[whataretheysaying] Mary Madigan: Blame Lebanon

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Posted by Mary Madigan:
Blame Lebanon
http://whataretheysaying.powerblogs.com/posts/1169138474.shtml


   In this article in the Asia times, [1]"Saudi-Iran tension fuels wider
   conflict", author Kaveh L Afrasiabi puts the onus for the resolution
   of the Saudi/Iranian conflict on Lebanon's shoulders, saying that if
   the Lebanese give in to Hezbollah, there could be peace in the Middle
   East.

     Should the Lebanese crisis be resolved amicably with the
     reapportionment of cabinet posts more proportional to the balance
     of political forces in the country, as favored by not just
     Hezbollah but also by certain Christian leaders, then the Saudis
     will be forgiven for their one-sided, blistering criticisms of
     Iran. Tehran will have shown that it can influence events there in
     the direction of non-violent resolution of political differences.

     On the other hand, the nightmare scenario of Lebanon spiraling into
     civil war will certainly sharpen Shi'ite-Sunni hostilities
     pervading the region, no matter what steps Tehran takes to ensure
     that Iraq does not drown in sectarian conflict. In this respect,
     pro-Iran Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, head of the Shi'ite Supreme Council
     for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, is in Washington for a meeting
     with President George W Bush. Clearly, Hakim's visit will be
     regarded in the Persian Gulf as an indirect US dialogue with Iran.
     Their common fear of (pro-Israel) Turkey's intervention in Iraq is
     yet another glue that binds Tehran and Riyadh, a relatively
     neglected issue so far.

   Afrasiabi's reasoning is exactly backwards. If Lebanon spirals into
   civil war, the blame belongs to Iran and Saudi Arabia and their
   meddling in Lebanese politics. (a problem, not just in Lebanon, but
   worldwide.)

   Framing the political situation this way justfies the way these
   theocratic kleptocracies using their oil money to manipulating
   Lebanese politics.

   It also reminds us of how they use their oil money to influence the
   media.

References

   1. http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/HL06Ak05.html