I've had a few spirited mini-debates this morning on the Lebanon elections and Hezbollah's solidification of political power there. Here's a thread in response to some of the points made...
First, I love when people tell me that I don't understand the complexity of parliamentary politics. Hezbollah, with the help of allies, has emerged stronger. Period.
I can't help but laugh when I think about those who challenge this notion, but also charged that Bibi's government in Israel, with the help of a handful of parties, is the most right wing in Israel's history.
Then there is the notion that pointing out Hezbollah's stranglehold on Lebanon is a call for war. No, it's not. It's stating the obvious.
Then there is the question of why tweet now that "Lebanon = Hezbollah." As if there is something prompted this other than the NEWS.
Bottom line, Lebanon is in trouble. Hezbollah has an arsenal larger than most armies in the Middle East, it controls chunks of Lebanese territory and key assets, it can launch a war whenever it pleases without Lebanese buy-in, and now has increased control over Lebanese politics.
This is a nasty policy problem. It needs to be addressed. Some say it's too late. I am not sure that it is. But whitewashing Hezbollah's power -- whatever the final election tallies look like -- is not the way to fix things.
