Is diplomacy an option?

Is diplomacy an option?

Fractured Lebanese-Syrian ties have crippled both nations in the past. But will the results of the June 7 parliamentary election instigate diplomatic relations between two?

July 9, 2009 9:11 by Nathalie Bontems

On June 7, the Western and Saudi-backed labeled “March 14″ (for the date mass protests on the street called for Syria’s withdrawal) defeated the Hezbollah-led opposition, “March 8″ (for the earlier and smaller protest supporting Syria) in one of Lebanon’s most crucial elections.

However, with Syria’s backers defeated, what will become of Lebanon’s relationship with its historical “big sister”?

The enmity between the two countries’ governments has been strong since the assassination of billionaire and former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in February 2005, openly blamed by March 14 on Syria, then Lebanon’s power broker for 15 years. Although Syrian troops have withdrawn from its small neighbor following the murder, Syria remains very influential in Lebanon, not only through its staunch allies, among whom Hezbollah stands strong, but also by way of a series of agreements, which were mostly signed during Syria’s reign over Lebanon.

One example of this is the Fraternity, Cooperation and Coordination Treaty (FCCT) signed in 1991 that codifies cooperation between Lebanon and Syria in all fields from media policy to defense strategy. Another is the Syrian-Lebanese Higher Council, established in 1991 under the FCCT, whose purpose is to “set up the general policy of coordination and cooperation between the two states.”

Their validity and legitimacy could be questioned once embassies are formally up and running between Syria and Lebanon. Or, on the contrary, they could prevail, stripping the embassies of all meaning. Although Nasri Khoury, secretary general of the Syrian Lebanese Higher Council, declared that “the FCCT and the agreements it produced are established truths,” Syrian President Bashar Al Assad declared that “Syria is ready to annul the Higher Council if the Lebanese demand it.” But that seems highly unlikely if the Syrian-backed opposition is to become the new majority.

Pages: 1 2

Tags: Cooperation and Coordination Treaty, Der Spiegel, Fraternity, June 7, Lebanon, March 14, March 8, parliamentary election, politics, Shebaa farms, Syria, Syrian Lebanese Higher Council, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad

Previous Article Cover Story Next Article

Beachgoer’s guide to Dubai
July 9, 2009 | Cover Story

SMG MENA wins Cannes Lions award for its “Galaxy, Fall in Love Again” campaign
July 9, 2009

More on Cover Story

All Cover Story

1 Comment

Dr. Raymond H. Hamden on July 11, 2009 5:21 am

Lebanon is A Dysfunctional Nation and Its People need feudal lords.

When a country’s government does not provide and protect nor does it nourish and bond its population, the communities will respectively seek human rights and hope for fairness from a leader – religious, political, or both.

Survival of the fittest becomes an economic way of life, exploited by anyone or nations that can interfere under the disguise of intervention.

The Lebanese are good people with an unresolved corrupt government. President Michel Suleiman seems to be practicing methods to unify but is over shadowed by too many who have been in the same political place for generations.

With years of civil war and external interference, Lebanon still wears the same political suit with many economic gains for too few at the top and too little for the population at the bottom.