A Strategic Armistice

A strategic political ceasefire among the Lebanese parties is not an act of appeasement. It is an option that March 14 should consider seriously.

Many of us who were inspired by the Ideals of that glorious March 14 day (Rule of Law, A strong state, sovereignty and Independence) are disheartened by the prospect of a Michel Suleiman presidency. “Colorless”, “boring”, “insipid” are just some of the words used to describe him, as even America, the godfather of the Cedar revolution, starts taking him seriously.

The unfortunate reality is that we are all -both sides- still in denial of what Lebanon truly is.

Lebanon is not some fancy ideal we try to project on it. It is not “The forefront of an honorable, victorious resistance against an evil occupier” the same way it is not the Paris of the Middle East with a “strong democratically elected government and the rule of law” 

Lebanon is what it is: A loveless marriage of a couple with differing hopes and expectations, each trying in vain to impose his/her vision on the other. Both are self-righteous and both are unchangeable.

Michel Suleiman, with his pandering to all sides, is the presidential equivalent of the couple saying: “This constant bickering is hurting the kids and a divorce would cost a fortune. Let’s just sit on it and hope one day one of us will change”