Lebanon: Hezbollah Given Right to Resist

Al Arabiya reports that Lebanon’s new unity cabinet has agreed to acknowledge Hezbollah’s right to use its weapons against Israel, despite disagreement by some members of the majority. The clause in the cabinet’s policy statement reads, “Lebanon, its government, its people, its army and its resistance” all retain the right to liberate Lebanon’s territory. However, members of the Phalange Party and Lebanese Forces contend Hezbollah’s weapons undermines state sovereignty and violate U.N. resolutions.

During celebrations for Eid al-Adha, Sunni, Shia, Druze and Christian religious leaders called for increased dialogue and collaboration between the sects. Sectarianism has been at the forefront of political discussion since Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri proposed abolishing the confessionalist political system. However, Michael Bluhm wonders whether Berri actually believes what he preaches or whether he is simply politically posturing. Meanwhile, Michel Aoun of the Free Patriotic Movement rejected the need for Christian political parties to reconcile after Christians split between the two major political coalitions last election.

Finally, President Sleiman will visit the U.S. for three days starting on December 12th to hold talks with President Obama, members of Congress and the Lebanese expatriate community.