- 26
- Sep.
- 2024
When the expression “a firefighter who starts fires” takes on its full meaning. Just when we thought we’d seen it all, witnessing the surreal phenomenon of Americans asking Iran to pressure Hezbollah into stopping rocket fire on Israel, is like science fiction. The maker of the “Axis of Resistance,” whose ultimate focus was Jerusalem, is now becoming a mediator.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, advised by some unknown genius, claims with a straight face that a ceasefire in Gaza would put an end to the fighting in southern Lebanon, casually adopting Hezbollah's terminology of uniting the fronts. The only scientifically plausible explanation for all these positions is the theory of parallel universes, where multiple realities coexist! I get that the Middle East is complex, as the great General (De Gaulle, of course – wouldn't want to mix up the general-presidents) used to say, but this is on another level...
Simultaneously, on the ground, half a million Lebanese are on the road to exile, with dozens dying every day, as the world silently watches. The time for accountability will come. An explanation will need to be provided to the people – who are against the war – about the outrageous price they are paying for a conflict that wasn’t theirs to begin with.
A few days ago, This is Beirut highlighted Iran's “abandonment.” Clearly, they are not playing in the same league. Tehran has armed everyone who could serve its interests: nuclear power, regional hegemony and the lifting of sanctions. Any means are justified. However, when it comes to rescuing their allies, who have been chopped into pieces over the past year, Tehran is careful not to cross that line.
Going back to Lebanon, the ongoing conflict poses a significant risk of escalating sectarian tensions. Should Hezbollah decide to “relocate” some of its human and military resources to so-called “safe” areas, namely the Christian regions, it is highly likely that the residents will not greet these newcomers as saviors or heroes. The potential for friction is substantial. Meanwhile, the Israelis operate with a free hand, as any efforts to restrain Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet seem futile. The international community is staggered by the scale of the attacks, with two new divisions of reservists now deployed to northern Israel.
These forces complement the five divisions of the regular army already deployed. It may take time for them to prepare and train for a ground incursion.
Regardless, this means that many dark days lie ahead, with the death toll likely to increase. For the past 50 years, the Lebanese have been scapegoats in conflicts beyond their control. Meanwhile, what is happening in Gaza? That no longer appears to be newsworthy.
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