May 10, 2008
Climb down
Okay, Prime Minister Fouad Saniora announced today that that "The two decisions of the government have not yet been decreed, and will be left to the discretion of the army." Those decisions were calling Hezbollah's communications network illegal, and removing Wafic Shoukair, a Hezbollah supporter, from his post as head of airport security. The Army subsequently announced that Shoukair would be staying on at the airport "pending investigation."
According to NOW Lebanon, "Future Movement head Saad Hariri and PSP leader Walid Jumblatt agree to Army Command statement." So the government has essentially capitulated to Hezbollah's demands.
Looks like the nonviolence was in fact lack of stomach for a fight, rather than a shrewd political maneuver. March 14 supporters are not going to be happy.
Posted by ben at May 10, 2008 10:29 AM