Let me begin my saying that I did not follow the campaigns of the four contenders to the post of President of Iran very closely. Nor did I carefully scrutinize their electoral platform. I did have a vague preference for anyone the West would consider a "moderate" (an utterly nonsensical concept) if only because it would make a military aggression on Iran by Israel and/or the USA harder to sell, and therefore (very) marginally less likely.
As for Ahmadinejad, I had carefully read his speeches, I listened to several of his interviews, I saw the full videos his speeches in the USA, (at the UN and in Columbia U) and I basically liked him. He is very smart, his arguments are always well thought through, and I like his calm but firm stance towards the constant US and Israeli sabre rattling. But Ahmadinejad has a huge drawback: he is not photogenic (a key factor for the Western public) and some of his statements can be easily distorted to paint him as a raving lunatic. In other words, Ahmadinejad is a good target for the Zionist press and that is why I had personally hoped that a guy like Ali Larijani would become the next President.
Anyway, to make a long story short, I was generally leaning towards a change of faces in the Iranian Presidency, and if the new face was a "reformer" (another stupid concept, but hey - if they like it, let's give them what they want, no?).
And then this:
Ahmadinejad wins by a landslide and Mousawi declares the elections "stolen" and riots break out.
Considering the current situation in Iran and, even more so, around Iran, Mousawi's attitude is worse than irresponsible, it smacks of outright treason, if you ask me.
First, he is insulting our collective intelligence when he speaks of fraud. Yes, fraud can happen anywhere, including Iran, but not with the following figures:
The final results of Iran's closely-contested 10th presidential election indicate that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has won a landslide victory.
According to Press TV, of 39,165,191 votes counted (85 percent), Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won the election with 24,527,516 (62.63 percent), Mir-Hossein Mousavi came in second with 13,216,411 votes (33.75 percent).
These are figures which are impossible to create by fraud, that is obvious. Dubya could steal the elections from Gore with a couple of hundred of votes, yes, but he simply could not have done so if Gore and received almost the double number of votes. No election rigging technique allows that kind of thing. If that is what a regime wants to do, then it simply cancels the elections, period.
Also keep in mind that the post of President holds no real power in Iran to begin with. Why bother with fraud?
No, the fraud accusation is an insult to everybody's intelligence. Either that or, which is far more likely, it is a carefully orchestrated destabilization operation against Iran. I say that this is the latter.
Mousavi is no idiot for sure (check out his resume here), and since he is not an idiot, he must know that he lost this election and that, in fact, Ahmadinejad won by an un-fakable landslide. Still, he choose the destablilize his own country at a moment when that country is facing a possible military agression from abroad. What does that tell you about Mousavi? It tells me that he is objectively the tool of yet another US backed destabilization campaign. It matters little whether Mousavi himself is a paid CIA agent, or whether his entourage is carefully using his ego to push him towards the kind of action he has taken now. The bottom line is still that Mousavi is now hurting his country and helping to destabilize it.
And that brings another question to my mind, and that question is a scary one: how could the Guardian Council ever approve Mousavi when it clearly turns out that he is precisely the kind of candidate which should should have been carefully vetted (and rejected!) by this body?!
I don't think that this Mousavi thing is going anywhere. Both the vast majority of Iranians and the entire power structure of the government will never let him destabilize the country. Sure, the Western press will constantly remind us that "Ahmadinejad stole the election", but it's not like Ahmadinejad was ever popular with the Zionist press corps, or like anybody in Iran really cares.
But the ability of the Iranian Vilayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurists) system to vet presidential candidates is now clearly in doubt. Sure, Mousavi probably had impeccable Muslim credentials, but why 12 members of the Guardian Council were not informed of his character and inclinations is rather puzzling for me. Either that, or they did know, but could do nothing to prevent him from running. In either case, this entire business seems to show that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not as impermeable to destabilization operations as one might have thought.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
What Really Happened in the Lebanese Elections?
By ESAM AL-AMIN for South Lebanon Blog
Since the Lebanese parliamentary elections on June 7, the mainstream media have declared that the results of the elections clearly show that Hizbollah and its coalition partners have suffered a “crushing defeat.” Some, led by the New York Times and cable news outlets, went even further, suggesting that the Cairo address by President Barack Obama was what made the difference, tilting the elections in favor of the pro-Western governing coalition.
This is pure fantasy, and reveals a complete misunderstanding of the nature of Lebanese politics and an ignorance of the realities on the ground.
Let us first get some facts straight. In the previous parliament, Hizbollah and its coalition partners held 58 seats to the 70 seats of the governing coalition in the 128-seat parliament. The governing coalition led by Saad Hariri, the son of the slain former Sunni prime minister and billionaire Rafik Hariri, consists of mainly parties and groups which are considered friendly to the West and pro-Western Arab governments such as Saudi Arabia. This coalition also includes the traditional Christian Maronite parties supported by the Maronite church, such as the Phalanges and the Lebanese forces. On the other hand, the opposition coalition is led by the mainly Shiite parties, Hizbollah and Amal, in alliance with a main Maronite party, the Free Patriotic Movement led by former General Michel Aoun. In the regional rivalry between the U.S., Israel, and other “moderate”Arab governments on one hand, and Iran, Syria and pro-resistance movements on the other, this opposition coalition clearly supports the latter.
One of the main contentious issues in the previous parliament was the insistence of the pro-Western coalition in demanding the disarming of the resistance movement Hizbollah, ever since Israel failed to dismantle the group’s infrastructure in the 2006 summer war. So the pro-Western groups have been trying to achieve politically what Israel failed to do militarily. The pressure applied by the U.S. during the Bush administration to achieve this very goal had been relentless, triggering a confrontation that lasted over a year and culminated in the recent elections.
Electoral politics in Lebanon is at odds with democratic principles because they are based on sectarian politics. Every major religious group is allotted a certain number of seats in Parliament, based not on population but on a previous agreement reached in 1989 to end 15 years of civil war. For instance, in the current election, the Shiites and the Sunnis had about 873,000 and 842,000 registered voters, respectively, but each group was given 27 seats. On the other hand the Maronite Christians and the Druze had 697,000 and 186,000 registered voters, yet were allotted 34 and 8 seats respectively, far greater than their numbers would entitle them. In addition, more than 120,000 Lebanese ex-patriots were paid, mainly by the Hariri clan, to fly back to Lebanon and vote. It’s estimated that more than three-quarters of them voted for the governing coalition.
With this background, how did the Lebanese actually vote?
With 52 per cent of about 3 million registered voters actually voting, the opposition led by Hizbollah’s coalition received 55 per cent of the vote (840,000) but only 45 per cent of the seats (57). Hizbollah itself fielded only 11 candidates in deference to its coalition partners, the same number it had in the previous parliament. All of them won their seats overwhelmingly. On the other hand, the governing coalition received 45 per cent of the vote (692,000) and 55per cent of the seats. In essence, the governing coalition won 68 seats, while independents won 3 seats, but later joined the governing coalition for a total of 71 seats.
In other words, the make-up of the current parliament changed only by one seat from the previous one, and that merely only happened after the independents were enticed to join the governing coalition. Moreover, the real surprise was that Gen. Aoun’s party, the coalition partner of Hizbollah, received, according to the results announced by the Lebanese interior ministry, 52 per cent of the Christian vote, though picking up fewer seats than his Christian rivals. Only in a fantasy world would such numbers be declared “a clear repudiation of Hizbollah’s coalition program,” as the clearly biased mainstream media, particularly the NYT’s Thomas Friedman ,would have you believe.
So the real story of the elections is that the will of the Lebanese people did not carry the day and the principle of majority rule was not respected. The Hizbollah-led coalition had indeed won more votes than the pro-Western coalition by a hefty 10 per cent. When President Obama received 53 per cent of the popular vote to John McCain’s 47 per cent last November, it was declared by the media and political pundits as a crushing defeat for the Republicans and a mandate for real change.
Lebanese politics is unpredictable. Today’s ally could be tomorrow’s nemesis. For instance, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt was for many years Syria’s ally in Lebanon but turned against them a few years ago because of the political shift in the country. However, he recently started sending friendly overtures to the opposition. Though unlikely in the current political environment, but with the control of 8 seats, if he were to switch sides, then the make-up of parliament would become 65-63 in favor of the opposition.
The real question now is whether the new government, having a majority in parliament, will press for disarming Hizbollah in order to satisfy their patrons. If such a policy were to be carried out, it would immediately create a crisis and the majority of the Lebanese as shown on election day will be in the streets protesting and demanding that the real will they exhibited on election day be respected.
Esam Al-Amin can be reached at: alamin1919@gmail.com
Since the Lebanese parliamentary elections on June 7, the mainstream media have declared that the results of the elections clearly show that Hizbollah and its coalition partners have suffered a “crushing defeat.” Some, led by the New York Times and cable news outlets, went even further, suggesting that the Cairo address by President Barack Obama was what made the difference, tilting the elections in favor of the pro-Western governing coalition.
This is pure fantasy, and reveals a complete misunderstanding of the nature of Lebanese politics and an ignorance of the realities on the ground.
Let us first get some facts straight. In the previous parliament, Hizbollah and its coalition partners held 58 seats to the 70 seats of the governing coalition in the 128-seat parliament. The governing coalition led by Saad Hariri, the son of the slain former Sunni prime minister and billionaire Rafik Hariri, consists of mainly parties and groups which are considered friendly to the West and pro-Western Arab governments such as Saudi Arabia. This coalition also includes the traditional Christian Maronite parties supported by the Maronite church, such as the Phalanges and the Lebanese forces. On the other hand, the opposition coalition is led by the mainly Shiite parties, Hizbollah and Amal, in alliance with a main Maronite party, the Free Patriotic Movement led by former General Michel Aoun. In the regional rivalry between the U.S., Israel, and other “moderate”Arab governments on one hand, and Iran, Syria and pro-resistance movements on the other, this opposition coalition clearly supports the latter.
One of the main contentious issues in the previous parliament was the insistence of the pro-Western coalition in demanding the disarming of the resistance movement Hizbollah, ever since Israel failed to dismantle the group’s infrastructure in the 2006 summer war. So the pro-Western groups have been trying to achieve politically what Israel failed to do militarily. The pressure applied by the U.S. during the Bush administration to achieve this very goal had been relentless, triggering a confrontation that lasted over a year and culminated in the recent elections.
Electoral politics in Lebanon is at odds with democratic principles because they are based on sectarian politics. Every major religious group is allotted a certain number of seats in Parliament, based not on population but on a previous agreement reached in 1989 to end 15 years of civil war. For instance, in the current election, the Shiites and the Sunnis had about 873,000 and 842,000 registered voters, respectively, but each group was given 27 seats. On the other hand the Maronite Christians and the Druze had 697,000 and 186,000 registered voters, yet were allotted 34 and 8 seats respectively, far greater than their numbers would entitle them. In addition, more than 120,000 Lebanese ex-patriots were paid, mainly by the Hariri clan, to fly back to Lebanon and vote. It’s estimated that more than three-quarters of them voted for the governing coalition.
With this background, how did the Lebanese actually vote?
With 52 per cent of about 3 million registered voters actually voting, the opposition led by Hizbollah’s coalition received 55 per cent of the vote (840,000) but only 45 per cent of the seats (57). Hizbollah itself fielded only 11 candidates in deference to its coalition partners, the same number it had in the previous parliament. All of them won their seats overwhelmingly. On the other hand, the governing coalition received 45 per cent of the vote (692,000) and 55per cent of the seats. In essence, the governing coalition won 68 seats, while independents won 3 seats, but later joined the governing coalition for a total of 71 seats.
In other words, the make-up of the current parliament changed only by one seat from the previous one, and that merely only happened after the independents were enticed to join the governing coalition. Moreover, the real surprise was that Gen. Aoun’s party, the coalition partner of Hizbollah, received, according to the results announced by the Lebanese interior ministry, 52 per cent of the Christian vote, though picking up fewer seats than his Christian rivals. Only in a fantasy world would such numbers be declared “a clear repudiation of Hizbollah’s coalition program,” as the clearly biased mainstream media, particularly the NYT’s Thomas Friedman ,would have you believe.
So the real story of the elections is that the will of the Lebanese people did not carry the day and the principle of majority rule was not respected. The Hizbollah-led coalition had indeed won more votes than the pro-Western coalition by a hefty 10 per cent. When President Obama received 53 per cent of the popular vote to John McCain’s 47 per cent last November, it was declared by the media and political pundits as a crushing defeat for the Republicans and a mandate for real change.
Lebanese politics is unpredictable. Today’s ally could be tomorrow’s nemesis. For instance, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt was for many years Syria’s ally in Lebanon but turned against them a few years ago because of the political shift in the country. However, he recently started sending friendly overtures to the opposition. Though unlikely in the current political environment, but with the control of 8 seats, if he were to switch sides, then the make-up of parliament would become 65-63 in favor of the opposition.
The real question now is whether the new government, having a majority in parliament, will press for disarming Hizbollah in order to satisfy their patrons. If such a policy were to be carried out, it would immediately create a crisis and the majority of the Lebanese as shown on election day will be in the streets protesting and demanding that the real will they exhibited on election day be respected.
Esam Al-Amin can be reached at: alamin1919@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah speech of June 8th, 2009
The speech delivered by Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Monday June 8, 2008 via Al Manar Television
I take refuge in Allah from the stoned devil. In the Name of Allah, The Compassionate, The Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, The Lord of the world. Peace be on our Master and Prophet – The Seal of Prophets – Abi Al Qassem Mohamad Bin Abdullah and on his chaste and kind Household, chosen companions and all the prophets and messengers. Peace be upon you all and Allah's blessing and mercy.
Tonight I will move from the general to the private then I will end up with two general topics. Indeed I'll address you all in my speech which tackles the event we passed through together which is the parliamentary elections and its outcome.
First: I would like to congratulate all the Lebanese people with all their political parties, movements and groups on this great important national achievement. I would like also to praise the popular showing at voting stations in all regions and from all sects what reflects a great political responsibility towards national causes and the present and future of this nation and people. This is indeed a very great positive point which must be lauded and which must be likewise stressed and strengthened because after all it sets a clear track that shows that we as a Lebanese people deserve to own this chance and to resort to this means in face of essential causes.
Second: I would like to thank all ministries and political, judiciary and security administrations especially the Lebanese Army and the security forces on their running of this process and on preserving security, stability and peace what gave a great chance for the Lebanese to vote and express their views. This is noticeable especially because these political, security and judiciary administrations were before a great challenge which is holding elections in one day. So despite the defects and flaws which took place and which indeed will be evaluated so as to be addressed later, we believe it was a major challenge and we believe that it was faced with great responsibility.
Third: I like to congratulate all the winners in parliamentary elections whether from the Loyalists or from the Opposition and in all parliamentary districts. They all must know that now they have assumed the responsibility of the people and the future of this country. So Inshallah they will live up to this assumed responsibility.
Fourth: We accept the results announced by the Interior Minister indeed while preserving the right of candidates in the various districts. If any of them has any information that enables him to appeal before the Constitutional Council, this would be a particular issue. As for the official results which were announced, we accept them with sportsmanship and democratic spirits. We also accept that the other contesting group – i.e. the Loyalists – has won the majority of seats in the parliament though the Opposition preserved its previous parliamentary position in sum (as it lost some districts and won others).
Indeed we accept the parliamentary majority. Well in previous ceremonies, I used to say that there is a difference between parliamentary majority and popular majority. The parliamentary majority might or might not be the popular majority. Anyway, we accept the parliamentary majority. As for the popular majority, it seems that needs centers for studies and statistics to review figures closely so as to know who gains the popular majority. I believe that we all can resort to the ballot boxes to help us in deciding the popular majority (as we resorted to ballot boxes to decide the parliamentary elections) and if most of the votes in sum were for the interest of the other party, I will accept that they are also the popular majority.
Now we accept the results regardless of our evaluation of the election process and the means used in this regard whether the huge expenditure which will be clearly illustrated within days, the sectarian, factional –and at times racial- incitement which was illustrated during the election campaigns days, the accusations and lies which aimed at intimidating the public opinion especially within some sects and some districts, (It is more precise to say that lying mills were used in this perspective) and the open and overt foreign interference. Anyway, I will not interfere in such an evaluation. I just wanted to point even if with hints to that. We will have our evaluation of the election process from A to Z as the other forces will make such evaluations but that will not influence our acceptance of the results.
In this framework and as we are talking about results and accepting results, I would like to point out two big lies (which have been prompted through the election campaign) that have been thwarted. As these points are directly related to us especially the Opposition and more precisely to Hezbollah, I feel that I am concerned in singling them out and clarifying these two points.
First the lie number one is the political rhetoric that has been exploited for months regarding the Opposition as seeking to cripple elections and ruining the political and security status so as to prevent elections from taking place. Then if the Opposition found out that it is losing the elections and not moving towards parliamentary majority while voting is taking place it will destroy the ballots and blur up the situation. Also if after counting votes or when results are announced, the Opposition will not accept the results and will challenge the parliamentary elections and consider them illegitimate and consequently push the country towards political, popular and security crises. This has been said if not from all Loyalist leaderships (to be on the safe side) from most of them.
Well today (Monday) here I am at your service. The results were announced and we are dealing with them normally. This is the first proof on the big lie invested in the elections campaign. The election day was normal, natural and excellent. The security status was excellent and stable. The turnout was huge. The vote counting was quiet. Results were announced and no problem took place. It was clear that all were fearful. I was following up with the Interior Minister – whom we address with a special salutation – while he was saying now we are over with the elections and the great event is issuing the results via vote counting. We have to accept the outcome because there was anxiety. This is the first point. We may say that this is one of the big lies which were invested in the election campaign. Now it fell.
No comes the second lie which is even bigger than the first and which was invested more in the election campaign. Well when I handle such points I don't mean to record lies to highlight the upcoming stage. We want to benefit from the past to highlight the future. In recent months, speeches, statements and interviews focused on how elections would be held while the resistance arms are still there. That means that elections are not fair; people are under pressure; they can't express themselves as this arm is imposing choices on the people; the people are not convinced in their choices. This also and to be on the safe side was said by most of the other party leaderships. They wrote articles and made lengthy interviews on this issue. Indeed if the opposition won the parliamentary elections, that issue was to be raised again. They would've said the fairness of the elections is challenged because it was held in the presence of the resistance arms. Now and because the Loyalists had the parliamentary elections no one is tackling that issue. I am reminding of that because after the elections were announced and we accepted that, this great lie has been exposed. The elections were held in Lebanon in all districts in the presence of the arms weapons. In the presence of the resistance arsenal which has never been present since 1982, people voted; there was no pressure; no one imposed anything on them, results were issue today and nothing took place.
So one of the most important conclusions is that this arm is not used to impose political realities. One of the most important political events at most is parliamentary elections because the role played by the parliament in the Lebanese regime is well known whether electing the president (We as well are through also with the lie of shortening the presidential tenure), forming the government, lawmaking, public budget, agreements… So if we wanted to say which is the most important internal political event at all? It is the parliamentary elections. Well people voted with utmost ease and freedom. Neither the arms nor their deed was noticed. This proves what we have always been saying that these arms are not to impose political realities and not to put or take off people from power. It has a clear employment which is that of resistance and defending the country. Here I stress that the election process as a whole had proved before all accusers and misleaders the soundness of the direction to which this arm is pointed. I wrap up this point saying that the Lebanese have proved their ability as a state, people and political and security forces to preserve security, stability, civil peace, political and media election competition – even sharp competition – without touching on the pillars of security and stability. Now we must guard and preserve this. We have always been saying that we have to resort to the ballot boxes. The whole story of the Opposition since July War until now was resorting to the polls. We would have spared our country all these troubles.
Fifth, I like to greet with high estimation all the Lebanese National Opposition leaderships, cadres, movements, parties and masses. I tell them: Dear ones, we have together put before our eyes a noble national goal which is working to achieve a great reform on all perspectives whether legal, political, economic, social, living, financial… Thus we – the Lebanese National Opposition – sought to gain the parliamentary majority to serve the reform project and not to seize power and have hegemony over the authority. We all in the Lebanese National Opposition exerted utmost legitimate efforts in the election battle. We have all faced what was properly called by General Michael Aoun a global war because no one in the whole world hasn't but tried to interfere in the elections. The Opposition masses got involved in this great national battle with utmost faithfulness and zeal.
Now if we couldn't serve this reform project which we believed in from the parliamentary majority post, that does not mean that we have no obligation as national forces to serve this reform project from another position whether as parliamentary, popular and political Opposition from outside or inside the government. These options are open for debate. But this responsibility towards the reform project which we believed in and sought to achieve remains valid. Today I renew the pledge and call on all the Opposition leaderships to renew the pledge and commitment along with all the popular groups who have voted for the Opposition tickets in many and all the districts to renew their pledges to serve the reform project which the masses have believed in and worked for and bore and stood with the opposition forces all through the past period all these sufferings. This responsibility never ends or stops. Indeed the parliamentary elections despite their importance are not more than a station in the long way of the national political struggle to achieve these noble goals.
We in the Opposition are supposed to make consultations very soon Inshallah to decide our steps, course and the way to deal with the upcoming events. Indeed we are before naming the speaker and the premier and forming the government, and we have to decide on how to deal with these events as an Opposition. Now I do not want to have the final word in any matter because that needs studying, consultations and an agreement among the National Opposition. That will take place in the next few days Inshallah.
I whole-heartedly and on behalf of all my brethrens in Hezbollah leadership thank and highly esteem specially the masses of the resistance and the masses of Hezbollah. Here I would like to mention the categorization resorted to in the electoral districts. In some districts there wasn't election competition. We considered them as present on the fire line such as South, Baalbek-Hermel, Beirut Southern Suburbs which gathered the two issues (being on the fire line and a competition district). In the districts where there was no competition but still we called on people to come massively to ballots stations to express the political choices especially regarding the resistance (as it is they who paid the tax of blood, displacement, house demolition during July War and others) we found out that despite in the fact that South and Baalbeck-Hermel districts did not witness election competition, the percentage of voters was very high and in some cases exceeded the districts which witnessed sharp and tough competition. This huge popular turnout in the various regions is highly esteemed. Indeed it wasn't surprising because it is the conviction, wish and will of the people. I also want to thank the masses who participated in the districts where there were election competitions: Western Bekaa, Rashaya, Mid Bekaa, Mount Lebanon districts, the North and Beirut in general where we have popular masses, brethrens and activists who exerted great efforts. Also I like to thank the campaign staffs in all regions who worked for months with great and clear efforts which yielded this great popular presence. This was their right whether in the districts where there are Shiite seats or not and whether in the districts where there were Hezbollah voters or not because we worked on the bases that the Opposition as a whole is involved in the battle and it is our normal right that we be present. We have electors in northern Matn who want to vote also in Kisirwan, Jbeil and Koura and all the other districts. Here I want to condemn again some sectarian, factional racist rhetoric which does not agree that if the majority in a definite district is of a definite sect and others came to say the final word in the district. In fact, this is what took place in most of the districts. In some districts the final word was for sects and in others for factional minorities. So why here the speech is sectarian and there it is national? Every Lebanese person whatever his religious sect or faction be has the right and it is even his duty to vote in the region where he is registered in the striking rolls. That's his national obligation and if he failed to fulfill this obligation he would be abandoning his national responsibility. I greatly salute all the campaign staffs. I also congratulate all my brethrens in the Loyalty to Resistance Bloc in all the districts because all the Bloc's candidates won in all the districts with very high votes and they have gained unprecedented public support.
I conclude with two general points. The first has to do with the people and the great embrace in these districts which was much more like a referendum. The people have addressed the whole world with a message: the choice of the resistance is not that of an armed party or gang. It's not a choice imposed on people by force and pressure. No one could oblige the people especially in districts where there was no competition to leave their regions and go to ballot boxes in such huge turnout especially with the existence of new obstacles as a result of the new administration followed in elections. Those people who showed up in ballots sent a message to the whole world: the choice of resistance is a popular choice especially in areas which face the threat of aggression. Consequently the choice of resistance is an expression of the will of these people, their inclination, culture, awareness and life. This must be respected. The second message is that resistance is not a piece of arms to be debated but rather a popular will. This point is to be discussed on the dialogue table. It must be discussed regarding the people's will and choices, especially those people who live in the arena under threat.
In this point in particular, I heard some statements or discussions which express fear over this point in the upcoming stage. I say there is no need for fear in all cases. As long as the resistance is a popular choice embraced by the people there is no need for fear because no one can do anything with the popular will. I stressed this point before the elections and after the elections regardless of who might have won. This is left for a quiet dialogue and objective discussion. I believe this is the right path which all parties are supposed to have announced their commitment to. Consequently, there is no need to have fear or polarize over this topic whether now or in the upcoming stage.
The last point which I like to end with is that after this great national achievement in elections, the chance of establishing a strong capable fair state is still possible regardless of the election results. We agree that there are great challenges before us as Lebanese whether on the economic level (financial crisis) or on the social, living, political, administrative and other levels. So I believe we all must have reached the conviction of saving this country, developing it, solving its troubles, raising its status and guarding its independence, freedom and dignity. That needs the cooperation of all Lebanese regardless of the nature of this cooperation. The chance is still there. This is linked to the will of all political forces which have proved in ballot boxes their popular political parliamentary presence. Ballot boxes have proved that even those who did not win in parliamentary seats have great popular support in their regions which must not be neglected. So this has to do to a great extent with the will of the political forces and parties. But I believe that this is essentially and primarily linked to the party which gained the parliamentary majority in these elections. How will its conduct be? What's its true program? Let's put aside what was said before the elections. Tell us after the elections: what's the true program? What is the program which it wants? This program must be known to the Lebanese because this is the future of their country. What are the priorities of this party? In which mentality they will behave? With what spirit they will deal with the public affairs? Will they benefit from the previous years experiences especially the last four years? Will they blunder in classifying priorities or will they classify them in the right way?
After the parliamentary elections, the party which have become the parliamentary majority is more concerned with how to deal with the upcoming stage while the National Opposition which have preserved its parliamentary position will work from its popular parliamentary and political position which might be more on the popular level that will be illustrated in figures in the coming few days. So the majority is concerned with the fate of the country. It can't quit the square by any means. It is concerned in the upcoming stage to be clear with the Lebanese. Nothing must be hidden at all. That's because transparency and clarity and truthfulness are very important elements in our country to overcome troubles and disputes and to open doors wide before dialogue and agreement. So let's try to build a republic based on truthfulness. Enough with fabricating events that have to do with the authority or with deciding priorities based on lies, accusations, fears and worries. Tonight I like to answer all what was said in the election campaign. Let go with that. The days ahead will prove as this day that there were two lies which were exploited for the elections concerning the position of the Opposition from the elections and holding elections while there are arms. Let's put what have been said behind. Let's depend on faithfulness, transparency and clarity. Let's be open with each other whether Loyalists or Opposition so as to build together a country and to defend and develop it. Let's together help this country out of the crises which it has been suffering from for long.
We are before a new stage and status. May Allah bless all those who have exerted great efforts in the previous stage. This was a station. Let's deal with it with all its results. Let's benefit from the lessons of the past. Let's see where the gaps were? What are the good and bad points? What are the points of strength and points of weakness? Let's develop our presence. But what must not be touched ever is our responsibility towards our people and country especially those who had offered blood and great efforts to liberate this nation and defend its existence. This station must furnish us with more determination and will to continue working and struggling with hope and confidence in the future so that we be able to see our country for which our brethrens, sons and dear ones have offered their chaste souls and blood. We must preserve it, defend it and move it forward Inshallah. Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessing.
I take refuge in Allah from the stoned devil. In the Name of Allah, The Compassionate, The Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, The Lord of the world. Peace be on our Master and Prophet – The Seal of Prophets – Abi Al Qassem Mohamad Bin Abdullah and on his chaste and kind Household, chosen companions and all the prophets and messengers. Peace be upon you all and Allah's blessing and mercy.
Tonight I will move from the general to the private then I will end up with two general topics. Indeed I'll address you all in my speech which tackles the event we passed through together which is the parliamentary elections and its outcome.
First: I would like to congratulate all the Lebanese people with all their political parties, movements and groups on this great important national achievement. I would like also to praise the popular showing at voting stations in all regions and from all sects what reflects a great political responsibility towards national causes and the present and future of this nation and people. This is indeed a very great positive point which must be lauded and which must be likewise stressed and strengthened because after all it sets a clear track that shows that we as a Lebanese people deserve to own this chance and to resort to this means in face of essential causes.
Second: I would like to thank all ministries and political, judiciary and security administrations especially the Lebanese Army and the security forces on their running of this process and on preserving security, stability and peace what gave a great chance for the Lebanese to vote and express their views. This is noticeable especially because these political, security and judiciary administrations were before a great challenge which is holding elections in one day. So despite the defects and flaws which took place and which indeed will be evaluated so as to be addressed later, we believe it was a major challenge and we believe that it was faced with great responsibility.
Third: I like to congratulate all the winners in parliamentary elections whether from the Loyalists or from the Opposition and in all parliamentary districts. They all must know that now they have assumed the responsibility of the people and the future of this country. So Inshallah they will live up to this assumed responsibility.
Fourth: We accept the results announced by the Interior Minister indeed while preserving the right of candidates in the various districts. If any of them has any information that enables him to appeal before the Constitutional Council, this would be a particular issue. As for the official results which were announced, we accept them with sportsmanship and democratic spirits. We also accept that the other contesting group – i.e. the Loyalists – has won the majority of seats in the parliament though the Opposition preserved its previous parliamentary position in sum (as it lost some districts and won others).
Indeed we accept the parliamentary majority. Well in previous ceremonies, I used to say that there is a difference between parliamentary majority and popular majority. The parliamentary majority might or might not be the popular majority. Anyway, we accept the parliamentary majority. As for the popular majority, it seems that needs centers for studies and statistics to review figures closely so as to know who gains the popular majority. I believe that we all can resort to the ballot boxes to help us in deciding the popular majority (as we resorted to ballot boxes to decide the parliamentary elections) and if most of the votes in sum were for the interest of the other party, I will accept that they are also the popular majority.
Now we accept the results regardless of our evaluation of the election process and the means used in this regard whether the huge expenditure which will be clearly illustrated within days, the sectarian, factional –and at times racial- incitement which was illustrated during the election campaigns days, the accusations and lies which aimed at intimidating the public opinion especially within some sects and some districts, (It is more precise to say that lying mills were used in this perspective) and the open and overt foreign interference. Anyway, I will not interfere in such an evaluation. I just wanted to point even if with hints to that. We will have our evaluation of the election process from A to Z as the other forces will make such evaluations but that will not influence our acceptance of the results.
In this framework and as we are talking about results and accepting results, I would like to point out two big lies (which have been prompted through the election campaign) that have been thwarted. As these points are directly related to us especially the Opposition and more precisely to Hezbollah, I feel that I am concerned in singling them out and clarifying these two points.
First the lie number one is the political rhetoric that has been exploited for months regarding the Opposition as seeking to cripple elections and ruining the political and security status so as to prevent elections from taking place. Then if the Opposition found out that it is losing the elections and not moving towards parliamentary majority while voting is taking place it will destroy the ballots and blur up the situation. Also if after counting votes or when results are announced, the Opposition will not accept the results and will challenge the parliamentary elections and consider them illegitimate and consequently push the country towards political, popular and security crises. This has been said if not from all Loyalist leaderships (to be on the safe side) from most of them.
Well today (Monday) here I am at your service. The results were announced and we are dealing with them normally. This is the first proof on the big lie invested in the elections campaign. The election day was normal, natural and excellent. The security status was excellent and stable. The turnout was huge. The vote counting was quiet. Results were announced and no problem took place. It was clear that all were fearful. I was following up with the Interior Minister – whom we address with a special salutation – while he was saying now we are over with the elections and the great event is issuing the results via vote counting. We have to accept the outcome because there was anxiety. This is the first point. We may say that this is one of the big lies which were invested in the election campaign. Now it fell.
No comes the second lie which is even bigger than the first and which was invested more in the election campaign. Well when I handle such points I don't mean to record lies to highlight the upcoming stage. We want to benefit from the past to highlight the future. In recent months, speeches, statements and interviews focused on how elections would be held while the resistance arms are still there. That means that elections are not fair; people are under pressure; they can't express themselves as this arm is imposing choices on the people; the people are not convinced in their choices. This also and to be on the safe side was said by most of the other party leaderships. They wrote articles and made lengthy interviews on this issue. Indeed if the opposition won the parliamentary elections, that issue was to be raised again. They would've said the fairness of the elections is challenged because it was held in the presence of the resistance arms. Now and because the Loyalists had the parliamentary elections no one is tackling that issue. I am reminding of that because after the elections were announced and we accepted that, this great lie has been exposed. The elections were held in Lebanon in all districts in the presence of the arms weapons. In the presence of the resistance arsenal which has never been present since 1982, people voted; there was no pressure; no one imposed anything on them, results were issue today and nothing took place.
So one of the most important conclusions is that this arm is not used to impose political realities. One of the most important political events at most is parliamentary elections because the role played by the parliament in the Lebanese regime is well known whether electing the president (We as well are through also with the lie of shortening the presidential tenure), forming the government, lawmaking, public budget, agreements… So if we wanted to say which is the most important internal political event at all? It is the parliamentary elections. Well people voted with utmost ease and freedom. Neither the arms nor their deed was noticed. This proves what we have always been saying that these arms are not to impose political realities and not to put or take off people from power. It has a clear employment which is that of resistance and defending the country. Here I stress that the election process as a whole had proved before all accusers and misleaders the soundness of the direction to which this arm is pointed. I wrap up this point saying that the Lebanese have proved their ability as a state, people and political and security forces to preserve security, stability, civil peace, political and media election competition – even sharp competition – without touching on the pillars of security and stability. Now we must guard and preserve this. We have always been saying that we have to resort to the ballot boxes. The whole story of the Opposition since July War until now was resorting to the polls. We would have spared our country all these troubles.
Fifth, I like to greet with high estimation all the Lebanese National Opposition leaderships, cadres, movements, parties and masses. I tell them: Dear ones, we have together put before our eyes a noble national goal which is working to achieve a great reform on all perspectives whether legal, political, economic, social, living, financial… Thus we – the Lebanese National Opposition – sought to gain the parliamentary majority to serve the reform project and not to seize power and have hegemony over the authority. We all in the Lebanese National Opposition exerted utmost legitimate efforts in the election battle. We have all faced what was properly called by General Michael Aoun a global war because no one in the whole world hasn't but tried to interfere in the elections. The Opposition masses got involved in this great national battle with utmost faithfulness and zeal.
Now if we couldn't serve this reform project which we believed in from the parliamentary majority post, that does not mean that we have no obligation as national forces to serve this reform project from another position whether as parliamentary, popular and political Opposition from outside or inside the government. These options are open for debate. But this responsibility towards the reform project which we believed in and sought to achieve remains valid. Today I renew the pledge and call on all the Opposition leaderships to renew the pledge and commitment along with all the popular groups who have voted for the Opposition tickets in many and all the districts to renew their pledges to serve the reform project which the masses have believed in and worked for and bore and stood with the opposition forces all through the past period all these sufferings. This responsibility never ends or stops. Indeed the parliamentary elections despite their importance are not more than a station in the long way of the national political struggle to achieve these noble goals.
We in the Opposition are supposed to make consultations very soon Inshallah to decide our steps, course and the way to deal with the upcoming events. Indeed we are before naming the speaker and the premier and forming the government, and we have to decide on how to deal with these events as an Opposition. Now I do not want to have the final word in any matter because that needs studying, consultations and an agreement among the National Opposition. That will take place in the next few days Inshallah.
I whole-heartedly and on behalf of all my brethrens in Hezbollah leadership thank and highly esteem specially the masses of the resistance and the masses of Hezbollah. Here I would like to mention the categorization resorted to in the electoral districts. In some districts there wasn't election competition. We considered them as present on the fire line such as South, Baalbek-Hermel, Beirut Southern Suburbs which gathered the two issues (being on the fire line and a competition district). In the districts where there was no competition but still we called on people to come massively to ballots stations to express the political choices especially regarding the resistance (as it is they who paid the tax of blood, displacement, house demolition during July War and others) we found out that despite in the fact that South and Baalbeck-Hermel districts did not witness election competition, the percentage of voters was very high and in some cases exceeded the districts which witnessed sharp and tough competition. This huge popular turnout in the various regions is highly esteemed. Indeed it wasn't surprising because it is the conviction, wish and will of the people. I also want to thank the masses who participated in the districts where there were election competitions: Western Bekaa, Rashaya, Mid Bekaa, Mount Lebanon districts, the North and Beirut in general where we have popular masses, brethrens and activists who exerted great efforts. Also I like to thank the campaign staffs in all regions who worked for months with great and clear efforts which yielded this great popular presence. This was their right whether in the districts where there are Shiite seats or not and whether in the districts where there were Hezbollah voters or not because we worked on the bases that the Opposition as a whole is involved in the battle and it is our normal right that we be present. We have electors in northern Matn who want to vote also in Kisirwan, Jbeil and Koura and all the other districts. Here I want to condemn again some sectarian, factional racist rhetoric which does not agree that if the majority in a definite district is of a definite sect and others came to say the final word in the district. In fact, this is what took place in most of the districts. In some districts the final word was for sects and in others for factional minorities. So why here the speech is sectarian and there it is national? Every Lebanese person whatever his religious sect or faction be has the right and it is even his duty to vote in the region where he is registered in the striking rolls. That's his national obligation and if he failed to fulfill this obligation he would be abandoning his national responsibility. I greatly salute all the campaign staffs. I also congratulate all my brethrens in the Loyalty to Resistance Bloc in all the districts because all the Bloc's candidates won in all the districts with very high votes and they have gained unprecedented public support.
I conclude with two general points. The first has to do with the people and the great embrace in these districts which was much more like a referendum. The people have addressed the whole world with a message: the choice of the resistance is not that of an armed party or gang. It's not a choice imposed on people by force and pressure. No one could oblige the people especially in districts where there was no competition to leave their regions and go to ballot boxes in such huge turnout especially with the existence of new obstacles as a result of the new administration followed in elections. Those people who showed up in ballots sent a message to the whole world: the choice of resistance is a popular choice especially in areas which face the threat of aggression. Consequently the choice of resistance is an expression of the will of these people, their inclination, culture, awareness and life. This must be respected. The second message is that resistance is not a piece of arms to be debated but rather a popular will. This point is to be discussed on the dialogue table. It must be discussed regarding the people's will and choices, especially those people who live in the arena under threat.
In this point in particular, I heard some statements or discussions which express fear over this point in the upcoming stage. I say there is no need for fear in all cases. As long as the resistance is a popular choice embraced by the people there is no need for fear because no one can do anything with the popular will. I stressed this point before the elections and after the elections regardless of who might have won. This is left for a quiet dialogue and objective discussion. I believe this is the right path which all parties are supposed to have announced their commitment to. Consequently, there is no need to have fear or polarize over this topic whether now or in the upcoming stage.
The last point which I like to end with is that after this great national achievement in elections, the chance of establishing a strong capable fair state is still possible regardless of the election results. We agree that there are great challenges before us as Lebanese whether on the economic level (financial crisis) or on the social, living, political, administrative and other levels. So I believe we all must have reached the conviction of saving this country, developing it, solving its troubles, raising its status and guarding its independence, freedom and dignity. That needs the cooperation of all Lebanese regardless of the nature of this cooperation. The chance is still there. This is linked to the will of all political forces which have proved in ballot boxes their popular political parliamentary presence. Ballot boxes have proved that even those who did not win in parliamentary seats have great popular support in their regions which must not be neglected. So this has to do to a great extent with the will of the political forces and parties. But I believe that this is essentially and primarily linked to the party which gained the parliamentary majority in these elections. How will its conduct be? What's its true program? Let's put aside what was said before the elections. Tell us after the elections: what's the true program? What is the program which it wants? This program must be known to the Lebanese because this is the future of their country. What are the priorities of this party? In which mentality they will behave? With what spirit they will deal with the public affairs? Will they benefit from the previous years experiences especially the last four years? Will they blunder in classifying priorities or will they classify them in the right way?
After the parliamentary elections, the party which have become the parliamentary majority is more concerned with how to deal with the upcoming stage while the National Opposition which have preserved its parliamentary position will work from its popular parliamentary and political position which might be more on the popular level that will be illustrated in figures in the coming few days. So the majority is concerned with the fate of the country. It can't quit the square by any means. It is concerned in the upcoming stage to be clear with the Lebanese. Nothing must be hidden at all. That's because transparency and clarity and truthfulness are very important elements in our country to overcome troubles and disputes and to open doors wide before dialogue and agreement. So let's try to build a republic based on truthfulness. Enough with fabricating events that have to do with the authority or with deciding priorities based on lies, accusations, fears and worries. Tonight I like to answer all what was said in the election campaign. Let go with that. The days ahead will prove as this day that there were two lies which were exploited for the elections concerning the position of the Opposition from the elections and holding elections while there are arms. Let's put what have been said behind. Let's depend on faithfulness, transparency and clarity. Let's be open with each other whether Loyalists or Opposition so as to build together a country and to defend and develop it. Let's together help this country out of the crises which it has been suffering from for long.
We are before a new stage and status. May Allah bless all those who have exerted great efforts in the previous stage. This was a station. Let's deal with it with all its results. Let's benefit from the lessons of the past. Let's see where the gaps were? What are the good and bad points? What are the points of strength and points of weakness? Let's develop our presence. But what must not be touched ever is our responsibility towards our people and country especially those who had offered blood and great efforts to liberate this nation and defend its existence. This station must furnish us with more determination and will to continue working and struggling with hope and confidence in the future so that we be able to see our country for which our brethrens, sons and dear ones have offered their chaste souls and blood. We must preserve it, defend it and move it forward Inshallah. Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessing.
Israel is controlled by religious fanaticism
by Shulamit Aloni for Ha'aretz
Not very long ago, during Rabbi Meir Kahane's racist rantings, the late writer and journalist Amos Elon gave me a copy of a letter Lord Rothschild sent to Herzl in August 1902. In the letter, Rothschild explains why he refuses to support the establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel. He writes that he "should view with horror the establishment of a Jewish colony pure and simple; such a colony would be Imperium Imperio; it would be a Ghetto with the prejudice of the Ghetto; it would be a small petty Jewish state, orthodox and illiberal, excluding the Gentile and the Christian."
Nevertheless, and despite phenomena like Kahane, the hope prevailed here over the years that Rothschild's harsh vision would prove false; that Israel would indeed "ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex," and "guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture," as stated in the Declaration of the Establishment of the State.
Time has passed and many heirs to Kahane have arisen - not only among a greedy and savage multitude but also among "the public's chosen representatives" in the Knesset and government. The latter are busy preparing blatantly racist laws and sending armed police to thwart Palestinian-initiated international cultural events because the regime believes the Arabs of the Land of Israel, the native Palestinians, are not worthy of being called human beings. According to the writers of these laws, the Arabs are certainly not entitled to human rights, not to mention a cultural and intellectual life, and never mind property, land and a home, because thousands of years ago God promised this land to Abraham and his seed.
Most regrettably and disgracefully, everything that Lord Rothschild predicted is coming to pass in our time. In our blackest dreams and in the hardest times since the struggle to establish the state, we never imagined that those who call themselves disciples of Ze'ev Jabotinsky would impose terror and fear here using deranged racist legislation. We never imagined that they would use the destruction of the court system to try to prevent any possibility of achieving social justice and a humane attitude. This is something essential in every democratic society toward every man, woman and child, irrespective of origin, race, religion and sex.
For 42 years we have been occupying, oppressing and stealing lands that are not ours. To be free in our land do we need to become thieving Cossacks, uprooters of trees, burners of fields and harassers of women, the elderly and the very young? "We have this land, we have it," goes the song, but what should have been said is "We have the power, we have it, we have the money, we have it, and we are allowed, we are," to starve an entire population, imprison it and annihilate it using air strikes, cluster bombs and white phosphorous. Because we are the lords of the land and God has chosen us to rule. For the shame of it.
"A unique people," wrote David Ben-Gurion. Alas, for that uniqueness. Instead of a Jewish and democratic state they have delivered us a Jewish state controlled by religious fanaticism, one that maintains the purity of the race. They have delivered a democracy in the most primitive sense - not the preservation of democratic values but rule by the demos, the populace that is dictating the transformation of Israel into a totalitarian ethnocracy.
Hooray for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman - they are eradicating everything we built, everything we dreamed about and everything we fought for.
Shulamit Aloni
Not very long ago, during Rabbi Meir Kahane's racist rantings, the late writer and journalist Amos Elon gave me a copy of a letter Lord Rothschild sent to Herzl in August 1902. In the letter, Rothschild explains why he refuses to support the establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel. He writes that he "should view with horror the establishment of a Jewish colony pure and simple; such a colony would be Imperium Imperio; it would be a Ghetto with the prejudice of the Ghetto; it would be a small petty Jewish state, orthodox and illiberal, excluding the Gentile and the Christian."
Nevertheless, and despite phenomena like Kahane, the hope prevailed here over the years that Rothschild's harsh vision would prove false; that Israel would indeed "ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex," and "guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture," as stated in the Declaration of the Establishment of the State.
Time has passed and many heirs to Kahane have arisen - not only among a greedy and savage multitude but also among "the public's chosen representatives" in the Knesset and government. The latter are busy preparing blatantly racist laws and sending armed police to thwart Palestinian-initiated international cultural events because the regime believes the Arabs of the Land of Israel, the native Palestinians, are not worthy of being called human beings. According to the writers of these laws, the Arabs are certainly not entitled to human rights, not to mention a cultural and intellectual life, and never mind property, land and a home, because thousands of years ago God promised this land to Abraham and his seed.Most regrettably and disgracefully, everything that Lord Rothschild predicted is coming to pass in our time. In our blackest dreams and in the hardest times since the struggle to establish the state, we never imagined that those who call themselves disciples of Ze'ev Jabotinsky would impose terror and fear here using deranged racist legislation. We never imagined that they would use the destruction of the court system to try to prevent any possibility of achieving social justice and a humane attitude. This is something essential in every democratic society toward every man, woman and child, irrespective of origin, race, religion and sex.
For 42 years we have been occupying, oppressing and stealing lands that are not ours. To be free in our land do we need to become thieving Cossacks, uprooters of trees, burners of fields and harassers of women, the elderly and the very young? "We have this land, we have it," goes the song, but what should have been said is "We have the power, we have it, we have the money, we have it, and we are allowed, we are," to starve an entire population, imprison it and annihilate it using air strikes, cluster bombs and white phosphorous. Because we are the lords of the land and God has chosen us to rule. For the shame of it.
"A unique people," wrote David Ben-Gurion. Alas, for that uniqueness. Instead of a Jewish and democratic state they have delivered us a Jewish state controlled by religious fanaticism, one that maintains the purity of the race. They have delivered a democracy in the most primitive sense - not the preservation of democratic values but rule by the demos, the populace that is dictating the transformation of Israel into a totalitarian ethnocracy.
Hooray for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman - they are eradicating everything we built, everything we dreamed about and everything we fought for.
Shulamit Aloni
Monday, June 8, 2009
Musings on yesterday's elections in Lebanon in France
It sure looks like yesterday was a good day for the USraelian empire as some of its most obsequious stooges won the elections they were participating in: Sarkozy, Cohen-Bendit, Hariri, Siniora and Jumblatt all did unexpectedly well. Not only that, but the Far Right also did rather well in the EU elections - always a good thing for Washington.
In France, the Anti-Zionist Party's list lead by Dieudonne only got 1,3% of the vote in the regions were it was running and the main Jewish organization in France, the CRIF, has already expressed its delight with this result.
Disappointing as it may be, that result must be seen in the following context:
a) The media blackout about the Anti-Zionist Party (PAS) was total. Even the (previously ostracized) National Front was given more time on the air. The PAS got literally nothing. Zilch.
b) The PAS had about one month to organize and to print only a few posters. All the other parties had years to prepare.
c) It is likely that there is a large proportion of PAS supporters among those who did not vote this Sunday and since the French law makes the voter registration process a slow process (with lists made up in March of each year only) it is a safe bet to assume that a lot of PAS supporters did not get to vote this time around.
d) The PAS undeniably lacks a competent campaign organization. Not only did they not succeed in systematically organize themselves, but they even committed rather stupid blunder like having Ilich Ramírez Sánchez aka "Carlos" call in on a press conference by Dieudonne and his supporters from the jail he is sitting in to express support for the list.
The reality is that the Anti-Sionist Party is not a real "party" at all, at least not yet. It is rather something of a club created by a group of outraged friends of Dieudonne who were joined by various anti-Zionists elements who might have been full of enthusiasm, but would could not compete against the Tsunami of pro-Zionist propaganda of the French state and corporate media, or even break against the wall of silence placed around the PAS by the French Ziomob.
I spent a couple of hours with some PAS supporters on a website hastily turned into a discussion group, and while nobody was too happy about the results, most were also quite confident that for a first try with a month old "party" and without any money this was not too bad either.
The key issue now is whether Dieudo and his friends will have the staying power to turn this one-time event into a real grassroots movement. Resistance to the USraelian Empire has always only been successful when it was based on a grassroots base of support. That is what made the difference in Iran, Venezuela, Lebanon, Bolivia and many other countries and that is the only way the iron grip of the Zionists on France can be slowly weakened. This is a long-term process which will take many many years, and only time will show if the PAS of Dieudo will have the ability to plan its future for the long term.
The situation in Lebanon is quite different. Several well-informed observers have noted that Hezbollah had little to gain and much to loose by unseating the Three Stooges from power in Lebanon. Proponents of this theory make a good case and this kind of "deliberate election loosing" is something which has been done in the past (I have always suspected that Putin and his supporters waited as long as was needed for Eltsin to become really universally hated before making their move). Still, it is hard for me to believe that Hezbollah could in any way let such obnoxious agents of Israel as the Three Stooges say in power one minute longer than was needed.
I also note that Hezbollah did not loose anything. It was Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement which lost votes, not Hezbollah. So did Hezbollah really want its allies Amal and the FPM to loose or, at least, "not win" these elections? I don't know, of course, but I am dubious.
Moreover, it is well known that thousands of Lebanese were flown in from abroad and that the CIA and Israel supported Three Stooges were given lavish support by their masters to make sure that the elections went the "right" way.
My guess is that yesterday's defeat has less to do with sly Hezbollah tactics as it does with bad old Lebanese corruption politics. That, and the sad fact that a substantial segment of the Lebanese population is willing to vote for those who are obsequious allies of the country which left Lebanon in ruins in 2006 and many times before. Call them corrupt, immoral or plain stupid, but the sad reality of Lebanon is that Hezbollah's worst enemy is neither in Israel nor in the USA, but in the back offices of Lebanese banks and business centers.
I am in no way a Marxist, but Lebanon seems to be a good illustration of the fact that class consciousness is a powerful factor in politics. How sad, really.
One thing is certain - both the French and the Lebanese will pay dearly for their vote. In France Sarkozy has been given free reign to engage in even more pro-American and pro-Israeli antics, and in Lebanon the tensions between the various groups will only get worse. In fact, the Israeli bosses of the Three Stooges have not waited even 24 hours before demanding the disarmament of Hezbollah. While the Three Stooges are unlikely to try that again - last time was humiliating enough - we can expect a covert operations galore by the Empire to further destabilize Lebanon.
For those who, like myself, love the French and the Lebanese yesterday was a sad day. Let us all hope that at least through the (now inevitable) pain to come will at least serve to unmask the empty promises of the Imperial proxies in power.
In France, the Anti-Zionist Party's list lead by Dieudonne only got 1,3% of the vote in the regions were it was running and the main Jewish organization in France, the CRIF, has already expressed its delight with this result.
Disappointing as it may be, that result must be seen in the following context:
a) The media blackout about the Anti-Zionist Party (PAS) was total. Even the (previously ostracized) National Front was given more time on the air. The PAS got literally nothing. Zilch.
b) The PAS had about one month to organize and to print only a few posters. All the other parties had years to prepare.
c) It is likely that there is a large proportion of PAS supporters among those who did not vote this Sunday and since the French law makes the voter registration process a slow process (with lists made up in March of each year only) it is a safe bet to assume that a lot of PAS supporters did not get to vote this time around.
d) The PAS undeniably lacks a competent campaign organization. Not only did they not succeed in systematically organize themselves, but they even committed rather stupid blunder like having Ilich Ramírez Sánchez aka "Carlos" call in on a press conference by Dieudonne and his supporters from the jail he is sitting in to express support for the list.
The reality is that the Anti-Sionist Party is not a real "party" at all, at least not yet. It is rather something of a club created by a group of outraged friends of Dieudonne who were joined by various anti-Zionists elements who might have been full of enthusiasm, but would could not compete against the Tsunami of pro-Zionist propaganda of the French state and corporate media, or even break against the wall of silence placed around the PAS by the French Ziomob.
I spent a couple of hours with some PAS supporters on a website hastily turned into a discussion group, and while nobody was too happy about the results, most were also quite confident that for a first try with a month old "party" and without any money this was not too bad either.
The key issue now is whether Dieudo and his friends will have the staying power to turn this one-time event into a real grassroots movement. Resistance to the USraelian Empire has always only been successful when it was based on a grassroots base of support. That is what made the difference in Iran, Venezuela, Lebanon, Bolivia and many other countries and that is the only way the iron grip of the Zionists on France can be slowly weakened. This is a long-term process which will take many many years, and only time will show if the PAS of Dieudo will have the ability to plan its future for the long term.
The situation in Lebanon is quite different. Several well-informed observers have noted that Hezbollah had little to gain and much to loose by unseating the Three Stooges from power in Lebanon. Proponents of this theory make a good case and this kind of "deliberate election loosing" is something which has been done in the past (I have always suspected that Putin and his supporters waited as long as was needed for Eltsin to become really universally hated before making their move). Still, it is hard for me to believe that Hezbollah could in any way let such obnoxious agents of Israel as the Three Stooges say in power one minute longer than was needed.
I also note that Hezbollah did not loose anything. It was Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement which lost votes, not Hezbollah. So did Hezbollah really want its allies Amal and the FPM to loose or, at least, "not win" these elections? I don't know, of course, but I am dubious.
Moreover, it is well known that thousands of Lebanese were flown in from abroad and that the CIA and Israel supported Three Stooges were given lavish support by their masters to make sure that the elections went the "right" way.
My guess is that yesterday's defeat has less to do with sly Hezbollah tactics as it does with bad old Lebanese corruption politics. That, and the sad fact that a substantial segment of the Lebanese population is willing to vote for those who are obsequious allies of the country which left Lebanon in ruins in 2006 and many times before. Call them corrupt, immoral or plain stupid, but the sad reality of Lebanon is that Hezbollah's worst enemy is neither in Israel nor in the USA, but in the back offices of Lebanese banks and business centers.
I am in no way a Marxist, but Lebanon seems to be a good illustration of the fact that class consciousness is a powerful factor in politics. How sad, really.
One thing is certain - both the French and the Lebanese will pay dearly for their vote. In France Sarkozy has been given free reign to engage in even more pro-American and pro-Israeli antics, and in Lebanon the tensions between the various groups will only get worse. In fact, the Israeli bosses of the Three Stooges have not waited even 24 hours before demanding the disarmament of Hezbollah. While the Three Stooges are unlikely to try that again - last time was humiliating enough - we can expect a covert operations galore by the Empire to further destabilize Lebanon.
For those who, like myself, love the French and the Lebanese yesterday was a sad day. Let us all hope that at least through the (now inevitable) pain to come will at least serve to unmask the empty promises of the Imperial proxies in power.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Bad news from France and Lebanon
The preleminary results/projections from France and Lebanon show that the pro-Israeli parties have cleary won the elections. In France the big winners are Danny Cohen-Bendit and Sarkozy while in Lebanon the Three Stooges (Hariri, Jumblatt, Siniora) appear to have defeated the Resistance parties.
It is too early to comment much about these results, but they are clearly a victory for the USraelian Empire.
It is too early to comment much about these results, but they are clearly a victory for the USraelian Empire.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Dieudonne's anti-Zionist campaign in full swing in France
(For those of you who do not know who Dieudonne is, or what he does, please check my previous article on this topic here).
First, the big news is that the French government has not succeeded in outlawing Dieudonne's Anti-Zionist Party or the list he has presented for the upcoming European elections. Official polls put the party's estimated support at 4% which, considering who is running such polls in France, probably means that Dieudo has at least 8-10% support. That is, of course, not enough to make a difference in the European political scene, but that is more than enough to keep openly challenging the Zionist lobby in France.
In fact, Dieudo's campaign is in full swing. Check out the new posters his list has released:
Translation:
"For a Europe free from censorship, communitarianism (ethnicity based politics - VS) and NATO speculators - The Antisionist List"
I would add that it is rather amazing that such a movement would be allowed to exist anywhere in the West, and even more so in France as the power of the Zionist lobby is far greater in France than it is in the USA or, should I maybe say, it is more brazen, more arrogant, more overt. The one factor which proved decisive in this case is the fact that France, like all European countries, has a multi-party political system whereas the USA has, in essence, only one party split into two vaguely competing factions. A "Dieudonne" in the USA is simply impossible as long as a third party is impossible.
Another interesting feature in the Anti-Zionist Party's campaign is the support it is getting from French rap singers. Check out these two videos:
Amazing, no? Considering the explosive tensions between the French "banlieue" (suburban-ghettos) and the government, this double endorsement of Dieudonne and his anti-Zionist platform spells out major troubles for the Zionist lobby in France.
As is well known, French banlieues are heavily Black and Maghrebian which potentially gives an ethnic character to any governmental policy towards them. It now appears that Dieudonne's movement is turning what used to be the alienation of the French youth against the establishment directly at the most powerful component of that establishment: the Zionist lobby. This could very easily repeated in the rest of Europe. I would even argue that this evolution is probably inevitable. This simple truth has now been re-discovered: Zionist is a form of racism (which UN Resolution 3379 clearly declared before being revoked); it is also a form of neo-colonialism, imperialism and it is fundementally anti-democratic.
The other interesting feature of this movement is that is clearly links the Zionist lobby, Israel and the USA into one power structure, what Dieudonne once called "The Axis of Goodness" (again using humor to ridicule and denounce). The Israeli bloodbath is perceived as much as an American or French policy as an Israeli one. This analysis is, of course, fundamentally correct.
Considering how immensely unpopular the USA has become during the Dubya years and his GWOT (Global War on Terror) the merging of the ideas of USA and Zionist in the minds of the French and, possibly, European youth is a very worrying development for the Zionist lobbies everywhere. It would not be incorrect to see all this as a case of "blowback" for what Israel did, and still does, in Gaza.
Dieudonne supporters see themselves as opponents of racism, of course, but also of imperialism, capitalism, globalisation and neo-colonialism. They see countries like Russia, Iran, Venezuela or Bolivia as potential allies. In fact, the number 2 on Diedonne's list, Alain Soral, spoke of Russia as "our future". It appears that a growing segment of the alienated French youth has evolved from the mindless rage stage (throwing stones a cops) to a much more conscious and informed opposition to the system in place and its immoral policies.
All this is rather fascinating and I encourage you all to keep a close eye on the situation in France.
For those who speak French, check out the latest press conference of Dieudonne's list:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-pDQFq21A8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj1FNhFAazc
First, the big news is that the French government has not succeeded in outlawing Dieudonne's Anti-Zionist Party or the list he has presented for the upcoming European elections. Official polls put the party's estimated support at 4% which, considering who is running such polls in France, probably means that Dieudo has at least 8-10% support. That is, of course, not enough to make a difference in the European political scene, but that is more than enough to keep openly challenging the Zionist lobby in France.
In fact, Dieudo's campaign is in full swing. Check out the new posters his list has released:
Translation:"For a Europe free from censorship, communitarianism (ethnicity based politics - VS) and NATO speculators - The Antisionist List"
I would add that it is rather amazing that such a movement would be allowed to exist anywhere in the West, and even more so in France as the power of the Zionist lobby is far greater in France than it is in the USA or, should I maybe say, it is more brazen, more arrogant, more overt. The one factor which proved decisive in this case is the fact that France, like all European countries, has a multi-party political system whereas the USA has, in essence, only one party split into two vaguely competing factions. A "Dieudonne" in the USA is simply impossible as long as a third party is impossible.
Another interesting feature in the Anti-Zionist Party's campaign is the support it is getting from French rap singers. Check out these two videos:
Amazing, no? Considering the explosive tensions between the French "banlieue" (suburban-ghettos) and the government, this double endorsement of Dieudonne and his anti-Zionist platform spells out major troubles for the Zionist lobby in France.
As is well known, French banlieues are heavily Black and Maghrebian which potentially gives an ethnic character to any governmental policy towards them. It now appears that Dieudonne's movement is turning what used to be the alienation of the French youth against the establishment directly at the most powerful component of that establishment: the Zionist lobby. This could very easily repeated in the rest of Europe. I would even argue that this evolution is probably inevitable. This simple truth has now been re-discovered: Zionist is a form of racism (which UN Resolution 3379 clearly declared before being revoked); it is also a form of neo-colonialism, imperialism and it is fundementally anti-democratic.
The other interesting feature of this movement is that is clearly links the Zionist lobby, Israel and the USA into one power structure, what Dieudonne once called "The Axis of Goodness" (again using humor to ridicule and denounce). The Israeli bloodbath is perceived as much as an American or French policy as an Israeli one. This analysis is, of course, fundamentally correct.
Considering how immensely unpopular the USA has become during the Dubya years and his GWOT (Global War on Terror) the merging of the ideas of USA and Zionist in the minds of the French and, possibly, European youth is a very worrying development for the Zionist lobbies everywhere. It would not be incorrect to see all this as a case of "blowback" for what Israel did, and still does, in Gaza.
Dieudonne supporters see themselves as opponents of racism, of course, but also of imperialism, capitalism, globalisation and neo-colonialism. They see countries like Russia, Iran, Venezuela or Bolivia as potential allies. In fact, the number 2 on Diedonne's list, Alain Soral, spoke of Russia as "our future". It appears that a growing segment of the alienated French youth has evolved from the mindless rage stage (throwing stones a cops) to a much more conscious and informed opposition to the system in place and its immoral policies.
All this is rather fascinating and I encourage you all to keep a close eye on the situation in France.
For those who speak French, check out the latest press conference of Dieudonne's list:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-pDQFq21A8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj1FNhFAazc
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah speech of May 29th, 2009
Speech delivered by Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah marking the Resistance and Liberation Day ceremony held in Baalbeck
I take refuge in Allah from the stoned devil. In the Name of Allah, The Compassionate, The Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, The Lord of the world. Peace be on our Master and Prophet – The Seal of Prophets – Abi Al Qassem Mohamad Bin Abdullah and on his chaste and kind Household, chosen companions and all the prophets and messengers. Eminent scholars, brothers and sisters, peace be upon you and Allah's blessing and mercy.
First I want to congratulate you all -O our people and dear ones in Bekaa and especially in Baalbeck-Hermel area - on the ninth anniversary of the Resistance and Liberation Day. You were equal partners in making this day. You were among the pioneer founders of this resistance and among the first who sacrificed for it and embraced it. This day is perfectly your day. This dignified and kind Lebanese region formed, with its people, mountains and valleys, the taking off platform for the resistance since its very first days. Here in the city of Baalbeck, in the religious school of the awaited Imam Mahdi (pbuh), in the tender fatherly bosom of Sayyed Abbass, the first nucleus of the resistance party –of Hezbollah- was formed. As the Zionist enemy occupied the South, Western Bekaa, Rashaya, Dahyieh, Beirut and Mount Lebanon, Bekaa opened its arms and heart. Thus were the centers for volunteers, polarization, training, exercising and arming. And thus was the taking off platform for the resistance. The share of Bekaa in the resistance wasn't just logistic and supportive. It was rather partaking with son-offering. You sent the best among your sons, men and dear ones. They fought in Western Bekaa and Rashaya until 2000. They fought in Dahyieh, Beirut and the South until the liberation of the border line and until 2000. You offered martyrs and bore the burdens of the resistance. Still your sons are in the lines until now. During July War, your brethrens and sons in Bekaa fought in Bint Jbeil and Aita Shaab, Maron Arras and all the front lines. You have bore the burdens since the first days. Your region was being bombarded because it is a resistance area and not because it supported the resistance or is the back platform. We all remember the bombings that led to the martyrdom of many of your dear ones in the city of Imam Assader on the way to Baalbeck, Sayyar addarak, Janta, the barracks and hills surrounding the city of Baalbeck, Khawam Center and the region's headquarters among other places which were bombarded in the town and other regions in Bekaa.
The highest price paid was during July War when Bekaa was the partner of the South in destruction, displacement and the fierce and savage war. Dear ones! You did not act pursuant to regional mentality as if saying: It's the South which is under occupation. We in Bekaa are not concerned. The border line after 1985 was under occupation as were Bint Jbeil, Hasbaya, Jizzine, Shebaa, Kafasrshouba and Naqura. So what have the villages of Baalbeck and Hermel to do with that? What have Western Bekaa and Zahle to do with that? You could've said: We are not concerned. Still you did not do that though you were able to do that. Well, all through history, there were the front of fighters and the front of laggards. Laggards always find pretexts, excuses and fatwas also. We could say we are a deprived neglected area. Nobody asks about us. So what are we to do with this battle? You could find excuses but you didn't. Before 1982 and even after 1982 – all through the years of your support after the establishment of the resistance and Hezbollah – you acted pursuant to your kindness, faithful, Islamic, Qoranic, prophetic, moral and national background. You looked at the whole nation and started from what Allah Almighty molded you with: chivalry, zeal, enthusiasm, knightly, faith, the love to Allah's prophets and messengers and to Mohamad and his chaste Household. This is a testimony I give to Allah, the Hereafter and history. You rose, resisted, fought and bore the burdens of that. You performed your duty and did not wait for anyone from the whole world –even in Lebanon - to move with you just like all those who believed, launched and embraced the resistance. You did not wait for a national consensus (though we like to reach a national consensus and hope that will be achieved.) A national consensus is better and more powerful indeed. Here I like to hint that there was never a national consensus on any resistance whether in ancient or modern history. Whenever an enemy occupied a country, people might be divided into resistance fighters, disappointed laggards, collaborators besides those who would bargain on choices other than the resistance. Yes the resistance since the very beginning didn't attain national consensus. Thus it did not lose it because man doesn't lose something which does not exist. So how can someone shows up now and say that the resistance has lost the national consensus due to the domestic politics? We ask: Was there a national consensus before Hezbollah got engaged in domestic politics? In 1982 or 1985 and after and even before 2000, some political forces in Lebanon since 1982 till this very day did not issue one statement or take a position at least which backs, supports or sympathizes with the resistance. So there wasn't ever a national consensus, though it's better to have national consensus. Anyway there was a great popular embrace for the resistance. All nationalists embraced the resistance besides all those who believe in Lebanon and its dignity, pride, independence and sovereignty. Here I like to say: How would Lebanon become steady while Israel violates its horizons daily and we do not take any action? How would Lebanon become steady and Shebaa farms and Kafasrshouba Hills are under occupation? How would Lebanon become steady and it is threatened with risks and we do not take any serious action to confront threats and risks? Still from the very beginning, people embraced the resistance and you were among the first who embraced it despite the fact that the state abandoned you. You did not forsake your nation though the successive governments denied you even a drop of water. Still you offered a river of blood. This was your oath, O brothers and sisters! Among you are families of martyrs, wounded, freed detainees and owners of demolished homes. You are adorned with the spirit, soul, memory and fragrance of the master of the Islamic Resistance martyrs Sayyed Abbass Musawi, Im Yasser and little Hussein besides all the martyrs of the Resistance which you took part in establishing and launching. You took part in its process, victories, sacrifices and challenges and it is now facing great challenges.
Here I would like to remind you of the topics I will handle: Bekaa and the Resistance, the challenges facing the Resistance in the current and upcoming stages and our responsibilities towards it, Bekaa and the state and the elections in Bekaa after several days on June 7. O people of the Resistance! Your resistance is now as always facing great and serious challenges. This makes us all shoulder great responsibilities. After the victory of the Resistance on May 25, 2000, Zionists started working on a new strategy. I will make a brief presentation to reach a conclusion. This new strategy was announced several times by former Israeli Foreign Minister Sylvan Shalom. He said: We are working to make the whole international community against Hezbollah. We will work to issue international resolutions to put an end to Hezbollah. We will work to present Hezbollah as a terrorist group according to the international community and all world states. And actually, the Zionists exerted great efforts in this framework. Some states – such as the United States of America - responded and put Hezbollah on the terrorist list.
After 2000, states responded to the Israeli attempts and put Hezbollah on the terrorist list such as Holland. Still other countries refused such as France. Other states refused first such as England but listed the foreign security branch (and some time ago it added the military wing) to the terrorist list. Great efforts were exerted by the Zionist lobby worldwide to convince the world governments to put Hezbollah on the terrorist organizations lists. Notice that this is not analysis. These are the admissions of Sylvan Shalom who said that Israel made Resolution 1559 in the UN Security Council. Some Lebanese might have contributed to this resolution whether they knew it or not. I don't want to accuse anyone of treachery. Some Lebanese who are linked to Resolution 1559 do not know the Israeli backhands. External and internal interests met and led to Resolution 1559. Still Sylvan Shalom acknowledged that Resolution 1559 was Israeli made in the first level to put the resistance under pressure. Then September 11 events took place. Afghanistan was occupied, Iraq was occupied, martyr Premier Rafiq Hariri was assassinated. Syrian troops left Lebanon. Elections took place afterwards which brought the current party to power. Since then and despite the Quartet Alliance, our openness and cooperation, the main axis of that movement of that party was the arms of the resistance. The arms of the resistance were between two swords. Some talked about disarming the resistance, and others talked about the resistance handing in its arms. The other parties were in between these two stances. Now disarming necessitates force and we must move towards disarming the resistance. Some talked about disarmament and wanted that. Others didn't talk about disarmament because they knew that Hezbollah can't be disarmed with force. They rather talked about handing in arms. That means that Hezbollah hands in its arms to the state. We were put before this great event. Since 2005, with whatever politicians and foreign delegates we met, the topic was the arms of the resistance as if there is no other problem in Lebanon which must occupy the Lebanese. It was as if there are no economic, financial, living and social crises. It was as if there aren't any deprived and overwhelmed regions and as if the entire country was living in luxury. Don't we have around fifty billion dollars as debts on Lebanon? Don't we have occupied lands? Don't we have detainees in Israeli prisons? Don't we have Israeli violations of the Lebanese sovereignty? So it was as if there isn't any problem in Lebanon but the arms of the resistance which liberated Lebanon from the greatest Israeli invasion which took place in 1982. So all discussions, pressures and efforts stressed on one issue. For anyone who wants to make a critical study of the previous stage, this is one of the mistakes of the political party in that stage. I used to tell them – even in some internal dialogue sessions: Go address the problems people are suffering from: deprivation and negligence. Let people feel that you are a responsible government. Empower the army and then talk about the arms of the resistance. Then you will find that people started backing you in our face. But it seems the schedule did not have long time duration as we have heard in the past few days. There were pledges to solve the issue of arms (whether by force or by dialogue is another story), but it seems that the time given was limited. On the other hand, how did we act? We called for dialogue. In fact, it's Hezbollah who evoked the term national defense strategy. It was we who called for dialogue over the national defense strategy. We were backed by the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) as mentioned in the text of the Agreement between Hezbollah and the FPM. We said: Let's make dialogue. We frankly felt that in the past years, some were not concerned about how to protect Lebanon, how to liberate the rest of the lands and detainees and how to face Israeli violations and threats. There only concern was how to take off the weapons from the hand of the resistance. What might happen next doesn't matter. This mentality made Lebanon liable to violations all through these decades. It's the mentality of not answering the question of how would we protect Lebanon and its people? How do we defend Lebanon and its sovereignty? How do we safeguard Lebanese lands and waters? The answer was Lebanon's power is in its weakness! Thus were the successive occupations, invasions and weak-deeming until Israelis mocked us. You remember the mockery during 1967 War! It was a real mockery when Israeli chief of staff forgot Lebanon as he was saying this army was to be dispatched to Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Gaza Strip and the West Bank. When asked about why he didn't dispatch any brigade, battalion or squad to Lebanon, he answered the musical band would do in Lebanon!! Is that true or not? What made Lebanon now the strongest and most important element in this equation and battle? What made Lebanon fearless and rather really ready to face not the musical band but five squads, a hundred squads and even the entire Israeli army? It is you and your resistance and indeed not the logic of weakness and feebleness and the logic of the ostrich which hides its face in the sand.
We came under much pressure in sessions, meetings, in the media, psychological wars, alluded threats, external pressures… Yet we adhered to our right, faith, path, resistance and weapon.
Well after despair in political efforts came July War which has the true aim of crushing the resistance and the popular milieu which embraces the resistance. July War failed to do that with Allah's assistance and the firmness, sacrifices, strength and steadfastness of fighters. After July War, we returned to the very symphony from the very beginning: the resistance and the arms of the resistance. What shall we do with the resistance arms? The resistance arms must be handed in as if after July War and all what afflicted Lebanon, all the developments which hit the region and all the internal crises in Lebanon there remained nothing but the arms of the resistance!
Brothers and sisters! Three years have passed after July War. Israel acknowledged its defeat. It worked at addressing its flops and faults. For three years Israel has been undergoing exercises and maneuvers and within days it will stage maneuvers at the level of the entire entity. For three years it has been arming and fetching new airplanes (as if it lacks that). Israel is working day and night to restore its power and prestige. Still the resistance which defeated Israel was obliged these three years to discuss and defend itself daily before those who want to disarm it! Where is justice? What is this logic? Where are national feelings? Where is fairness? Israel is preparing while Lebanon is doing nothing whether strengthening its army, arming it or reaching a true and serious defense strategy. On the contrary Israel is addressing the points of weakness which were sensed during July War while in Lebanon some were trying to exterminate the points of strength that made victory in Lebanon in July War.
We used always to say in this framework: build a strong capable state and an army which is able to defend the country and then we will sit aside. But who is ready to finance and arm the Lebanese army? After all these experiences, we all know that neither the USA nor the West nor the overwhelming majority of world and Arab states are willing to arm the Lebanese Army in face of Israel. As for the logic that if they gave weapons to the army they will reach the hands of Hezbollah, this is groundless because they know very well that the resistance has enough weapons. The resistance which vows to destroy the Israeli Army squads in southern Lebanon doesn't need weapons that America (or other countries) might give to anyone in Lebanon. The Russian government is thanked. In the past we didn't comment, but 10 Mig airplanes do not really change the equation. What's the credibility for whoever wants to help Lebanon? Now, there are important states in the region which do not fetch airplanes because balance won't possibly be achieved with Israel. Rather they fetch anti-aircraft. Whoever really wants a strong army in Lebanon must provide it with anti-aircraft, anti-tanks, armors and long and mid-run rockets so as to achieve balance. In no other way the army will not be able to defend the country in face of an army as strong as the Israeli army. So who is ready to provide Lebanon with arms? Vote for the opposition and then I will tell you who will do that. Did the Lebanese government ask Syria for weapons, rockets and artillery and it said no to Lebanon?
I followed up His Excellence President Michael Suleiman’s visit to Iran. True, Iran did not offer arms to Lebanon and can't and will not offer, because this is not logical. But, until this moment, Lebanon did not ask for weapons from Iran. Well despite Iran not offering arms, Iranian President Ahmadi Najjad was subject to endless criticism. What would be the case if it did? Now suppose that Iran said it is ready to arm the Lebanese Army. What do you need? Rockets, anti-air craft, anti-tanks? Let's make an agreement on that. Then many people in Lebanon will say Iran wants to push Lebanon into war and include Lebanon to the Syrian-Iranian axis through arming the army. This is why no one should wait for Iran to offer arms. However any Lebanese government which would ask the Iranian leadership for arms saying: We are a country which is targeted by Israel. We need a strong army but nobody offers us the appropriate weapons. Well, what if US Vice President brought us a few tanks, cannons and truck? What are they good for? But should Lebanon ask Iran for weapons, what would the Islamic Republic’s response be? Will it help Lebanon or not? I know the answer. All of you know the answer. I know that Iran and especially Imam Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenai (May Allah prolong his life) will not withhold anything that could render Lebanon a strong and honorable country and without any preconditions. I tell you this: If the Opposition Alliance won the upcoming elections and formed a national government, the Opposition (and Hezbollah which is unfortunately accused of not wanting a strong army) will fulfill its program and work on having a strong national Lebanese army which is capable of defending Lebanon. Some would say: It is easy. O resistance, hand over your arms to the Lebanese army. As such it will be strong. They are mistaken. This cannot be because the types of weapons we have are of no use for a regular army. Our weapons are good only for a popular resistance. If our arms are given to a regular army, it won't be able to make any balance with Israel. The value of this weapon is that it's in the hands of a popular group with its tactics, school, mechanism, culture and secrecy. A regular army of a state and an official political authority can't act as the resistance is acting now. Thus if we gave our arms to the Lebanese Army, the latter won't be able to defend Lebanon as when these arms are in the hands of popular parties. This has much details but I will be content with this far.
So Brothers and sisters! What is important is that politicians and political forces in Lebanon be convinced that we want a strong army and that some truly get rid of the mentality and theory that Lebanon's strength is in its weakness.
Brothers and sisters! Yes, challenges in face of the resistance still exist. The war that the Zionists are threatening to wage is still standing, though unlikely. After their flop in July War, they know very well – let the friend as well as the enemy listen: Israeli wars have failed in the past and they will fail in the future to eliminate the resistance. Thus it is more likely that they continue working on the choice of assassinating as they did with brethren martyr leader dear brethren Hajj Imad Moghniyah. This explains the great number of spying networks and collaborators which are searching for goals, personalities and places to be targeted. But the greater and more dangerous challenge remains what we are confronting now which is wrapped up in the persistence of Sylvan Shalom after 2000 in the strategy of presenting Hezbollah as a terrorist group which is attacking states, peoples and the international security. What is worst is the attempt to accuse Hezbollah of assassinating martyr Premier Rafiq Hariri so as that a Sunnite-Shiite sedition breaks.
Brothers and sisters! As for Der Spiegel, I want to stress that though it's true that officials said that the report was originally issued in Beirut (Well it's possible that someone in Beirut might have participated in it as was the case with Resolution 1559) but our information is that the report and the accusation are Israeli made. You have noticed how the Israelis swiftly launched accusations. Read also Israeli statements which, unfortunately, speak clearly of the entity’s relation with the international investigation. Let's be frank and overt. Yes brothers, since 2000, the grinding Zionist defeat and the resistance victory in Lebanon, there are those who are waylaying for the resistance, its arms, party and milieu. They have been making security, military and political schemes against the resistance and also working on directing the course of the international investigation in the assassination of martyr Premier Rafic Hariri against Hezbollah because they have consumed everything else within their reach. What are we to do with Hezbollah? We have killed Sayyed Abbass, and things carried on. We have killed Hajj Imad and things carried on. We have destroyed homes on the heads of their women and children and things carried on. We waged 1993 war (which they called The Liquidation), 1996 Grapes of Wrath War, 2006 July war, and still things carried on. They are facing such an unimaginably incredible resistance which goes with the saying for Imam Khomeini which Sayyed Abbass used to reiterate: Kill us; that'll make our people become more and more aware. What's the worst thing they can do against us or you, our men, elderly, women and children? It's to threaten us with death? Our answer is ready. It's not the answer of Hezbollah from this time but from hundreds of years. We suck it with our mothers' milk, and our fathers raise us on it. We tell whoever threatens us with death and killing: "With death you are threatening us O son of the pardoned. Death is but a habit to us and martyrdom is but an esteem Allah honors us with." They've realized that killings, massacres, assassinations, home destruction and instigation don't work with Hezbollah, the Islamic Resistance and the blessed people who support us. What else do they have but accusing us with assassination and of being a terrorist organization and with creating sectarian instigation against Hezbollah through everything possible? What's even more dangerous is orienting poisoned pens to consolidate this accusation. Anyway, we have passed these days a very dangerous stage. Praise be to Allah, thanks to the awareness of leaders and officials, the exposure of the accusation in Der Spiegel on the Israeli and Zionist level and the Lebanese responsible stance, we could surpass this dangerous stage. Still this challenge exists because some insist on persisting on this way and conduct because there is no other way or course. God willing, with solidarity, cooperation, agreement, awareness and wisdom, we will emerge from this challenge with our heads high, just like we have always done in all ordeals and challenges. I assure you that we want a national unity government following the June 7 elections. We want understanding and cooperation even if we had to make a review of the past not to open wounds but to draw lessons. Also in the issue of resistance and weapons, we support proceeding in dialogue. Some say that if the resistance wins, the national dialogue will come to an end. No! We support the continuity of dialogue because we want a true national defensive strategy that the government, the people and the resistance commit themselves to.
The other topic is Bekaa and the state: As for deprivation and negligence in Bekaa, the key and essential question is: Has the Lebanese state -as a state and a regime - and have the successive governments considered the Bekaa region a part of Lebanon or a Lebanese region? The government must answer this question. This is a main issue. This has to do with the state’s mentality and the mentality of officials since the establishment of the state of Lebanon. Indeed this problem is not that of Bekaa only but also of Akkar, the Muslim North, the Christian North, the South and all the marginal regions on the level of the nation and on the level of the capital. Remember that in recent years, someone told Bekaa residents that the main problem is your political choices. You are being punished because you are supporting Hezbollah and the resistance. This is not true because before 1982, Hezbollah did not exist. They will tell you: Before 1982 you were with Imam Moussa Assader. Well before 1960, Imam Assader wasn't there. Since 1948 - since Bekaa was part of Great Lebanon - it was neglected, forgotten and crossed. During the festival in the South, I read a text for Sayyed Abdul Hussein Sharafeddine. The importance of the text lies not in being for his Eminence but rather because it's from ancient history. It's an important historic document.
Today I will read another text by Sayyed Abdul Hussein Sharafeddine directed to then President Bshara el-Khouri. Back then, a problem had occurred in the Bekaa and some members of the region’s tribes escaped to the barren mountains. The government dispatched a massive armed force to pursue them. A catastrophe was on the brink of taking place between the military force and the tribes in the region of Hermel. Imam Sharafeddine sent a letter to President Bshara el-Khoury in September 1949 saying: "The tribes in Hermel did not rise against the authorities nor did they abandon any community. So why are horses and wagons being dispatched and in face of whom are spearheads and lances pointed? For these! (Well you are known since ancient times. Listen what Sayyed Abdul Hussein Sharafeddine said about you) They are but the brave who do not sleep with humiliation and do not live with disgrace. In the age of the revolution of the minds and enlightenment, Lebanon has acquired from this revolution what made it the center of attraction while those didn't have any chance or portion of that bliss. They were left until they were destroyed with revenge and assassinated with illness and poverty. Now they became locked between two fires: the burning fire of the government and the inherent fire of their statue quo. I fear weepers will be in every house in Lebanon when the two parties meet and the two lines clash. The military campaign is not to be underestimated in equipment and number while those taking refuge in the barren lands are acquainted to the area what makes them control the course of events. This and blood calls for more blood. Would your Excellency consider reviewing the methods of disciplining the delinquent and conquering the rebels? Wouldn’t you consider approaching them with an army of tolerance to feather with it the helpless wing of the nation and to cure the nation's sick side? Wouldn’t you consider disciplining them by taking them from unemployment to jobs and from despair to hope? Don’t you believe that building schools and hospitals would be more useful than peopling prisons and digging graves and that paving streets and roads is better than paving the way to lamentation and woes? Yes, we are sure that your noble character, intelligence, expectations and high spirits make achieving that certain and guarantee development and prosperity to Lebanon and happiness, welfare and security to its people. Peace be upon you when you let peace prevail and sponsor security." Peace be upon Sayyed Abdul Hussein Sharafeddine who did not receive any reply or action. Well this goes back to 1949. This is the very logic, mentality and position. Since the establishment of the state of Lebanon, they look at the land of Bekaa and do not see it a land of the nation. Today Bekaa has proven through its patriotic conduct and the blood tax it paid that it is one of the dearest parts of this country. So the issue here is that of mentality.
During the past years, we tried – as Hezbollah – through our self-capabilities and institutions to address some of the aspects of deprivation in this region and to heal wounds. Our brethren MP have worked all through these years incessantly and despite besieging and boycotting to make good and kind achievements. However, never a government assumed a true responsibility towards this region and the other deprived regions. No party, institution or side can be an alternative to the state in shouldering its responsibilities.
In the elections of 2005, we had a chance. We had hoped that we would be able to serve this deprived region- on top of which is Bekaa - through our Quartet Alliance and our partaking in the government. Unfortunately, the former government was different. It had political commitments which came before any other developmental, social or economic priorities. Whenever we talked to them about Bekaa, they answered us by talking about the arms of the resistance. We would talk about the Province of Baalbeck-Hermel; they would debate over the resistance arms. All their priorities were different. Four years have been lost in political conflict and that was not to the interest of Lebanon and the Lebanese people especially the deprived. In the elections of 2009, we have a better chance. What's this better chance? It's that we will go to voting stations and vote for a political alliance which is the Lebanese National Opposition. It is a cohesive, strong alliance that has one common vision. The overwhelming majority of this alliance is from the poor and deprived regions. It is an alliance which proved its firmness before tough challenges. Thus we have a chance. Should we help this alliance win, we would see a new government. Its mentality is that of the relativity of the deprived regions and balanced development in those regions what surely assumes giving the priority to developing the deprived regions. In the past years, we exerted efforts that could draw from the previous governments a decision to form the Province of Baalbeck-Hermel and the Province of Akkar with the cooperation of many of our friends. We thought that forming a province would help in the development of this region when the idea of the Council of Developing Baalbeck-Hermel was refused. We were told that they want to cancel all development councils and go to a Ministry of Plotting. Yet political cunning has preventing even appointing a mayor to the Province of Baalbek-Hermel. In the recent appointments, we acknowledged there are vacancies but said that as long as we are in the government we will not accept the appointment of any mayor in Lebanon if mayors for the Provinces of Baalbeck-Hermel and Akkar are not appointed so as to consolidate these provinces. So the area of Bekaa and Baalbeck-Hermel are before a real chance.
There is another point which I would like to stress so that we cooperate on addressing. I hope those who write commentaries in the Assiyassiya Newspaper to take what I will say into consideration. On the issue of tens of thousands of arrest warrants in Bekaa, if the opposition wins the coming elections, the upcoming government will call for the formation of a joint ministerial-judicial-legal panel to study this file from A to Z. I will not lie on anyone. I am not promising or talking about a general pardon. There are arrest warrants against culprits who shed the blood of innocent people. I can't call for a general pardon for them. This is the right of the families of the innocent killed, and we are religious people who fear Allah and the Hereafter. I can't call for a general pardon for these killers and culprits who shed the blood of the innocent. So this is the right of the families of the victims. There are arrest warrants against thieves who burglarized the money of people, terrorized and wounded them. This is different but still there are thousands of arrest warrants for other reasons which might be studied especially that that region has much legal vacuum and many legal troubles which the successive governments must assume finding solutions for them. There is the issue of water, electricity, land partition, public properties, green bills… This issue must be addressed in a legal, moral and humanistic way without any right being lost and anyone being oppressed. We must tackle this issue seriously so that the army and the security forces won't continue having tens of thousands of arrest warranties. We can't carry on this way: We would try to pursue someone and he wouldn't stop what pushes us to open fire on him, kill him and kill women and children and create a conflict that will consequently cause action and counteraction. We don’t want to see any conflict between the army and security forces on one hand and the people on the other. That's because the army, the security forces as well as the people are our sons and brothers.
We must not remain stuck in this issue. A while later, someone will accuse Hezbollah saying: Hezbollah knew. It was covering the issue. This is sheer falsehood. We will not settle on a temporary solution. A conflict erupted between the army and the so and so family in a definite place; we go and address it… Anyway after the elections, I call for a radical solution to this issue. The issue must be discussed legally and juristically in which rights are preserved. Surely it must be settled because it is irrational that the army arrest more than 30000 people in Bekaa.
Another top priority in the developmental field for the upcoming government will be agriculture. They campaign against illegal culturing and we agree with them, but there should be alternatives. If the opposition wins elections and a new government is formed, some people will say the country is economically tired. I tell them the first to benefit economically will be Bekaa, especially Mid Bekaa and more precisely the area between Shtoura and Masnaa. Why? That's because if the Opposition wins and forms a government, this government will deal with mutual respect. Indeed it will be a government of sovereignty and independence and not a government of scheming against Syria or a government of struggling and conflicting with Syria. We want to work at easing tension between Lebanon and Syria. Now we have diplomatic relations and the Syrian ambassador is welcome in Beirut indeed. When the atmosphere is at ease, you've seen that before 2005 the area between Shtoura and Masnaa was one of the most important markets in Lebanon. It's a very important economic area. The land prices rose as did the prices of stores and houses rose. There was an economic and construction boom in that area. Well from 2005 till now, we go that way and we feel that we are driving on a secondary road in a village in Mount Lebanon! Isn't this the truth? So if the atmosphere becomes at ease, things will be different. Indeed some are trying to frighten people saying that should the Opposition win, Lebanon would turn into another Gaza. Now I don't have enough time to discuss these great and many differences. The circumstances in Lebanon are totally different from Gaza and the oppression of the people of Gaza who are being targeted as are the brethrens in the Resistance especially the brethrens in Hamas. The issue of Lebanon is different and I don't have time to discuss these differences though that helps in the elections.
Brothers and sisters! On June7, you are before great responsibilities. In the coming stage and days, we have three electoral districts: Western Bekaa-Rashaya, Mid Bekaa – Zahle and Baalbeck-Hermel. In Zahle there is competition. In western Bekaa there is competition. In Baalbeck-Hermel, there is no competition. We should compete in constituencies where there is competition. Where there is no competition, like in south Lebanon, our votes should be a referendum. Some might say why there should be a referendum here. There is no competition. If there is no competition, there are no elections any more. We will go to referendum first because in Baalbeck-Hermel there is no competition and second because as the South is the first concerned area with the referendum on the resistance and its arms, Baalbeck-Hermel along with the South is concerned in the referendum on the resistance and its arms. Why is it so? That's because since 1982, the South is being bombarded as is Baalbeck-Hermel region. Baalbeck-Hermel is not just a back platform. Baalbeck-Hermel is an equal partner with the South in fighting, confronting and opposing as well as in martyrs offering. Thus Baalbeck-Hermel is concerned in saying its word on June 7. In Zahle and Western Bekaa, we clearly and proudly back the Opposition tickets for which we will vote. I hereby call on our supporters in the Western Bekaa and Rashaya and Mid Bekaa to consider every opposition candidate in the Opposition lists as a candidate for Hezbollah, the resistance and Sayyed Abbass Musawi. As for Baalbeck-Hermel, before making a clear address, allow me to renew – on my last speech as it seems before the elections - my gratitude to the deputies who worked for years in the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc: MP Jamal Taqsh, MP Hassan Huballah, MP Mohammad Haidar and MP Amine Sherri who sacrificed for the sake of alliances and the Opposition. I would also like to thank two dear brethrens MPs Ismail Sukkariyeh and Pierre Serhal. After my thanks, I would like to address you and all the Lebanese. We are facing elections in which the US administration is directly involved through forming tickets, solving ticket-dilemmas and pumping money. The most senior political official is involved in these elections. It's not the Secretary of State but rather the US Vice President in person. If they were able to bring Obama they would have done that. The elections we are facing are also plagued with personal drives, accusations and rumors including Der Spiegel. There are no red lines. Still look what took place when Iranian President Dr. Ahmadi Najjad spoke about elections without interfering in them. He did not speak in favor of one group against the other. What Ahmadi Najjad said was an analysis and a description. He said in case the opposition wins the elections, things will change in the region. (That's true. Who is saying otherwise?) If the Opposition ruled, the resistance will be stronger. Well today the government and the Parliament all day long are threatening you with a knife on your back, heart, bowels and head arguing over the resistance and saying: Hand in your arms. Hand them in. The other view is that of a government and a Parliament which address you saying: you made an achievement. You are one of the points of strength. We want to discuss with a nationalistic mentality what to do with the resistance. Shall we enforce the resistance or not? Would that ease the country or not? In one case Lebanon is harmonious with its neighbors. In another case, Lebanon has been opening a front with Syria for four years. So indeed the situation in the region will be different. In fact Najjad did not interfere. He just made a description which is a true description. But unfortunately I did not hear from all those who commented on President Ahmadi Najjad's analysis one word on Barak’s warnings to the Lebanese. It's not that he called on the Lebanese not to vote for Hezbollah (And there is a great difference between calling against and threatening). He rather warned the Lebanese of voting for Hezbollah. Then he says that if the Opposition wins, the Lebanese people will have to face the might of the Israeli army! Now did anyone answer or comment on Barak's words. Never! This scarecrow - the might of the Israeli army - had been crushed under the feet of our children and not our fighters in Lebanon. Barak still thinks that this is 1948, 1967 or 1982. Today, Israel is engaged in the parliamentary elections in Lebanon with warning, threatening, alluding as well as with the international investigation, Der Spiegel and the conspiracies knit in Tel Aviv universities because it is afraid. Why is it so? That's because the triumph of the Opposition means that the scheme of besieging, hitting, isolating and liquidating the resistance has failed. The triumph of the resistance means that the leaderships which will rule Lebanon will be true believers that Lebanon’s strength is in its power not its weakness. It means that those who will rule Lebanon will be true believers in Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, strength, honor and dignity. That means that the leading authority will not be intimidated by threats and warnings. That's why Israel is that much concerned in the parliamentary elections. So the decision is in the hands of the people. On the 7th of June, the answer will be in the voting ballots. I will not invest Barak's words as some tried to invest the words of Ahmadi Najjad. The two are by no means comparable. The choices are clear before your eyes.
You, the people of Baalbek-Hermel voted in 1992, 1996, and 2000 to let the voice of the resistance be heard in the parliament. In 2005, you voted to protect the resistance and build the country. You have protected the resistance but the country was not built because of what took place. The 2009 elections are different. These elections are to protect the resistance that protects the country. It’s an election for building the country, uniting the country and strengthening it.
You, the patriotic people, did not begrudge offering your blood. So indeed you will not begrudge giving your votes. We count on you. And who are you? You are the owners of proud spirits, zealous souls and chaste and kind bosoms. You never favored the obedience of the ignoble to the death of the generous. When the ignoble Zionist backed by the ignoble of the world put you before two choices: war or humiliation, you shouted with your voices, blood, awareness and great determination – old and young, men and women alike - the cry of your Imam, the Master of Martyrs, in historic Karbala: Disgrace, how remote! You sacrificed excessively and had patience in the battlefield. The fruit was the resistance, jihad and victory.
You, O the proud people of Bekaa and Baalbeck-Hermel! O protectors of the country, the martyrs of resistance, the trustful, the loyal to the vow, the gallantry, the enthusiastic and the arduous! June 7 is waiting for you. You, the people who took the pledge with Imam Moussa Assader at this very square and who renewed your pledge with Sayyed Abbass Musawi at this square also, were loyal to your vow all these years while standing all the challenges and hard times. You are invited to a new oath of faithfulness and gallantry on June 7. I hope you will show up massively in voting stations where there is no competition but rather a referendum. On June 7, come from every city, town, village and farm in Baalbeck-Hermel holding the yellow flags and the Lebanese flags. Turn the elections to a festival for the resistance. I like to stress on this call: Consider every name in the Baalbeck-Hermel ticket as the name of Abbass Musawi, Ragheb Harb and Imad Moghniyah. As I know you because I lived with you for years as a youth and tried you closely as Hezbollah did all through the past years, our bargain is on you, your loyalty, your sincerity, your presence and your will to renew your pledge of allegiance to the resistance on the 7th of June.
Brothers and sisters! I congratulate you on the glorious day that you made with blood, tears, patience, sincerity and sacrifices. You are the ones who opened the door of victories to Lebanon and the nation and closed the doors in face of defeat to Lebanon and the nation. With you, your men, your women, your loyalty, your faith and your presence there shall be no more defeats. There shall be only victories. Long live your proud resistance. Long live Lebanon. Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessing.
I take refuge in Allah from the stoned devil. In the Name of Allah, The Compassionate, The Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, The Lord of the world. Peace be on our Master and Prophet – The Seal of Prophets – Abi Al Qassem Mohamad Bin Abdullah and on his chaste and kind Household, chosen companions and all the prophets and messengers. Eminent scholars, brothers and sisters, peace be upon you and Allah's blessing and mercy.
First I want to congratulate you all -O our people and dear ones in Bekaa and especially in Baalbeck-Hermel area - on the ninth anniversary of the Resistance and Liberation Day. You were equal partners in making this day. You were among the pioneer founders of this resistance and among the first who sacrificed for it and embraced it. This day is perfectly your day. This dignified and kind Lebanese region formed, with its people, mountains and valleys, the taking off platform for the resistance since its very first days. Here in the city of Baalbeck, in the religious school of the awaited Imam Mahdi (pbuh), in the tender fatherly bosom of Sayyed Abbass, the first nucleus of the resistance party –of Hezbollah- was formed. As the Zionist enemy occupied the South, Western Bekaa, Rashaya, Dahyieh, Beirut and Mount Lebanon, Bekaa opened its arms and heart. Thus were the centers for volunteers, polarization, training, exercising and arming. And thus was the taking off platform for the resistance. The share of Bekaa in the resistance wasn't just logistic and supportive. It was rather partaking with son-offering. You sent the best among your sons, men and dear ones. They fought in Western Bekaa and Rashaya until 2000. They fought in Dahyieh, Beirut and the South until the liberation of the border line and until 2000. You offered martyrs and bore the burdens of the resistance. Still your sons are in the lines until now. During July War, your brethrens and sons in Bekaa fought in Bint Jbeil and Aita Shaab, Maron Arras and all the front lines. You have bore the burdens since the first days. Your region was being bombarded because it is a resistance area and not because it supported the resistance or is the back platform. We all remember the bombings that led to the martyrdom of many of your dear ones in the city of Imam Assader on the way to Baalbeck, Sayyar addarak, Janta, the barracks and hills surrounding the city of Baalbeck, Khawam Center and the region's headquarters among other places which were bombarded in the town and other regions in Bekaa.
The highest price paid was during July War when Bekaa was the partner of the South in destruction, displacement and the fierce and savage war. Dear ones! You did not act pursuant to regional mentality as if saying: It's the South which is under occupation. We in Bekaa are not concerned. The border line after 1985 was under occupation as were Bint Jbeil, Hasbaya, Jizzine, Shebaa, Kafasrshouba and Naqura. So what have the villages of Baalbeck and Hermel to do with that? What have Western Bekaa and Zahle to do with that? You could've said: We are not concerned. Still you did not do that though you were able to do that. Well, all through history, there were the front of fighters and the front of laggards. Laggards always find pretexts, excuses and fatwas also. We could say we are a deprived neglected area. Nobody asks about us. So what are we to do with this battle? You could find excuses but you didn't. Before 1982 and even after 1982 – all through the years of your support after the establishment of the resistance and Hezbollah – you acted pursuant to your kindness, faithful, Islamic, Qoranic, prophetic, moral and national background. You looked at the whole nation and started from what Allah Almighty molded you with: chivalry, zeal, enthusiasm, knightly, faith, the love to Allah's prophets and messengers and to Mohamad and his chaste Household. This is a testimony I give to Allah, the Hereafter and history. You rose, resisted, fought and bore the burdens of that. You performed your duty and did not wait for anyone from the whole world –even in Lebanon - to move with you just like all those who believed, launched and embraced the resistance. You did not wait for a national consensus (though we like to reach a national consensus and hope that will be achieved.) A national consensus is better and more powerful indeed. Here I like to hint that there was never a national consensus on any resistance whether in ancient or modern history. Whenever an enemy occupied a country, people might be divided into resistance fighters, disappointed laggards, collaborators besides those who would bargain on choices other than the resistance. Yes the resistance since the very beginning didn't attain national consensus. Thus it did not lose it because man doesn't lose something which does not exist. So how can someone shows up now and say that the resistance has lost the national consensus due to the domestic politics? We ask: Was there a national consensus before Hezbollah got engaged in domestic politics? In 1982 or 1985 and after and even before 2000, some political forces in Lebanon since 1982 till this very day did not issue one statement or take a position at least which backs, supports or sympathizes with the resistance. So there wasn't ever a national consensus, though it's better to have national consensus. Anyway there was a great popular embrace for the resistance. All nationalists embraced the resistance besides all those who believe in Lebanon and its dignity, pride, independence and sovereignty. Here I like to say: How would Lebanon become steady while Israel violates its horizons daily and we do not take any action? How would Lebanon become steady and Shebaa farms and Kafasrshouba Hills are under occupation? How would Lebanon become steady and it is threatened with risks and we do not take any serious action to confront threats and risks? Still from the very beginning, people embraced the resistance and you were among the first who embraced it despite the fact that the state abandoned you. You did not forsake your nation though the successive governments denied you even a drop of water. Still you offered a river of blood. This was your oath, O brothers and sisters! Among you are families of martyrs, wounded, freed detainees and owners of demolished homes. You are adorned with the spirit, soul, memory and fragrance of the master of the Islamic Resistance martyrs Sayyed Abbass Musawi, Im Yasser and little Hussein besides all the martyrs of the Resistance which you took part in establishing and launching. You took part in its process, victories, sacrifices and challenges and it is now facing great challenges.
Here I would like to remind you of the topics I will handle: Bekaa and the Resistance, the challenges facing the Resistance in the current and upcoming stages and our responsibilities towards it, Bekaa and the state and the elections in Bekaa after several days on June 7. O people of the Resistance! Your resistance is now as always facing great and serious challenges. This makes us all shoulder great responsibilities. After the victory of the Resistance on May 25, 2000, Zionists started working on a new strategy. I will make a brief presentation to reach a conclusion. This new strategy was announced several times by former Israeli Foreign Minister Sylvan Shalom. He said: We are working to make the whole international community against Hezbollah. We will work to issue international resolutions to put an end to Hezbollah. We will work to present Hezbollah as a terrorist group according to the international community and all world states. And actually, the Zionists exerted great efforts in this framework. Some states – such as the United States of America - responded and put Hezbollah on the terrorist list.
After 2000, states responded to the Israeli attempts and put Hezbollah on the terrorist list such as Holland. Still other countries refused such as France. Other states refused first such as England but listed the foreign security branch (and some time ago it added the military wing) to the terrorist list. Great efforts were exerted by the Zionist lobby worldwide to convince the world governments to put Hezbollah on the terrorist organizations lists. Notice that this is not analysis. These are the admissions of Sylvan Shalom who said that Israel made Resolution 1559 in the UN Security Council. Some Lebanese might have contributed to this resolution whether they knew it or not. I don't want to accuse anyone of treachery. Some Lebanese who are linked to Resolution 1559 do not know the Israeli backhands. External and internal interests met and led to Resolution 1559. Still Sylvan Shalom acknowledged that Resolution 1559 was Israeli made in the first level to put the resistance under pressure. Then September 11 events took place. Afghanistan was occupied, Iraq was occupied, martyr Premier Rafiq Hariri was assassinated. Syrian troops left Lebanon. Elections took place afterwards which brought the current party to power. Since then and despite the Quartet Alliance, our openness and cooperation, the main axis of that movement of that party was the arms of the resistance. The arms of the resistance were between two swords. Some talked about disarming the resistance, and others talked about the resistance handing in its arms. The other parties were in between these two stances. Now disarming necessitates force and we must move towards disarming the resistance. Some talked about disarmament and wanted that. Others didn't talk about disarmament because they knew that Hezbollah can't be disarmed with force. They rather talked about handing in arms. That means that Hezbollah hands in its arms to the state. We were put before this great event. Since 2005, with whatever politicians and foreign delegates we met, the topic was the arms of the resistance as if there is no other problem in Lebanon which must occupy the Lebanese. It was as if there are no economic, financial, living and social crises. It was as if there aren't any deprived and overwhelmed regions and as if the entire country was living in luxury. Don't we have around fifty billion dollars as debts on Lebanon? Don't we have occupied lands? Don't we have detainees in Israeli prisons? Don't we have Israeli violations of the Lebanese sovereignty? So it was as if there isn't any problem in Lebanon but the arms of the resistance which liberated Lebanon from the greatest Israeli invasion which took place in 1982. So all discussions, pressures and efforts stressed on one issue. For anyone who wants to make a critical study of the previous stage, this is one of the mistakes of the political party in that stage. I used to tell them – even in some internal dialogue sessions: Go address the problems people are suffering from: deprivation and negligence. Let people feel that you are a responsible government. Empower the army and then talk about the arms of the resistance. Then you will find that people started backing you in our face. But it seems the schedule did not have long time duration as we have heard in the past few days. There were pledges to solve the issue of arms (whether by force or by dialogue is another story), but it seems that the time given was limited. On the other hand, how did we act? We called for dialogue. In fact, it's Hezbollah who evoked the term national defense strategy. It was we who called for dialogue over the national defense strategy. We were backed by the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) as mentioned in the text of the Agreement between Hezbollah and the FPM. We said: Let's make dialogue. We frankly felt that in the past years, some were not concerned about how to protect Lebanon, how to liberate the rest of the lands and detainees and how to face Israeli violations and threats. There only concern was how to take off the weapons from the hand of the resistance. What might happen next doesn't matter. This mentality made Lebanon liable to violations all through these decades. It's the mentality of not answering the question of how would we protect Lebanon and its people? How do we defend Lebanon and its sovereignty? How do we safeguard Lebanese lands and waters? The answer was Lebanon's power is in its weakness! Thus were the successive occupations, invasions and weak-deeming until Israelis mocked us. You remember the mockery during 1967 War! It was a real mockery when Israeli chief of staff forgot Lebanon as he was saying this army was to be dispatched to Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Gaza Strip and the West Bank. When asked about why he didn't dispatch any brigade, battalion or squad to Lebanon, he answered the musical band would do in Lebanon!! Is that true or not? What made Lebanon now the strongest and most important element in this equation and battle? What made Lebanon fearless and rather really ready to face not the musical band but five squads, a hundred squads and even the entire Israeli army? It is you and your resistance and indeed not the logic of weakness and feebleness and the logic of the ostrich which hides its face in the sand.
We came under much pressure in sessions, meetings, in the media, psychological wars, alluded threats, external pressures… Yet we adhered to our right, faith, path, resistance and weapon.
Well after despair in political efforts came July War which has the true aim of crushing the resistance and the popular milieu which embraces the resistance. July War failed to do that with Allah's assistance and the firmness, sacrifices, strength and steadfastness of fighters. After July War, we returned to the very symphony from the very beginning: the resistance and the arms of the resistance. What shall we do with the resistance arms? The resistance arms must be handed in as if after July War and all what afflicted Lebanon, all the developments which hit the region and all the internal crises in Lebanon there remained nothing but the arms of the resistance!
Brothers and sisters! Three years have passed after July War. Israel acknowledged its defeat. It worked at addressing its flops and faults. For three years Israel has been undergoing exercises and maneuvers and within days it will stage maneuvers at the level of the entire entity. For three years it has been arming and fetching new airplanes (as if it lacks that). Israel is working day and night to restore its power and prestige. Still the resistance which defeated Israel was obliged these three years to discuss and defend itself daily before those who want to disarm it! Where is justice? What is this logic? Where are national feelings? Where is fairness? Israel is preparing while Lebanon is doing nothing whether strengthening its army, arming it or reaching a true and serious defense strategy. On the contrary Israel is addressing the points of weakness which were sensed during July War while in Lebanon some were trying to exterminate the points of strength that made victory in Lebanon in July War.
We used always to say in this framework: build a strong capable state and an army which is able to defend the country and then we will sit aside. But who is ready to finance and arm the Lebanese army? After all these experiences, we all know that neither the USA nor the West nor the overwhelming majority of world and Arab states are willing to arm the Lebanese Army in face of Israel. As for the logic that if they gave weapons to the army they will reach the hands of Hezbollah, this is groundless because they know very well that the resistance has enough weapons. The resistance which vows to destroy the Israeli Army squads in southern Lebanon doesn't need weapons that America (or other countries) might give to anyone in Lebanon. The Russian government is thanked. In the past we didn't comment, but 10 Mig airplanes do not really change the equation. What's the credibility for whoever wants to help Lebanon? Now, there are important states in the region which do not fetch airplanes because balance won't possibly be achieved with Israel. Rather they fetch anti-aircraft. Whoever really wants a strong army in Lebanon must provide it with anti-aircraft, anti-tanks, armors and long and mid-run rockets so as to achieve balance. In no other way the army will not be able to defend the country in face of an army as strong as the Israeli army. So who is ready to provide Lebanon with arms? Vote for the opposition and then I will tell you who will do that. Did the Lebanese government ask Syria for weapons, rockets and artillery and it said no to Lebanon?
I followed up His Excellence President Michael Suleiman’s visit to Iran. True, Iran did not offer arms to Lebanon and can't and will not offer, because this is not logical. But, until this moment, Lebanon did not ask for weapons from Iran. Well despite Iran not offering arms, Iranian President Ahmadi Najjad was subject to endless criticism. What would be the case if it did? Now suppose that Iran said it is ready to arm the Lebanese Army. What do you need? Rockets, anti-air craft, anti-tanks? Let's make an agreement on that. Then many people in Lebanon will say Iran wants to push Lebanon into war and include Lebanon to the Syrian-Iranian axis through arming the army. This is why no one should wait for Iran to offer arms. However any Lebanese government which would ask the Iranian leadership for arms saying: We are a country which is targeted by Israel. We need a strong army but nobody offers us the appropriate weapons. Well, what if US Vice President brought us a few tanks, cannons and truck? What are they good for? But should Lebanon ask Iran for weapons, what would the Islamic Republic’s response be? Will it help Lebanon or not? I know the answer. All of you know the answer. I know that Iran and especially Imam Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenai (May Allah prolong his life) will not withhold anything that could render Lebanon a strong and honorable country and without any preconditions. I tell you this: If the Opposition Alliance won the upcoming elections and formed a national government, the Opposition (and Hezbollah which is unfortunately accused of not wanting a strong army) will fulfill its program and work on having a strong national Lebanese army which is capable of defending Lebanon. Some would say: It is easy. O resistance, hand over your arms to the Lebanese army. As such it will be strong. They are mistaken. This cannot be because the types of weapons we have are of no use for a regular army. Our weapons are good only for a popular resistance. If our arms are given to a regular army, it won't be able to make any balance with Israel. The value of this weapon is that it's in the hands of a popular group with its tactics, school, mechanism, culture and secrecy. A regular army of a state and an official political authority can't act as the resistance is acting now. Thus if we gave our arms to the Lebanese Army, the latter won't be able to defend Lebanon as when these arms are in the hands of popular parties. This has much details but I will be content with this far.
So Brothers and sisters! What is important is that politicians and political forces in Lebanon be convinced that we want a strong army and that some truly get rid of the mentality and theory that Lebanon's strength is in its weakness.
Brothers and sisters! Yes, challenges in face of the resistance still exist. The war that the Zionists are threatening to wage is still standing, though unlikely. After their flop in July War, they know very well – let the friend as well as the enemy listen: Israeli wars have failed in the past and they will fail in the future to eliminate the resistance. Thus it is more likely that they continue working on the choice of assassinating as they did with brethren martyr leader dear brethren Hajj Imad Moghniyah. This explains the great number of spying networks and collaborators which are searching for goals, personalities and places to be targeted. But the greater and more dangerous challenge remains what we are confronting now which is wrapped up in the persistence of Sylvan Shalom after 2000 in the strategy of presenting Hezbollah as a terrorist group which is attacking states, peoples and the international security. What is worst is the attempt to accuse Hezbollah of assassinating martyr Premier Rafiq Hariri so as that a Sunnite-Shiite sedition breaks.
Brothers and sisters! As for Der Spiegel, I want to stress that though it's true that officials said that the report was originally issued in Beirut (Well it's possible that someone in Beirut might have participated in it as was the case with Resolution 1559) but our information is that the report and the accusation are Israeli made. You have noticed how the Israelis swiftly launched accusations. Read also Israeli statements which, unfortunately, speak clearly of the entity’s relation with the international investigation. Let's be frank and overt. Yes brothers, since 2000, the grinding Zionist defeat and the resistance victory in Lebanon, there are those who are waylaying for the resistance, its arms, party and milieu. They have been making security, military and political schemes against the resistance and also working on directing the course of the international investigation in the assassination of martyr Premier Rafic Hariri against Hezbollah because they have consumed everything else within their reach. What are we to do with Hezbollah? We have killed Sayyed Abbass, and things carried on. We have killed Hajj Imad and things carried on. We have destroyed homes on the heads of their women and children and things carried on. We waged 1993 war (which they called The Liquidation), 1996 Grapes of Wrath War, 2006 July war, and still things carried on. They are facing such an unimaginably incredible resistance which goes with the saying for Imam Khomeini which Sayyed Abbass used to reiterate: Kill us; that'll make our people become more and more aware. What's the worst thing they can do against us or you, our men, elderly, women and children? It's to threaten us with death? Our answer is ready. It's not the answer of Hezbollah from this time but from hundreds of years. We suck it with our mothers' milk, and our fathers raise us on it. We tell whoever threatens us with death and killing: "With death you are threatening us O son of the pardoned. Death is but a habit to us and martyrdom is but an esteem Allah honors us with." They've realized that killings, massacres, assassinations, home destruction and instigation don't work with Hezbollah, the Islamic Resistance and the blessed people who support us. What else do they have but accusing us with assassination and of being a terrorist organization and with creating sectarian instigation against Hezbollah through everything possible? What's even more dangerous is orienting poisoned pens to consolidate this accusation. Anyway, we have passed these days a very dangerous stage. Praise be to Allah, thanks to the awareness of leaders and officials, the exposure of the accusation in Der Spiegel on the Israeli and Zionist level and the Lebanese responsible stance, we could surpass this dangerous stage. Still this challenge exists because some insist on persisting on this way and conduct because there is no other way or course. God willing, with solidarity, cooperation, agreement, awareness and wisdom, we will emerge from this challenge with our heads high, just like we have always done in all ordeals and challenges. I assure you that we want a national unity government following the June 7 elections. We want understanding and cooperation even if we had to make a review of the past not to open wounds but to draw lessons. Also in the issue of resistance and weapons, we support proceeding in dialogue. Some say that if the resistance wins, the national dialogue will come to an end. No! We support the continuity of dialogue because we want a true national defensive strategy that the government, the people and the resistance commit themselves to.
The other topic is Bekaa and the state: As for deprivation and negligence in Bekaa, the key and essential question is: Has the Lebanese state -as a state and a regime - and have the successive governments considered the Bekaa region a part of Lebanon or a Lebanese region? The government must answer this question. This is a main issue. This has to do with the state’s mentality and the mentality of officials since the establishment of the state of Lebanon. Indeed this problem is not that of Bekaa only but also of Akkar, the Muslim North, the Christian North, the South and all the marginal regions on the level of the nation and on the level of the capital. Remember that in recent years, someone told Bekaa residents that the main problem is your political choices. You are being punished because you are supporting Hezbollah and the resistance. This is not true because before 1982, Hezbollah did not exist. They will tell you: Before 1982 you were with Imam Moussa Assader. Well before 1960, Imam Assader wasn't there. Since 1948 - since Bekaa was part of Great Lebanon - it was neglected, forgotten and crossed. During the festival in the South, I read a text for Sayyed Abdul Hussein Sharafeddine. The importance of the text lies not in being for his Eminence but rather because it's from ancient history. It's an important historic document.
Today I will read another text by Sayyed Abdul Hussein Sharafeddine directed to then President Bshara el-Khouri. Back then, a problem had occurred in the Bekaa and some members of the region’s tribes escaped to the barren mountains. The government dispatched a massive armed force to pursue them. A catastrophe was on the brink of taking place between the military force and the tribes in the region of Hermel. Imam Sharafeddine sent a letter to President Bshara el-Khoury in September 1949 saying: "The tribes in Hermel did not rise against the authorities nor did they abandon any community. So why are horses and wagons being dispatched and in face of whom are spearheads and lances pointed? For these! (Well you are known since ancient times. Listen what Sayyed Abdul Hussein Sharafeddine said about you) They are but the brave who do not sleep with humiliation and do not live with disgrace. In the age of the revolution of the minds and enlightenment, Lebanon has acquired from this revolution what made it the center of attraction while those didn't have any chance or portion of that bliss. They were left until they were destroyed with revenge and assassinated with illness and poverty. Now they became locked between two fires: the burning fire of the government and the inherent fire of their statue quo. I fear weepers will be in every house in Lebanon when the two parties meet and the two lines clash. The military campaign is not to be underestimated in equipment and number while those taking refuge in the barren lands are acquainted to the area what makes them control the course of events. This and blood calls for more blood. Would your Excellency consider reviewing the methods of disciplining the delinquent and conquering the rebels? Wouldn’t you consider approaching them with an army of tolerance to feather with it the helpless wing of the nation and to cure the nation's sick side? Wouldn’t you consider disciplining them by taking them from unemployment to jobs and from despair to hope? Don’t you believe that building schools and hospitals would be more useful than peopling prisons and digging graves and that paving streets and roads is better than paving the way to lamentation and woes? Yes, we are sure that your noble character, intelligence, expectations and high spirits make achieving that certain and guarantee development and prosperity to Lebanon and happiness, welfare and security to its people. Peace be upon you when you let peace prevail and sponsor security." Peace be upon Sayyed Abdul Hussein Sharafeddine who did not receive any reply or action. Well this goes back to 1949. This is the very logic, mentality and position. Since the establishment of the state of Lebanon, they look at the land of Bekaa and do not see it a land of the nation. Today Bekaa has proven through its patriotic conduct and the blood tax it paid that it is one of the dearest parts of this country. So the issue here is that of mentality.
During the past years, we tried – as Hezbollah – through our self-capabilities and institutions to address some of the aspects of deprivation in this region and to heal wounds. Our brethren MP have worked all through these years incessantly and despite besieging and boycotting to make good and kind achievements. However, never a government assumed a true responsibility towards this region and the other deprived regions. No party, institution or side can be an alternative to the state in shouldering its responsibilities.
In the elections of 2005, we had a chance. We had hoped that we would be able to serve this deprived region- on top of which is Bekaa - through our Quartet Alliance and our partaking in the government. Unfortunately, the former government was different. It had political commitments which came before any other developmental, social or economic priorities. Whenever we talked to them about Bekaa, they answered us by talking about the arms of the resistance. We would talk about the Province of Baalbeck-Hermel; they would debate over the resistance arms. All their priorities were different. Four years have been lost in political conflict and that was not to the interest of Lebanon and the Lebanese people especially the deprived. In the elections of 2009, we have a better chance. What's this better chance? It's that we will go to voting stations and vote for a political alliance which is the Lebanese National Opposition. It is a cohesive, strong alliance that has one common vision. The overwhelming majority of this alliance is from the poor and deprived regions. It is an alliance which proved its firmness before tough challenges. Thus we have a chance. Should we help this alliance win, we would see a new government. Its mentality is that of the relativity of the deprived regions and balanced development in those regions what surely assumes giving the priority to developing the deprived regions. In the past years, we exerted efforts that could draw from the previous governments a decision to form the Province of Baalbeck-Hermel and the Province of Akkar with the cooperation of many of our friends. We thought that forming a province would help in the development of this region when the idea of the Council of Developing Baalbeck-Hermel was refused. We were told that they want to cancel all development councils and go to a Ministry of Plotting. Yet political cunning has preventing even appointing a mayor to the Province of Baalbek-Hermel. In the recent appointments, we acknowledged there are vacancies but said that as long as we are in the government we will not accept the appointment of any mayor in Lebanon if mayors for the Provinces of Baalbeck-Hermel and Akkar are not appointed so as to consolidate these provinces. So the area of Bekaa and Baalbeck-Hermel are before a real chance.
There is another point which I would like to stress so that we cooperate on addressing. I hope those who write commentaries in the Assiyassiya Newspaper to take what I will say into consideration. On the issue of tens of thousands of arrest warrants in Bekaa, if the opposition wins the coming elections, the upcoming government will call for the formation of a joint ministerial-judicial-legal panel to study this file from A to Z. I will not lie on anyone. I am not promising or talking about a general pardon. There are arrest warrants against culprits who shed the blood of innocent people. I can't call for a general pardon for them. This is the right of the families of the innocent killed, and we are religious people who fear Allah and the Hereafter. I can't call for a general pardon for these killers and culprits who shed the blood of the innocent. So this is the right of the families of the victims. There are arrest warrants against thieves who burglarized the money of people, terrorized and wounded them. This is different but still there are thousands of arrest warrants for other reasons which might be studied especially that that region has much legal vacuum and many legal troubles which the successive governments must assume finding solutions for them. There is the issue of water, electricity, land partition, public properties, green bills… This issue must be addressed in a legal, moral and humanistic way without any right being lost and anyone being oppressed. We must tackle this issue seriously so that the army and the security forces won't continue having tens of thousands of arrest warranties. We can't carry on this way: We would try to pursue someone and he wouldn't stop what pushes us to open fire on him, kill him and kill women and children and create a conflict that will consequently cause action and counteraction. We don’t want to see any conflict between the army and security forces on one hand and the people on the other. That's because the army, the security forces as well as the people are our sons and brothers.
We must not remain stuck in this issue. A while later, someone will accuse Hezbollah saying: Hezbollah knew. It was covering the issue. This is sheer falsehood. We will not settle on a temporary solution. A conflict erupted between the army and the so and so family in a definite place; we go and address it… Anyway after the elections, I call for a radical solution to this issue. The issue must be discussed legally and juristically in which rights are preserved. Surely it must be settled because it is irrational that the army arrest more than 30000 people in Bekaa.
Another top priority in the developmental field for the upcoming government will be agriculture. They campaign against illegal culturing and we agree with them, but there should be alternatives. If the opposition wins elections and a new government is formed, some people will say the country is economically tired. I tell them the first to benefit economically will be Bekaa, especially Mid Bekaa and more precisely the area between Shtoura and Masnaa. Why? That's because if the Opposition wins and forms a government, this government will deal with mutual respect. Indeed it will be a government of sovereignty and independence and not a government of scheming against Syria or a government of struggling and conflicting with Syria. We want to work at easing tension between Lebanon and Syria. Now we have diplomatic relations and the Syrian ambassador is welcome in Beirut indeed. When the atmosphere is at ease, you've seen that before 2005 the area between Shtoura and Masnaa was one of the most important markets in Lebanon. It's a very important economic area. The land prices rose as did the prices of stores and houses rose. There was an economic and construction boom in that area. Well from 2005 till now, we go that way and we feel that we are driving on a secondary road in a village in Mount Lebanon! Isn't this the truth? So if the atmosphere becomes at ease, things will be different. Indeed some are trying to frighten people saying that should the Opposition win, Lebanon would turn into another Gaza. Now I don't have enough time to discuss these great and many differences. The circumstances in Lebanon are totally different from Gaza and the oppression of the people of Gaza who are being targeted as are the brethrens in the Resistance especially the brethrens in Hamas. The issue of Lebanon is different and I don't have time to discuss these differences though that helps in the elections.
Brothers and sisters! On June7, you are before great responsibilities. In the coming stage and days, we have three electoral districts: Western Bekaa-Rashaya, Mid Bekaa – Zahle and Baalbeck-Hermel. In Zahle there is competition. In western Bekaa there is competition. In Baalbeck-Hermel, there is no competition. We should compete in constituencies where there is competition. Where there is no competition, like in south Lebanon, our votes should be a referendum. Some might say why there should be a referendum here. There is no competition. If there is no competition, there are no elections any more. We will go to referendum first because in Baalbeck-Hermel there is no competition and second because as the South is the first concerned area with the referendum on the resistance and its arms, Baalbeck-Hermel along with the South is concerned in the referendum on the resistance and its arms. Why is it so? That's because since 1982, the South is being bombarded as is Baalbeck-Hermel region. Baalbeck-Hermel is not just a back platform. Baalbeck-Hermel is an equal partner with the South in fighting, confronting and opposing as well as in martyrs offering. Thus Baalbeck-Hermel is concerned in saying its word on June 7. In Zahle and Western Bekaa, we clearly and proudly back the Opposition tickets for which we will vote. I hereby call on our supporters in the Western Bekaa and Rashaya and Mid Bekaa to consider every opposition candidate in the Opposition lists as a candidate for Hezbollah, the resistance and Sayyed Abbass Musawi. As for Baalbeck-Hermel, before making a clear address, allow me to renew – on my last speech as it seems before the elections - my gratitude to the deputies who worked for years in the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc: MP Jamal Taqsh, MP Hassan Huballah, MP Mohammad Haidar and MP Amine Sherri who sacrificed for the sake of alliances and the Opposition. I would also like to thank two dear brethrens MPs Ismail Sukkariyeh and Pierre Serhal. After my thanks, I would like to address you and all the Lebanese. We are facing elections in which the US administration is directly involved through forming tickets, solving ticket-dilemmas and pumping money. The most senior political official is involved in these elections. It's not the Secretary of State but rather the US Vice President in person. If they were able to bring Obama they would have done that. The elections we are facing are also plagued with personal drives, accusations and rumors including Der Spiegel. There are no red lines. Still look what took place when Iranian President Dr. Ahmadi Najjad spoke about elections without interfering in them. He did not speak in favor of one group against the other. What Ahmadi Najjad said was an analysis and a description. He said in case the opposition wins the elections, things will change in the region. (That's true. Who is saying otherwise?) If the Opposition ruled, the resistance will be stronger. Well today the government and the Parliament all day long are threatening you with a knife on your back, heart, bowels and head arguing over the resistance and saying: Hand in your arms. Hand them in. The other view is that of a government and a Parliament which address you saying: you made an achievement. You are one of the points of strength. We want to discuss with a nationalistic mentality what to do with the resistance. Shall we enforce the resistance or not? Would that ease the country or not? In one case Lebanon is harmonious with its neighbors. In another case, Lebanon has been opening a front with Syria for four years. So indeed the situation in the region will be different. In fact Najjad did not interfere. He just made a description which is a true description. But unfortunately I did not hear from all those who commented on President Ahmadi Najjad's analysis one word on Barak’s warnings to the Lebanese. It's not that he called on the Lebanese not to vote for Hezbollah (And there is a great difference between calling against and threatening). He rather warned the Lebanese of voting for Hezbollah. Then he says that if the Opposition wins, the Lebanese people will have to face the might of the Israeli army! Now did anyone answer or comment on Barak's words. Never! This scarecrow - the might of the Israeli army - had been crushed under the feet of our children and not our fighters in Lebanon. Barak still thinks that this is 1948, 1967 or 1982. Today, Israel is engaged in the parliamentary elections in Lebanon with warning, threatening, alluding as well as with the international investigation, Der Spiegel and the conspiracies knit in Tel Aviv universities because it is afraid. Why is it so? That's because the triumph of the Opposition means that the scheme of besieging, hitting, isolating and liquidating the resistance has failed. The triumph of the resistance means that the leaderships which will rule Lebanon will be true believers that Lebanon’s strength is in its power not its weakness. It means that those who will rule Lebanon will be true believers in Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, strength, honor and dignity. That means that the leading authority will not be intimidated by threats and warnings. That's why Israel is that much concerned in the parliamentary elections. So the decision is in the hands of the people. On the 7th of June, the answer will be in the voting ballots. I will not invest Barak's words as some tried to invest the words of Ahmadi Najjad. The two are by no means comparable. The choices are clear before your eyes.
You, the people of Baalbek-Hermel voted in 1992, 1996, and 2000 to let the voice of the resistance be heard in the parliament. In 2005, you voted to protect the resistance and build the country. You have protected the resistance but the country was not built because of what took place. The 2009 elections are different. These elections are to protect the resistance that protects the country. It’s an election for building the country, uniting the country and strengthening it.
You, the patriotic people, did not begrudge offering your blood. So indeed you will not begrudge giving your votes. We count on you. And who are you? You are the owners of proud spirits, zealous souls and chaste and kind bosoms. You never favored the obedience of the ignoble to the death of the generous. When the ignoble Zionist backed by the ignoble of the world put you before two choices: war or humiliation, you shouted with your voices, blood, awareness and great determination – old and young, men and women alike - the cry of your Imam, the Master of Martyrs, in historic Karbala: Disgrace, how remote! You sacrificed excessively and had patience in the battlefield. The fruit was the resistance, jihad and victory.
You, O the proud people of Bekaa and Baalbeck-Hermel! O protectors of the country, the martyrs of resistance, the trustful, the loyal to the vow, the gallantry, the enthusiastic and the arduous! June 7 is waiting for you. You, the people who took the pledge with Imam Moussa Assader at this very square and who renewed your pledge with Sayyed Abbass Musawi at this square also, were loyal to your vow all these years while standing all the challenges and hard times. You are invited to a new oath of faithfulness and gallantry on June 7. I hope you will show up massively in voting stations where there is no competition but rather a referendum. On June 7, come from every city, town, village and farm in Baalbeck-Hermel holding the yellow flags and the Lebanese flags. Turn the elections to a festival for the resistance. I like to stress on this call: Consider every name in the Baalbeck-Hermel ticket as the name of Abbass Musawi, Ragheb Harb and Imad Moghniyah. As I know you because I lived with you for years as a youth and tried you closely as Hezbollah did all through the past years, our bargain is on you, your loyalty, your sincerity, your presence and your will to renew your pledge of allegiance to the resistance on the 7th of June.
Brothers and sisters! I congratulate you on the glorious day that you made with blood, tears, patience, sincerity and sacrifices. You are the ones who opened the door of victories to Lebanon and the nation and closed the doors in face of defeat to Lebanon and the nation. With you, your men, your women, your loyalty, your faith and your presence there shall be no more defeats. There shall be only victories. Long live your proud resistance. Long live Lebanon. Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessing.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
GM sells the Hummer to China
The Hummer. The ultimate symbol of American arrogance. The bloated, loud, gas-guzzling road monster trailer trash uses to impress cheerleaders and kill "ragheads". The ultimate rejection of any kind of ecological sensitivity. The proud expression of the imperial hubris which wannabe Texas machos (like Dubya) liked to see Americans drive in.
The Hummer is being sold to "Communist" China.
What a pathetically fitting end for this obnoxious piece of garbage.
The Hummer is being sold to "Communist" China.
What a pathetically fitting end for this obnoxious piece of garbage.
Wow! Just listen to these crazies
A good friend of mine just sent me this video:
Listening to these crackpots made me wonder if the pro-Apartheid South Africans were ever that totally nuts. From my recollection of these years, the South African racists were not nearly as gone finishing as the Ziocrazies on this video. And Blacks sure were treated much better in Apartheid South African and Palestinians are in the "Jewish state".
I really wonder, when will all this finally boil over? What would it take? The slaughter in Gaza didn't do the trick, that is sure, and the new coalition government in Israel is every bit as rabid as any previous government they had.
What baffles me most are the Israelis themselves. How can they possibly a) not be disgusted with everything their sorry colony stands for and b) think that they can get away with it? Don't they see the writing on the wall? (It spells H-e-z-b-o-l-l-a-h).
To be totally honest, I feel somewhat sorry for the Israelis and the Jews who support them. They are clearly totally entraped in a racist ideology which can only be called "medieval" (at best) and which triggers a universal revulsion pretty much everywhere except New York and Washington.
In 2000 years the faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has been transformed into a sick self-worshipping and hate-filled tribal cult which openly advocates a racistdream nightmare as an end and violence as the means to achieve it. What a fall and what a tragic disgrace...
Listening to these crackpots made me wonder if the pro-Apartheid South Africans were ever that totally nuts. From my recollection of these years, the South African racists were not nearly as gone finishing as the Ziocrazies on this video. And Blacks sure were treated much better in Apartheid South African and Palestinians are in the "Jewish state".
I really wonder, when will all this finally boil over? What would it take? The slaughter in Gaza didn't do the trick, that is sure, and the new coalition government in Israel is every bit as rabid as any previous government they had.
What baffles me most are the Israelis themselves. How can they possibly a) not be disgusted with everything their sorry colony stands for and b) think that they can get away with it? Don't they see the writing on the wall? (It spells H-e-z-b-o-l-l-a-h).
To be totally honest, I feel somewhat sorry for the Israelis and the Jews who support them. They are clearly totally entraped in a racist ideology which can only be called "medieval" (at best) and which triggers a universal revulsion pretty much everywhere except New York and Washington.
In 2000 years the faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has been transformed into a sick self-worshipping and hate-filled tribal cult which openly advocates a racist
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