Lebanon: Hizbullah Victory or Temporary Truce?

[Washington Institute for Near East Policy] David Schenker - The Doha agreement gives Hizbullah its top priority - a "blocking third" in the Lebanese cabinet - without making any real concessions on its weapons. Essentially, its modus operandi of using its military power to wrest concessions from the government was validated. For the March 14 ruling coalition, this deal, while setting a problematic precedent, does not really change the status quo on the ground. As the May showdown with Hizbullah demonstrated, even without the "blocking third," the Shiite militia is able to veto major government decisions. Hizbullah's increased role in the cabinet will not change this dynamic.


2008-05-23 01:00:00

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