BEIRUT – Amidst an inflammatory Syrian event, Lebanon and Syrian US envoy Thomas Barrack returned to Beirut three days early to review comments by American officials on his initial response to his proposal on disarmament in Hezbollah.
Barracks are particularly interested in the Lebanese government’s response, particularly in the decision to lock up weapons within the time frame set by Washington.
However, this time many Lebanese, including those opposed to Hezbollah, have expressed serious concern about the potential repetition of the bloody Sweida incident, which had already caused dangerous sectarian consequences in several parts of Lebanon.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to prevent Lebanon from being directly affected by the Sweida conflict as the former Prime Minister visits Druze leader Warid Jampablatt to express his concerns.
In parallel, Sheikh Sami Abi Al Muna, a senior clergyman in the Druze community, received a call from the Republic’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdul Latif Delian and speaker Navi Beli to ease tensions.
In addition, major Druze Sunni conferences were held at the home of Bekaa Fatowa. There, Deleuze Mapping MP Wael Abu Faua stressed that it is unacceptable to spread the internal conflict between the Arabs and the Bani Marhu (i.e., the Druze).
Thomas Barrack’s visit coincides with the anniversary of Hezbollah’s deterrent and successful attacks on the position of the terrorist al-Nusra front in areas near the Lebanon-Syrian border on July 21, 2017, along with the cooperation of the Syrian forces under the leadership of the Lebanese and Syrian forces.
President Tehran Times confirmed that President Joseph Own will now assert Lebanon’s rights to effective international guarantees, especially since Israel’s enemies have not committed to implementing a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon.
Aoun explains to the US envoy the nature of Lebanese complications related to what is happening in Syria.
According to these sources, Aoun claims that it cannot confiscate the weapon of resistance until it withdraws from its occupied position by Israeli enemies, ensuring that the attack will halt and the Lebanese prisoners will be handed over.
Barracks will reportedly meet many ministers at a dinner hosted by the US Embassy on Monday evening. He will also meet with politicians at a dinner party hosted by MP Fouad Makhzoumi on Tuesday evening.
Observers hope that Barrack will be amazed at the relative change in the public mood regarding Hezbollah’s weapons, especially as most denominations feel an immediate danger and considers the weapons that these weapons are safe to use.
The US Special Envoy to Lebanon and Syria had previously called on Lebanon to follow the example of interim Syrian Ahmed Al-Sharara, but you’ll hear from Lebanese officials that all of Sharara’s encouraging statements to Israel have not protected him.
Various Lebanon figures are more confident of the need for a national consensus on a comprehensive defense strategy to protect Lebanon’s interests. In particular, following a statement from Israeli Chief Zamir on Sunday, saying Sweeda’s “Drews Massacre,” he said, “don’t block security.”
Here, it is useful to remember the statement of Hezbollah Secretary Sheikh Naim Kasem, which has nothing to do with disarming voluntary or forceful resistance, rather it is an inclusive defense policy at the diplomatic, economic and military level.
“The history of America-Lebanon relations is not due to the battle for anticipated expectations and ambitions, and not a few bodies. This time it could be different.”
Hale said, “If Lebanese officials do not defend Hezbollah’s side of ceasefire and disarm, the Israeli (occupying) forces are likely to do so on behalf of the authority of the state and its leaders. It is a tragedy for all if they can’t grasp the opportunity to revive the restraint of the state.”
Hale’s words certainly provide a summary of Barrack’s mission. This is based on setting a schedule to disarm Hezbollah, but the problem doesn’t seem to be that simple.