The March 8 coalition moved closer to forming a majority government in Lebanon today, with confirmation that the kingmaking Druze leader Walid Jumblatt and a number of his supporters will back Hezbollah’s choice for prime minister, former Prime Minister Najib Mikati. This gives Mikati at least the 65 votes needed to form his government.
Mikati seems like an extremely conciliatory choice for Hezbollah, as one of the most moderate Sunnis in the March 8 bloc, which is dominated by Shi’ites and Christians. A long-standing agreement insists that Lebanon’s Prime Minister be a Sunni, its President a Christian, and its speaker of parliament a Shi’ite.
The Harvard-educated Mikati was #374 on Forbes’ most recent list of richest people in the world, and along with his brother Taha Mikati, is tied for the richest man in Lebanon. The two brothers founded Investcom, a telecommunications giant across Africa and the Middle East.
Mikati was also briefly the prime minister in 2005, laying the groundwork for the 2005 elections, which the rival March 14 bloc won. Since then he has served as an MP from Tripoli, as well as taking part in a number of foreign policy initiatives.
Though a surprisingly pro-West candidate for the March 8 bloc, Mikati is also on good terms with the Syrian government. Outgoing Prime Minister Saad Hariri has ruled out offers to join Mikati’s government as a minority partner, saying it was like throwing sand in his face to even be asked.
The US has threatened to withdraw all foreign aid to Lebanon should the March 8 bloc form a government. It remains to be seen if they will follow through on the threat, but given Mikati’s history as a moderate it will be extremely difficult for the administration to portray this as an “Iran-style government” as officials had previously suggested.
"The US has threatened to withdraw all foreign aid to Lebanon should the March 8 bloc form a government. "
Like the petulant schoolyard bully, the US will pick up it's ball and go home. The US has diplomatic hypocrisy down pat. It's become boring and woefully embarrassing. Oh yeah and, massively murderous too.
skulz does an excellent job above….. Let me add ..This looks to be an exceptionally well planned choice…. I don't know much about Mr. Najib Mikati, but he seems to be a very clever choice and more…… someone who will put Lebanon's interests FIRST……and not the agenda of outside interests. This outcome should strengthen Lebanon's hand in dealing with all it's problems and threats……. Let us hope this choice is beneficial for ALL Lebanese, not just one faction…!!
Here we go again. The people of a country democratically contitute a government that Israel does not want, just like Hamas in Palestine, and the USA has to do the dirty work of decrying democracy. When will our country get its diplomatic cards in order and reward democracy instead of sucking up to dictatorships that pander to them? And when will we stop catering to the intolerant state of Israel which is showing ever and ever signs of no regard for humanity?
Could antiwar.com please inform me why my postings are being edited out of the on-line interchange? Speaking about an internal democratic solution to their problem even if it does not please Israel and the USA is not inciteful.
JDonald,
The short answer is "I'm not sure."
The longer answer is "I don't see any obvious reason why your posts are tripping the moderation filters, so I'll look into it."
But, but, But I thought the Americans were for democracy and the rule of law. This is a perfect example of a peacful, and democratic way to change a government, why are theamericans going ape mad? I wonder if there are people on this planet that take the USG seriously, they are irretrievably stupid.
I thought USA was broke in helping itself but why has USA money to dole out Foriegn aid? Bribes!