Buying time is one thing, but what for?

Lebanon has entered the holiday season in an atmosphere of relative calm. Since the visit of Pope Leo XIV and the developments related to negotiations with Israel, the Lebanese people feel that the anticipated expansion of the Israeli war has been postponed, at least until early 2026, and perhaps even beyond.This atmosphere was echoed by key actors in Lebanon, from officials to various parties, including Hezbollah. All concerned parties reiterated the same message that the prevailing approach is to buy time. Yet, for what purpose? The answer varies from one camp to another. See our editorial Does Lebanon still have something to offer the world? Sources close to Baabda and Ain al-Tineh did not hide the fact that the appointment of Ambassador Simon Karam at the head of the Lebanese delegation in negotiations with Israel was a move...