "irrevocable."
Other reactions
The BLOM
stock index crashed following the collapse of the government. However, it stabilised the next day as the central bank said there was no rush to the US dollar and that it would intervene to stabilise Lebanon currency and economy
should there be a capital flight from the pound
. Though fears from a lingering political crisis existed.
said that "[Syrian President Bashir al-] Assad is smarting from the American derailing of Syrian-Saudi talks...Assad does not want to be blamed by Washington and Paris for whatever goes wrong in Lebanon, and he grasps that any confrontation between the Lebanese might only reinforce Hezbollah, and more importantly Iran, at Syria's expense. Neither Hezbollah nor Syria is pleased with what is going on. For the party, all the contentious means of crippling the tribunal have grave shortcomings. A serious political or security escalation would only harden discord at a moment when Hezbollah's primary goal is to show that Lebanon is united in its rejection of the special tribunal. As for Assad, if he pushes too hard, he may lose for good the Lebanese Sunni card, which he has worked for years to regain. Hariri alone can issue Hezbollah with a certificate of innocence, and if the prime minister decides to sit the coming period out of office, it is difficult to see how any opposition-led government would function properly."
Al Quds Al Arabi said a "stage of escalation has started" in Lebanon.
Al Manar said that "sectarian rhetoric was re-vivified in Lebanon with some politicians and clerics claiming that nominating anyone else than Saad Hariri as prime minister was tantamount to sedition."
As Safir said that "Lebanon entered a new phase yesterday, an open-ended one characterized by a profound and long-term political and governmental crisis. This month will be the month of crises and unpleasant surprises."
An Nahar also added that there would be "no easy way out of Lebanon's new political crisis. No one is under the illusion that the open crisis will come to an end anytime soon, particularly as the opposition resigned from government as a pre-emptive strike before the tribunal issues its indictments."
Al Akhbar
ran a headline the next day saying the results of the resignation were "The Beginning of the Unknown." The New York Times read this as a feat that "the unknown...could turn bloody, with street clashes in which Hezbollah is likely to prevail." However, it also cited other analysts as dismissing the prospect of violence as both a result of Hezbollah’s strength and Turkey’s emergence as regionally influential middleman that both sides would avoid alienating. The quoted analysts said it was more likely to simply have a longer period of a political stalemate akin to the 2006-2008 period.
Zvi Bar'el of Haaretz
also said that the resignations were "intended to show Syria the limitations of its influence on the group and to tell Damascus that if it wanted to show Washington it can preserve stability in Lebanon, Hezbollah and Iran will have the last word. Nasrallah, who is not pleased with the strengthening ties between Syria and Hariri and fears they will gnaw at his power, now wants to reshuffle the cabinet, have a new prime minister appointed and split up the coalition. This will increase Hezbollah's strength and could thwart Syria's ability to form a political bloc that would counterbalance the group."
The New York Times also said that while the government was expected to fall after the STL's indictments, it was not expected to fall so soon. It also pointed out the complexities of Lebanese politics as having "foreign powers habitually play in the country’s domestic affairs" with Hezbollah backed by Iran and Syria, while the United States, France and Saudi Arabia back Hariri’s Future Movement.
Other analysts warned of the consequences to Lebanon stemming from the STL in some form. Joshua Landis of the Center for Middle East Studies at Oklahoma University said that "The new show down caused by the impending indictments of the International Tribunal will return Lebanon to paralysis not war. Hezbollah has made it clear that it does not want war. It will not carry out a 'coup,' as some have claimed. But it will bring government to a stand still. The highest price will be paid by Lebanon's wealthy communities. They have the most to lose by a slow down in investment, the collapse of the stock market, and decline in economic growth. And to think that Lebanon was growing at eight per cent last year. Now we are sure to see more immobility, sectarian strife, and economic stagnation in the Middle East." Graeme Bannerman of the Middle East Institute
said that "Probably no one in the world wants the tribunal more than Hariri, but he has a whole series of other considerations. He can't govern without consensus." He also said that the United States' backing of the STL has "an alternative agenda, which is to weaken Hezbollah and therefore Syria and Iran. It doesn't take into consideration how the Lebanese political system works. I think we are an essential part of Hariri's problem. I think we are making his life more difficult rather than easier."
Jamal Wakim, a professor at Lebanese International University
, said the crisis was "very serious, [as] for the first time since 2008 we have a big division in the country, we have no talks going on between the March 8 and March 14 groups." He added that the opposition March 8 was not likely to form a government on its own and that "there is more yet to come. Violence might break out whenever we have political instability, and now we have a political confrontation between two opposing groups, and its most likely that it will happen." Edward Bell, an analyst for the Middle East and North Africa at the Economist Intelligence Unit said Lebanon could now go for several months without any government. "The external player with the best chance at defusing the situation is Syria as it maintains contact with all parties, both inside and outside of Lebanon, and can apply pressure on Hezbollah to reach a consensus with other Lebanese parties."
to form a new government. His candidature was controversial as it was seen as part of Hezbollah's growing influence in the country.
The process of a new government was read to be more difficult after Saudi Arabia pulled out of talks to assuage concerns following the fall of the government. However, Turkey said it would play active role to ease tensions. Following a commemoration on 13 March, 2011 of the March 14's "revolution," in which Hariri called for an end to Hezbollah's arms, Mikati called his statements an incitement.
On 18 March a meeting between Mikati and representatives of March 8 failed to break the deadlock on formation of a new government.http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidDS18032011_dsart37 A new government was formed
on 13 June.
In commencing government formation negotiations Mikati said "Let us go to work immediately according to the principles and basis that we have affirmed our commitment to several times, namely...defending Lebanon's sovereignty and its independence and liberating land that remains under the occupation of the Israeli enemy." Nasrallah called on Mikati's opponents to give him a chance and accused them of "seeking power for power's sake rather than that of the Lebanese people."
Even though Mikati is a Sunni, many Sunnis, who supported the March 14 alliance, protested the decision calling for a "day of anger" over claims that Iran and Syria were gaining influence in the country.
Member of the March 14 alliance and Lebanese Forces
leader Samir Geagea
said that he believed if Hezbollah took power "the situation in Lebanon will soon be like the one in Gaza." He also criticisted Jumblatt's support for Hezbollah even before the negotiations for the new government commenced.
Maronite patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir called for the swift formation of a new government.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/Feb/21/Sfeir-calls-for-swift-government-formation.ashx#axzz1Pq6XexQ2
In March, the Beirut Stock Exchange
continued to suffer as a result of the political uncertainty.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=3&article_id=126052#axzz1Gis7VSfo
International
- Canada
issued a statement urging all the various political factions to work together, though it lso warned that it would not work with the new government if Hezbollah was a leading a member.http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/is-new-lebanon-government-a-little-hezbollah-or-a-lot/article1884177/
- Qatar
, who were previously involved in forming an agreement over the last government, said they hoped consultations would be postponed over the new nominee.
- United States President Barack Obama
said he would visit France for talks over the crisis in Lebanon.
Non-state
Ynet
suggested that Mikati would not "automatically embrace Hezbollah['s] position."
Lebanese general election, 2009
-Background:Prior to the election, the process to lower the voting age from 21 to 18 years was put into motion, but as this requires a constitutional amendment, it did not happen before the election.- Allocation of seats :...
, Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri
Saad Hariri
Saad-eddine Rafiq Al-Hariri is a Saudi-Lebanese billionaire who served as the Prime Minister of Lebanon from 2009 until 2011. He is the second son of Rafiq Hariri, the former Lebanese Prime Minister who was assassinated in 2005...
formed a national unity government
National unity government
A national unity government, government of national unity, or national union government is a broad coalition government consisting of all parties in the legislature, usually formed during a time of war or other national emergency.- Canada :During World War I the Conservative government of Sir...
.
Method
Fifteen ministers were selected by Hariri's March 14 AllianceMarch 14 Alliance
The March 14 alliance , named after the date of the Cedar Revolution, is a coalition of political parties and independents in Lebanon that call for sovereignty over all Lebanese territories, led by MP Saad Hariri, younger son of Rafik Hariri, the assassinated former prime minister of Lebanon, as...
, ten from the opposition March 8 Alliance
March 8 Alliance
The March 8 Alliance is a coalition of various political parties in Lebanon. It has been the ruling coalition since January 25, 2011 when the alliance managed to nominate Najib Mikati as the new prime minister.-History:...
, and five allotted to President Michel Suleiman
Michel Suleiman
Michel Suleiman or Sleiman is the President of Lebanon. Before assuming office as President, he held the position of commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces. After LAF commander Émile Lahoud took office as president in November of 1998, Suleiman succeeded him, taking his place in December...
. This formula denied March 14 a majority of cabinet posts, while also preventing the opposition from wielding veto power, which requires 11 posts. Thus, at least in theory, the ministers selected by President Suleiman—considered impartial—hold a swing vote on decision making.
Composition
| Portfolio | Minister | Political affiliation |
| Presidential share: | ||
| Interior Minister Ministry of Interior and Municipalities (Lebanon) The Ministry of Interior and Municipalities in Lebanon is responsible for governorate, caza, municipalities, federation of municipalities and village matters, in addition to political parties and organizations.... |
Ziad Baroud Ziad Baroud Ziad Baroud is a Lebanese lawyer and prominent civil society activist. On May 26, 2011 he resigned from office as Minister of Interior and Municipalities in Saad Hariri's government. His resignation came after the developing conflict between Internal Security Forces and the Ministry of... (Maronite) |
Independent Independent (politician) In politics, an independent or non-party politician is an individual not affiliated to any political party. Independents may hold a centrist viewpoint between those of major political parties, a viewpoint more extreme than any major party, or they may have a viewpoint based on issues that they do... |
| Deputy Prime Minister & Defense Minister | Elias Murr Elias Murr Elias Murr is the former Lebanese Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. He held the positions of Deputy Prime minister and Interior Minister in previous Cabinets.... (Orthodox) |
Independent |
| State Minister | Adnan al-Kassar (Sunni) | Independent |
| State Minister | Adnan Hussein (Shia) | Independent |
| State Minister | Mona Ofeich Mona Ofeich Mona Ofeich is a Lebanese minister of state without portfolio, appointed to her post in November 2009 as part of the new cabinet appointed by president Michel Sleiman.... (Orthodox) |
Independent |
| Government (March 14 Alliance March 14 Alliance The March 14 alliance , named after the date of the Cedar Revolution, is a coalition of political parties and independents in Lebanon that call for sovereignty over all Lebanese territories, led by MP Saad Hariri, younger son of Rafik Hariri, the assassinated former prime minister of Lebanon, as... ) |
||
| Prime Minister | Saad Hariri Saad Hariri Saad-eddine Rafiq Al-Hariri is a Saudi-Lebanese billionaire who served as the Prime Minister of Lebanon from 2009 until 2011. He is the second son of Rafiq Hariri, the former Lebanese Prime Minister who was assassinated in 2005... (Sunni) |
Future Movement |
| Environment Minister | Mohammad Rahhal (Sunni) | Future Movement |
| Finance Minister | Raya Haffar al-Hassan Raya Haffar al-Hassan Raya Haffar al-Hassan is the Lebanese finance minister, the first woman to be appointed to such a senior post in Lebanon. Along with minister without portfolio Mona Ofeich, Hassan was one of two women appointed in the November 2009 cabinet of Saad Hariri.Hassan is a member of the March 14 Alliance... (Sunni) |
Future Movement |
| Education Minister | Hassan Mneimneh (Sunni) | Future Movement |
| State Minister | Jean Ogassapian (Armenian) | Future Movement |
| Justice Minister | Ibrahim Najjar Ibrahim Najjar Ibrahim Najjar is a lawyer and a Lebanese politician and Cabinent Minister.He is from the North Lebanon village of Amioun in the Koura district and is an adherent of the Greek Orthodox Church. He is also close to the Lebanese Forces and was formerly a Kataeb party official. He was head of the... (Orthodox) |
Lebanese Forces Lebanese Forces The Lebanese Forces is a Lebanese political party. Founded as a militia by Bachir Gemayel during the Lebanese Civil War, the movement fought as the main militia within the Christian-dominated Lebanese Front... |
| Culture Minister | Salim Wardeh Salim Wardeh Salim Wardeh was the Minister of Culture in Lebanon until June 2011, when he was replaced by Gaby Layoun. Wardeh is a Catholic Christian and is a member of the Lebanese Forces which in turn is a member of the March 14 Alliance. Wardeh is a member of the board of directors of Tell Shiha Hospital... (Catholic) |
Lebanese Forces |
| Economy and Trade Minister | Mohammad Safadi (Sunni) | Tripoli Bloc Tripoli Bloc The Tripoli Bloc is one of the political blocs present in the Lebanese Parliament. Nearly all members are deputies from Tripoli . At the last legislative elections, June 2005, the bloc was part of the March 14 Alliance and the Rafik Hariri Martyr List that won the elections.The members:* Mohamad... |
| Minister of Social Affairs | Salim Sayegh (Maronite) | Kataeb Party Kataeb Party The Lebanese Phalanges , better known in English as the Phalange , is a traditional right-wing Lebanese political party. Although it is officially secular, it is mainly supported by Maronite Christians. The party played a major role in the Lebanese War... |
| Labor Minister | Boutros Harb Boutros Harb Boutros Harb , is a Lebanese politician.A lawyer by profession, he first held political office when elected in 1972 as the Maronite deputy for Batroun, in the North Governorate of Lebanon, being appointed Public Transport Minister for Labour and Minister of the National Education and Art Schools... (Maronite) |
March 14 Independent |
| State Minister | Michel Pharaon Michel Pharaon Michel Pharaon , a Lebanese politician, and a State Minister. He was the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in the Fouad Siniora government. He is a Member of the Lebanese Parliament.He was born in Beirut in 1949.... (Catholic) |
March 14 Independent |
| Information Minister | Tarek Mitri Tarek Mitri Tarek Mitri is a Greek Orthodox Professor and Independent politician from Lebanon, he was born in 1950 and has played a significant role in advocating freedom of expression in Lebanon. Most recently, Mitri successfully pushed for lifting the ban on the film adaptation of Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis... (Orthodox) |
March 14 Independent |
| Opposition (March 8 Alliance March 8 Alliance The March 8 Alliance is a coalition of various political parties in Lebanon. It has been the ruling coalition since January 25, 2011 when the alliance managed to nominate Najib Mikati as the new prime minister.-History:... ) |
||
| Telecommunications Minister | Charbel Nahas Charbel Nahas Charbel Nahas Nahas is the current Labour minister in Najib Mikati's second government as of June 2011. He is one of Eleven Change and Reform ministers, which is headed by General Michel Aoun, the largest share that it has ever had in Government... (Greek Catholic) |
Free Patriotic Movement Free Patriotic Movement The Free Patriotic Movement , also known as the "Aounist Movement" , is a Lebanese political party, led by Michel Aoun and allied with Hezbollah, The movement was officially declared a political party on September 18, 2005Though most of the party's support comes from Lebanon's... |
| Tourism Minister Ministry of Tourism (Lebanon) The Ministry of Tourism is a government ministry of Lebanon. It originates from the Lebanon Tourism Service created in the 1930s as part of the Ministry of National Economy.-History:... |
Fadi Abboud (Maronite) | Free Patriotic Movement |
| Energy Minister | Gebran Bassil Gebran Bassil Gebran Bassil is a Lebanese politician,he is also a member of the March 8 Alliance-backed Free Patriotic Movement. Owing to his immense qualifications he served as the Minister of Telecommunications in the Lebanese cabinet from May 2008 to June 2009, and then served as Minister of Energy in the... (Maronite) |
Free Patriotic Movement |
| Industry Minister | Abraham Dedeyan (Armenian) | Tashnaq Party Armenian Revolutionary Federation in Lebanon The Armenian Revolutionary Federation is an Armenian political party very active in Lebanon since the 1920s as an official political party in the country after having started with small student cells in the late 1890s and early 1900s.The party is considered to have the biggest political support... |
| State Minister | Youssef Saadeh (Maronite) | Marada Movement |
| Foreign Minister | Ali Shami (Shia) | Amal Movement Amal Movement Amal Movement is short for the Lebanese Resistance Detachments the acronym for which, in Arabic, is "amal", meaning "hope."Amal was founded in 1975 as the militia wing of the Movement of the Disinherited, a Shi'a political movement founded by Musa... |
| Sports and Youth Minister | Ali Abdullah (Shia) | Amal Movement |
| Health Minister | Mohammad Jawad Khalifeh (Shia) | Amal Movement |
| Minister of Agriculture | Hussein Hajj Hassan (Shia) | Hezbollah |
| State Minister for Administrative Development | Mohammad Fneish (Shia) | Hezbollah |
| Others Independent (politician) In politics, an independent or non-party politician is an individual not affiliated to any political party. Independents may hold a centrist viewpoint between those of major political parties, a viewpoint more extreme than any major party, or they may have a viewpoint based on issues that they do... : |
||
| Public Works Minister | Ghazi Aridi (Druze Druze The Druze are an esoteric, monotheistic religious community, found primarily in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan, which emerged during the 11th century from Ismailism. The Druze have an eclectic set of beliefs that incorporate several elements from Abrahamic religions, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism... ) |
Progressive Socialist Party Progressive Socialist Party The Progressive Socialist Party or PSP , also known as Parti Socialiste Progressiste in French, is a political party in Lebanon. Its current leader is Walid Jumblatt... |
| Minister of Displaced | Akram Chehayeb (Druze) | Progressive Socialist Party |
| State Minister | Wael Abou Faour Wael Abou Faour Wael Abou Faour is a Lebanese politician, representing the Druze Progressive Socialist Party in West Bekaa riding.-External links:* *... (Druze) |
Progressive Socialist Party |
| Source: | ||
PSP withdrawal
On 2 August, 2009, Walid JumblattWalid Jumblatt
Walid Jumblatt is a Lebanese politician and the current leader of the Progressive Socialist Party . He is the most prominent leader of Lebanon's Druze community.-Family:...
withdrew his PSP from the governing March 14 alliance. The Future Movement said that though everyone had the right to adopt their independent agendas the March 14 coalition never rejected other parties. Mountain Unity bloc MP Fadi al-Aawar told the told FPM's Orange TV
Orange TV
OTV is a publicly-traded television station in Lebanon.It began broadcasting on July 20, 2007 on the Arabsat satellite, on the 11823MHz frequency. OTV Launched officially in 2008 after a testing period of almost six months. OTV now covers the world through different broadcasting channels for...
that Jumblat's withdrawal would not automatically mean his admission to the March 8 alliance. He also suggested that the alliance with March 14 was "out of necessity" and then had to end to pave the way for a new period.http://www.allvoices.com/news/3821628/s/36602667-aawar-jumblatt-s-withdrawal-from-march-14-does-not-mean-he-joined-march-8 Jumblatt also told
Contents of the United States diplomatic cables leak (Region — Middle East)
Content from the United States diplomatic cables leak has depicted the United States' opinion of the Middle East-related subjects extensively...
US charge d’affaires Michele Sison that both the STL was not strong enough to intimidate Syria and that "during that stage [of support for March 14], I was in a [state of] alienation which led me to use rhetoric that does not match [my] national heritage. I have now [restored] my real, natural and historical position." It was suggested that, as a result of statement during the weeks and months prior to his withdrawal, he had made the decision to withdraw based on growing dissent.
2011 fall of government
On January 12, 2011, the government collapsed after Energy Minister Gebran BassilGebran Bassil
Gebran Bassil is a Lebanese politician,he is also a member of the March 8 Alliance-backed Free Patriotic Movement. Owing to his immense qualifications he served as the Minister of Telecommunications in the Lebanese cabinet from May 2008 to June 2009, and then served as Minister of Energy in the...
announced that all ten opposition ministers had resigned following months of warnings by Hezbollah that it would not remain inactive should there be indictments against the group. The New York Times suggested the resignations came after the collapse of talks between Syria and Saudi Arabia to ease tensions in Lebanon. It also suggested that the opposition wanted 11 resignations before Hariri's meeting with US President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
so as to embarrass Hariri for not having a government. However, Suleiman-appointee, Minister of State Adnan Sayyed Hussein, resigned later. The resignations stemmed from PM Hariri's refusal to call an emergency cabinet session over discussion for withdrawing cooperation with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon
Special Tribunal for Lebanon
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon is an international tribunal for the prosecution under Lebanese law of those responsible for the assassination of Rafic Hariri on February 14, 2005. The tribunal also has jurisdiction over a series of other attacks in Lebanon if they are proven to be connected...
, which was expected to indict Hezbollah members in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. Following the fall of the government reports of an "imminent release" of the indictments circulated, though constitutionally there would be no government to receive the indictment as this was first time in Lebanese history a government had fallen after the resignations of a third of the government. Preliminary indictments were issued January 17 as expected,) though they were pending STL approval.
The government lasted barely 14-months and was considered dysfunctional; its collapse precipitated a climate of political deadlock and tension similar to that which existed between 2006 and 2008
2006–2008 Lebanese political protests
The 2006–2008 Lebanese political protests were a series of protests and sit-ins that began on 1 December 2006, led by groups in Lebanon that opposed the US and Saudi-backed government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and ended on 21 May 2008 following the Doha Agreement...
.
President Michel Suleiman is constitutionally responsible for the formation of a new government, though the prospects for reconciliation between the two polarised parliamentary blocs remains dim in the near-term. He accepted the resignations saying: "In line with clause one of article 69 in the Lebanese constitution
Constitution of Lebanon
The Constitution of Lebanon was adopted on 23 May 1926.The most recent amendment of the Constitution was for the Charter of Lebanese National Reconciliation , in October, 1989....
on the circumstances under which the government is considered to have resigned...as the government has lost more than one third of its members...the cabinet [is requested to] act as a caretaker government until the formation of a new government."
Suleiman asked Hariri to maintain a caretaker role while charging him with forming a new government following an emergency return from a summit in the United States and a stopover in France and Turkey. He said that "There is no alternative for all of us but dialogue, and no side in Lebanon will be able to eliminate the other," further adding that he would work with his allies to form a government in line with "national unity" objectives.
Reactions
Domestic politicsHariri vowed to find a way out of the crisis saying his allies and him would take part in "consultations" to a name a new leader.
Nabih Berri
Nabih Berri
Nabih Berri is the Speaker of the Parliament of Lebanon. He heads the mostly Shi'a Amal Movement.-Biography:He was born in Bo, Sierra Leone to Lebanese parents. He went to school in Tebnine and Ain Ebel in southern Lebanon and later studied at the Makassed and the Ecole de la Sagesse in Beirut...
, the Lebanese parliamentary speaker and a member of the March 8 alliance, said Suleiman would formally launch talks to create a new government on January 16. However, March 8 said it would no longer be involved in an Hariri government. Mohammed Raad, an Hezbollah MP, said his party would nominate a candidate for prime minister who has "a history of resistance." Though, March 14 said it would not accept anyone other than Hariri. One of his bloc's MP's, Boutros Harb, said "I do not see a government in the country without Saad al-Hariri" and despite March 14 saying it was willing to compropose that "there’s no way to compromise on the issue of the court and justice." March 8's Health Minister Mohamad Jawad Khalifeh said: "We don’t want any escalation. We are committed to the Constitution. We don’t know what commitment the others are talking about."
Walid Jumblatt, the former March 14 member and head of the PSP, traveled to Syria to discuss the crisis with al-Assad amid possibilities that he could be a kingmaker
Kingmaker
Kingmaker is a term originally applied to the activities of Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick — "Warwick the Kingmaker" — during the Wars of the Roses in England. The term has come to be applied more generally to a person or group that has great influence in a royal or political succession,...
in forming a new government. His Democratic Gathering bloc was scheduled to meet on 16 January to discuss its stance over the parliamentary consultations.
During Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah
Hassan Nasrallah
Hasan Nasrallah, became the third Secretary General of the Lebanese political and paramilitary organization Hezbollah after Israel assassinated the previous leader, Abbas al-Musawi, in 1992. Hezbollah in its entirety is considered a terrorist organization by The United States, the Netherlands,...
's first speech after the fall of the government, broadcasted on Al Manar, he said that "the opposition unanimously will not name Hariri tomorrow [and that the move to bring down the government was] constitutional, legal and democratic. Despite the fact we reject the indictment simply for being politicised, Lebanon is our homeland and we are keen on its safety and stability."
Issam Noaman, a former cabinet member, blamed the United States for spoiled a compromise between Hezbollah and Hariri. "They (US) want Hezbollah to be declared as a terrorist party; a terrorist group. They (US) in fact pressured Hariri not to accept any compromise before this particular resolution is declared. They don't care afterwards what happens, whether there is a judgment by the court or not. But once this accusation-resolution is declared they think that will denounce Hezbollah as a terrorist party."
Supranational
The Secretary-General of the Arab League
Arab League
The Arab League , officially called the League of Arab States , is a regional organisation of Arab states in North and Northeast Africa, and Southwest Asia . It was formed in Cairo on 22 March 1945 with six members: Egypt, Iraq, Transjordan , Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Yemen joined as a...
, Amr Moussa
Amr Moussa
Amr Mohammed Moussa is an Egyptian politician and diplomat who was the Secretary-General of the Arab League, a 22-member forum representing Arab states, from 1 June 2001 until 1 June 2011. He is a candidate in the 2011 Egyptian presidential election....
, said that only an unity government can prevent another civil war. He said doors of dialogue must be left open to form a "national accord" that would be in Lebanon's "supreme interest".
Eric Mottu of the International Monetary Fund
International Monetary Fund
The International Monetary Fund is an organization of 187 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world...
said instability could be detrimental to the economy of Lebanon
Economy of Lebanon
The economy of Lebanon is a developing economy, with a private sector that contributes to 75% of aggregate demand and a large banking sector that supports this demand. In 2009, Lebanon ranked 33rd in the Human Poverty Index...
and that the withdrawals from the government "will further erode confidence and may heighten the risk of a further slowdown. "For growth, investment, consumption and tourism it could be a risk."
International - Iran blamed the United States and Israel for "sabotage and obstruction" that led to the fall of the government.
- Deputy Prime Minister Silvan Shalom
Silvan Shalom
' , born 4 October 1958) is an Israeli politician, member of the Knesset for Likud and the country's Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Regional Development. He previously served as the country's Foreign Minister and Finance Minister.-Biography:...
said the possibility of a Hezbollah-dominated government was "a very, very dangerous development. [It would be like having] an Iranian government on Israel’s northern border."
- Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said: "The resignations will be dangerous, as they will cause clashes once again. Thus, we hope these resignations will not take place. They have the potential to cause everything built so far to collapse." He also warned of possible regional repercussions.
- As Hariri returned to Lebanon he met Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been Prime Minister of Turkey since 2003 and is chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party , which holds a majority of the seats in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Erdoğan served as Mayor of Istanbul from 1994 to 1998. He graduated in 1981 from Marmara...
, who pledged to play "an active role" in ending the political crisis. "We cannot tolerate Lebanon becoming mired in political instability. All parties to the Lebanon crisis must act very responsibly and must above all take into account Lebanon's interest." He also said that Turkey would work with Iran and Syria to resolve problems.
- Foreign Secretary William Hague
William Hague
William Jefferson Hague is the British Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State. He served as Leader of the Conservative Party from June 1997 to September 2001...
said the withdrawals were "extremely serious" and could have "grave implications" across the Middle East. He also said the UK "strongly condemns" alleged attempts to undermine the STL "which must be allowed to do its work without any obstacle. Justice must take its course and there should be an end to impunity for political assassinations in Lebanon."
- The President's office said that Hezbollah was "demonstrating their own fear and determination to block the government’s ability to conduct its business and advance the aspirations of all of the Lebanese people." Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said "We view what happened today as a transparent effort by those forces inside Lebanon, as well as interests outside Lebanon, to subvert justice and undermine Lebanon’s stability and progress, We believe that the work of the Special Tribunal must go forward so justice can be served and impunity ended." She was also said to have spoken on the issue of the STL and its repercussions with other regional leaders.http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=169885&language=en The ambassador to Lebanon said that the "United States and the international community have said from the beginning, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is an irrevocable, international judicial process; its work is not a matter of politics but of law. The resignation of some of Lebanon's ministers will not change this...The United States remains steadfast in its support for Lebanon's state institutions through our robust military, security, and economic development assistance. We expect a new government will emerge through constitutional procedures, and our strong partnership with Lebanon will endure." The US continued to maintain that the STL was "irrevocable."
-
- Elliot Abrams, a former Bush administration security adviser, said that "Hezbollah has been holding the entire country hostage while arming itself to the teeth with the help of Syria and Iran. Today’s Hezbollah resignation from the government, where it formally held minority status, is a threat to every Lebanese. If Hariri complies with Hezbollah's demands, he is in my view finished as a national and as a Sunni leader, having compromised his own, his family's, and his country's honour. It appears that Hariri won't do it, which is both a moral and a politically intelligent decision. Instead he and his country are left floating, trying to avoid violence that may only benefit Hezbollah and watching Saudi and Syrian mediation whose outcome for Lebanese sovereignty is likely to be tragic."
Other reactions
The BLOM
Beirut Stock Exchange
The Beirut Stock Exchange is the principal stock exchange of Lebanon. Located in Beirut, it is a public institution run by a committee including a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman and eight members appointed via a decree issued by the Council of Ministers, in accordance with a proposal by the Minister of...
stock index crashed following the collapse of the government. However, it stabilised the next day as the central bank said there was no rush to the US dollar and that it would intervene to stabilise Lebanon currency and economy
Economy of Lebanon
The economy of Lebanon is a developing economy, with a private sector that contributes to 75% of aggregate demand and a large banking sector that supports this demand. In 2009, Lebanon ranked 33rd in the Human Poverty Index...
should there be a capital flight from the pound
Lebanese pound
The Lebanese pound is the currency unit of Lebanon. It is divided into 100 piastres but inflation has eliminated the subdivisions....
. Though fears from a lingering political crisis existed.
Analysis
Michael Young of the Daily StarDaily Star (Lebanon)
The Daily Star is a pan-Middle East English language newspaper edited in Beirut. It was founded in 1952 by Kamel Mrowa, the publisher of the Arabic daily Al-Hayat to serve the growing number of expatriates brought by the oil industry...
said that "[Syrian President Bashir al-] Assad is smarting from the American derailing of Syrian-Saudi talks...Assad does not want to be blamed by Washington and Paris for whatever goes wrong in Lebanon, and he grasps that any confrontation between the Lebanese might only reinforce Hezbollah, and more importantly Iran, at Syria's expense. Neither Hezbollah nor Syria is pleased with what is going on. For the party, all the contentious means of crippling the tribunal have grave shortcomings. A serious political or security escalation would only harden discord at a moment when Hezbollah's primary goal is to show that Lebanon is united in its rejection of the special tribunal. As for Assad, if he pushes too hard, he may lose for good the Lebanese Sunni card, which he has worked for years to regain. Hariri alone can issue Hezbollah with a certificate of innocence, and if the prime minister decides to sit the coming period out of office, it is difficult to see how any opposition-led government would function properly."
Al Quds Al Arabi said a "stage of escalation has started" in Lebanon.
Al Manar said that "sectarian rhetoric was re-vivified in Lebanon with some politicians and clerics claiming that nominating anyone else than Saad Hariri as prime minister was tantamount to sedition."
As Safir said that "Lebanon entered a new phase yesterday, an open-ended one characterized by a profound and long-term political and governmental crisis. This month will be the month of crises and unpleasant surprises."
An Nahar also added that there would be "no easy way out of Lebanon's new political crisis. No one is under the illusion that the open crisis will come to an end anytime soon, particularly as the opposition resigned from government as a pre-emptive strike before the tribunal issues its indictments."
Al Akhbar
Al Akhbar (Lebanon)
-History:The newspaper started printing and distribution in July 2006. It was established by Joseph Samaha and Brahim El Ameen, both considered to be among the most renowned Lebanese journalists. Samaha died from a stroke few months after the publishing of the paper...
ran a headline the next day saying the results of the resignation were "The Beginning of the Unknown." The New York Times read this as a feat that "the unknown...could turn bloody, with street clashes in which Hezbollah is likely to prevail." However, it also cited other analysts as dismissing the prospect of violence as both a result of Hezbollah’s strength and Turkey’s emergence as regionally influential middleman that both sides would avoid alienating. The quoted analysts said it was more likely to simply have a longer period of a political stalemate akin to the 2006-2008 period.
Zvi Bar'el of Haaretz
Haaretz
Haaretz is Israel's oldest daily newspaper. It was founded in 1918 and is now published in both Hebrew and English in Berliner format. The English edition is published and sold together with the International Herald Tribune. Both Hebrew and English editions can be read on the Internet...
also said that the resignations were "intended to show Syria the limitations of its influence on the group and to tell Damascus that if it wanted to show Washington it can preserve stability in Lebanon, Hezbollah and Iran will have the last word. Nasrallah, who is not pleased with the strengthening ties between Syria and Hariri and fears they will gnaw at his power, now wants to reshuffle the cabinet, have a new prime minister appointed and split up the coalition. This will increase Hezbollah's strength and could thwart Syria's ability to form a political bloc that would counterbalance the group."
The New York Times also said that while the government was expected to fall after the STL's indictments, it was not expected to fall so soon. It also pointed out the complexities of Lebanese politics as having "foreign powers habitually play in the country’s domestic affairs" with Hezbollah backed by Iran and Syria, while the United States, France and Saudi Arabia back Hariri’s Future Movement.
Other analysts warned of the consequences to Lebanon stemming from the STL in some form. Joshua Landis of the Center for Middle East Studies at Oklahoma University said that "The new show down caused by the impending indictments of the International Tribunal will return Lebanon to paralysis not war. Hezbollah has made it clear that it does not want war. It will not carry out a 'coup,' as some have claimed. But it will bring government to a stand still. The highest price will be paid by Lebanon's wealthy communities. They have the most to lose by a slow down in investment, the collapse of the stock market, and decline in economic growth. And to think that Lebanon was growing at eight per cent last year. Now we are sure to see more immobility, sectarian strife, and economic stagnation in the Middle East." Graeme Bannerman of the Middle East Institute
Middle East Institute
The Middle East Institute is a non-partisan think tank and cultural center in Washington, DC. Founded in 1946, MEI is the oldest institution in Washington dedicated exclusively to the study of the Middle East. Its founder, architect and philanthropist George Camp Keiser, assembled a team of...
said that "Probably no one in the world wants the tribunal more than Hariri, but he has a whole series of other considerations. He can't govern without consensus." He also said that the United States' backing of the STL has "an alternative agenda, which is to weaken Hezbollah and therefore Syria and Iran. It doesn't take into consideration how the Lebanese political system works. I think we are an essential part of Hariri's problem. I think we are making his life more difficult rather than easier."
Jamal Wakim, a professor at Lebanese International University
Lebanese International University
The Lebanese International University is a private university established by the philanthropist and former Lebanese defense and education minister Abdul Rahim Mourad...
, said the crisis was "very serious, [as] for the first time since 2008 we have a big division in the country, we have no talks going on between the March 8 and March 14 groups." He added that the opposition March 8 was not likely to form a government on its own and that "there is more yet to come. Violence might break out whenever we have political instability, and now we have a political confrontation between two opposing groups, and its most likely that it will happen." Edward Bell, an analyst for the Middle East and North Africa at the Economist Intelligence Unit said Lebanon could now go for several months without any government. "The external player with the best chance at defusing the situation is Syria as it maintains contact with all parties, both inside and outside of Lebanon, and can apply pressure on Hezbollah to reach a consensus with other Lebanese parties."
New government formation
President Michel Suleiman then nominated billionaire businessman Najib MikatiNajib Mikati
Najib Azmi Mikati is a Lebanese politician, billionaire and is the current Prime Minister of Lebanon since 13 June 2011. From April 2005 to July 2005 he was Prime Minister of Lebanon in a caretaker government...
to form a new government. His candidature was controversial as it was seen as part of Hezbollah's growing influence in the country.
The process of a new government was read to be more difficult after Saudi Arabia pulled out of talks to assuage concerns following the fall of the government. However, Turkey said it would play active role to ease tensions. Following a commemoration on 13 March, 2011 of the March 14's "revolution," in which Hariri called for an end to Hezbollah's arms, Mikati called his statements an incitement.
On 18 March a meeting between Mikati and representatives of March 8 failed to break the deadlock on formation of a new government.http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidDS18032011_dsart37 A new government was formed
Lebanese government of June 2011
The formation of a new government led by Najib Mikati follows five months of negotiations after the fall of the Saad Hariri government. Mikati formed a 30 minister cabinet.-Background:...
on 13 June.
Reactions
DomesticIn commencing government formation negotiations Mikati said "Let us go to work immediately according to the principles and basis that we have affirmed our commitment to several times, namely...defending Lebanon's sovereignty and its independence and liberating land that remains under the occupation of the Israeli enemy." Nasrallah called on Mikati's opponents to give him a chance and accused them of "seeking power for power's sake rather than that of the Lebanese people."
Even though Mikati is a Sunni, many Sunnis, who supported the March 14 alliance, protested the decision calling for a "day of anger" over claims that Iran and Syria were gaining influence in the country.
Member of the March 14 alliance and Lebanese Forces
Lebanese Forces
The Lebanese Forces is a Lebanese political party. Founded as a militia by Bachir Gemayel during the Lebanese Civil War, the movement fought as the main militia within the Christian-dominated Lebanese Front...
leader Samir Geagea
Samir Geagea
Samir Farid Geagea , born October 25, 1952, is a Lebanese politician. He is also a senior figure in the March 14 Alliance, alongside Saad Hariri and Amine Gemayel....
said that he believed if Hezbollah took power "the situation in Lebanon will soon be like the one in Gaza." He also criticisted Jumblatt's support for Hezbollah even before the negotiations for the new government commenced.
Maronite patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir called for the swift formation of a new government.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/Feb/21/Sfeir-calls-for-swift-government-formation.ashx#axzz1Pq6XexQ2
In March, the Beirut Stock Exchange
Beirut Stock Exchange
The Beirut Stock Exchange is the principal stock exchange of Lebanon. Located in Beirut, it is a public institution run by a committee including a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman and eight members appointed via a decree issued by the Council of Ministers, in accordance with a proposal by the Minister of...
continued to suffer as a result of the political uncertainty.http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=3&article_id=126052#axzz1Gis7VSfo
International
- CanadaForeign relations of Canada
The foreign relations of Canada are Canada's relations with other governments and peoples. Canada's most important relationship, being the largest trading relationship in the world, is with the United States...
issued a statement urging all the various political factions to work together, though it lso warned that it would not work with the new government if Hezbollah was a leading a member.http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/is-new-lebanon-government-a-little-hezbollah-or-a-lot/article1884177/
- QatarForeign relations of Qatar
Qatar achieved full independence on 3 September 1971 in an atmosphere of cooperation with the United Kingdom, the United States of America and friendship with neighbouring states. Most Arab states were also among the first countries to recognise Qatar, and the state promptly gained admittance to...
, who were previously involved in forming an agreement over the last government, said they hoped consultations would be postponed over the new nominee.
- United States President Barack ObamaBarack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
said he would visit France for talks over the crisis in Lebanon.
-
- Asharq Al Awsat said that the United States responded in suggesting it was considering severing economic ties, which sought to implement UN Resolution 1701United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 is a resolution that was intended to resolve the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict.It was unanimously approved by the United Nations Security Council on 11 August 2006. The Lebanese cabinet, which includes two members of Hezbollah, unanimously approved the...
, if Mikati were to become PM.
- Asharq Al Awsat said that the United States responded in suggesting it was considering severing economic ties, which sought to implement UN Resolution 1701
Non-state
Ynet
Ynet
Ynet is the most popular Israeli news and general content website. It is owned by the same conglomerate that operates Yediot Ahronot, the country's secondleading daily newspaper...
suggested that Mikati would not "automatically embrace Hezbollah['s] position."