FPM leader Gebran Bassil in Qadisha, North Lebanon, Aug. 27, 2023. (Credit: His X account)
It has become clear that Walid Joumblatt is no longer the only one positioning himself at the center of the political spectrum.In addition to the National Moderation bloc – which includes Sunni MPs previously affiliated with Saad Hariri– there’s also the Free Patriotic Movement. This is at least what its leader, Gebran Bassil, is trying to sell to the public and local political actors, including Hezbollah and his main rival, the Lebanese Forces (LF).Aware that both Hezbollah and the opposition need him to tip the balance to their advantage, the FPM leader has not missed an opportunity to pass on this message to both. The latest was delivered in his interview with the local channel LBC on Monday evening.Bassil did not mince his words against Hezbollah, either for its involvement in southern Lebanon in the Gaza war or for its unwavering...
It has become clear that Walid Joumblatt is no longer the only one positioning himself at the center of the political spectrum.In addition to the National Moderation bloc – which includes Sunni MPs previously affiliated with Saad Hariri– there’s also the Free Patriotic Movement. This is at least what its leader, Gebran Bassil, is trying to sell to the public and local political actors, including Hezbollah and his main rival, the Lebanese Forces (LF).Aware that both Hezbollah and the opposition need him to tip the balance to their advantage, the FPM leader has not missed an opportunity to pass on this message to both. The latest was delivered in his interview with the local channel LBC on Monday evening.Bassil did not mince his words against Hezbollah, either for its involvement in southern Lebanon in the Gaza war or for its...