The president of the Free Patriotic Movement, Gebran Bassil, with the Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, in 2006. Archive photo by Dalati and Nohra.
When Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri scheduled on Nov. 28 an electoral session for Jan. 9, many expected the usual sleight of hand.After all, Berri is known for being the king of Lebanese political maneuvering and would have ample time to prepare how to influence the outcome of the electoral session. It wouldn’t be the first time he summoned MPs to elect a president only to send them home due to a lack of consensus, which the Constitution does not even require. Read more Presidential election: three possible scenarios for an unpredictable voting session Yet, on the eve of the Jan. 9 session, it appears that the speaker — like most of the other stakeholders — has less room to maneuver than anticipated.This is especially true in the face of mounting international pressure, led by Riyadh and Washington, which seems intent on having army...
When Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri scheduled on Nov. 28 an electoral session for Jan. 9, many expected the usual sleight of hand.After all, Berri is known for being the king of Lebanese political maneuvering and would have ample time to prepare how to influence the outcome of the electoral session. It wouldn’t be the first time he summoned MPs to elect a president only to send them home due to a lack of consensus, which the Constitution does not even require. Read more Presidential election: three possible scenarios for an unpredictable voting session Yet, on the eve of the Jan. 9 session, it appears that the speaker — like most of the other stakeholders — has less room to maneuver than anticipated.This is especially true in the face of mounting international pressure, led by Riyadh and Washington, which seems intent on...
Israel continues attacks on southern Lebanon, demolishes buildings in Bint Jbeil