Recent statements by officials, their repeated condemnation of Israeli attacks in the South, and even references to Lebanese conditions for the continuation of negotiations all point to a shift in the official approach to the developments. There now appears to be a genuine concern not to alienate the Shiite community, while continuing to criticize Hezbollah.This new approach marks a clear departure from the president’s previous stance. For months, Joseph Aoun was keen to keep a channel of communication open with Hezbollah, while avoiding attacking the group head-on.Today, there appears to be a subtle distinction in his statements between the Shiite community and Hezbollah: whilst criticising the latter, he seeks to avoid offending the Shia community as a whole. Read more 1 p.m. recap: High-level Syrian delegation expected in Beirut;...
Recent statements by officials, their repeated condemnation of Israeli attacks in the South, and even references to Lebanese conditions for the continuation of negotiations all point to a shift in the official approach to the developments. There now appears to be a genuine concern not to alienate the Shiite community, while continuing to criticize Hezbollah.This new approach marks a clear departure from the president’s previous stance. For months, Joseph Aoun was keen to keep a channel of communication open with Hezbollah, while avoiding attacking the group head-on.Today, there appears to be a subtle distinction in his statements between the Shiite community and Hezbollah: whilst criticising the latter, he seeks to avoid offending the Shia community as a whole. Read more 1 p.m. recap: High-level Syrian delegation expected in...
