Mike Pouraryan
Tidbits From Lebanon......
Lebanon has had its share of tragedy and triumph over the past 40 years. Yet, it has somehow managed to survive it all. What is extremely sad is how it continues to be a pawn in the greater power grab on-going in the Middle East.
After the Assasination of Rafiq Harriri, Lebanon went through hell. It culminated in the war between Hezbollah and Israel. The largely impotent Lebanese Army stayed on the sidelines. As Israel turned South Lebanon to rubble, the World was silent. The US did not lift a finger until Saud Al Faisal actually went to the White House and then President Bush sent Condi Rice to the region. It took another two years before finally a Government until Mr. Harriri's son, Saeed, was formed that is now running the country.
As the country has strived for stability, it seems that it continues to take two steps back for every step forward. The latest twist is the move by Howard Berman, the Congressman from California who chairs the US Foreign Affairs Committee. He blocked $ 100 Million in Aid for Lebanon's Army because he "feared" that the arms would end up in Hezbollah's hands. Unfortunately, he has no proof that I have seen shared publicly. Elias Mur, Lebanon's Defense Minister, started a fund to immediately replenish that fund that he began with a $ 650,000 downpayment from himself and his father. I hope he succeeds in doubling (or even tripling the slated money) to prove to Mr. Berman that nothing is impossible.
As I thought about this outrage, I welcomed another wonderful news out of Lebanon. The Lebanese Parliament granted the Palestinian Refugees the right to work in Lebanon. Up to now, they were basically considered non persons. Although I have read about the profound reservations by the Christian Community, the fact remains that what Lebanon has done underscores a sense of compassion that is needed especially during the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan.
The question I continue to have is how the Israeli Lobby continues to have such a strangehold of policymaking in Washington. How much is enough? I have to wonder whether Mr. Berman truly realizes the implications of what he has done.
