The former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Joumblatt, in Clemenceau, on August 27, 2025. Photo Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient-Le Jour
As the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, we invite you to revisit this article, originally published on Feb. 20, 2026.As the world holds its breath over the possibility of war between the United States and Iran, former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Joumblatt sees no diplomatic solution on the horizon. In his view, the two sides are headed toward armed conflict.But he appears confident that Hezbollah — the Lebanese armed ally of the Islamic Republic — will not open a front in support of its patron.At the same time, he says he has “full confidence in the Lebanese Army” to disarm the party. From a distance, he watches the local parliamentary electoral scene, which is as tumultuous as the region. Missed this report? Second phase of disarmament plan: Was the international community...
As the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, we invite you to revisit this article, originally published on Feb. 20, 2026.As the world holds its breath over the possibility of war between the United States and Iran, former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Joumblatt sees no diplomatic solution on the horizon. In his view, the two sides are headed toward armed conflict.But he appears confident that Hezbollah — the Lebanese armed ally of the Islamic Republic — will not open a front in support of its patron.At the same time, he says he has “full confidence in the Lebanese Army” to disarm the party. From a distance, he watches the local parliamentary electoral scene, which is as tumultuous as the region. Missed this report? Second phase of disarmament plan: Was the international community...
Iran negotiator vows 'decisive' response to US-Israeli attack
