Latest news with #Lebanese
Ya Libnan
an hour ago
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
There is no better time to disarm Hezbollah
File : Hezbollah top commanders that were killed in its last war with Israel by David Schenker With the group and its Iranian patrons at their weakest point in decades, Beirut has a real opportunity to restore its sovereignty, but waiting for another futile 'national dialogue' may close that window Last week, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced that Beirut would not forcibly disarm the Iran-backed Shiite militia Hezbollah as part of its effort to gain a state monopoly on weapons. Instead, Aoun said Hezbollah would be convinced to give up its arms on its own, through dialogue and negotiations. Moreover, the president suggested the militia's troops could then be integrated into the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). This approach, which avoids a potentially bloody face-off, will be unacceptable to both the US and Israel, and will ultimately undermine the hopeful progress Lebanon has made toward reasserting its sovereignty. Undoubtedly, President Aoun is in a difficult position. In the November 2024 ceasefire that ended the Hezbollah-Israel war, the Lebanese government agreed to implement United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1701 and 1559, which require the disarmament of all militias in the country. For its part, Hezbollah agreed to move its military hardware and personnel to the area above the Litani River, but it has rejected demilitarization elsewhere. Since the ceasefire was signed in December, the LAF has largely fulfilled its obligations to seize the militia's weapons and dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure along the frontier with Israel. Lacking sufficient numbers of troops and concerned about sparking a resumption of its sectarian civil war, however, Beirut has baulked at going after Hezbollah's arsenal north of the Litani. Meanwhile, consistent with the terms of the ceasefire, Israel continues to target Hezbollah assets and personnel throughout the state. Default Approach To square the circle while avoiding a seemingly inevitable confrontation with Hezbollah, Aoun has defaulted to Lebanon's perennial preferred method of dealing with uncomfortable and insoluble problems: national dialogue. Aoun is calling for a 'bilateral dialogue' with Hezbollah to reach an agreement on the organization's disarmament. Since 2005, Hezbollah has periodically engaged with the Lebanese government and political factions in dialogues focused on designing a 'national defense strategy.' These discussions proved sterile, largely because Hezbollah always refused to discuss ceding its weapons but also because the organization routinely murdered Lebanese critics who had the temerity to suggest that Hezbollah surrender its arms. Accordingly, until 2025, successive Lebanese governments accepted and legitimated, in their ministerial statements, the militia's possession of weapons and 'resistance.' For example, in 2010, Hezbollah participated in several rounds of talks. But Hezbollah maintained its position, and negotiations, unsurprisingly, made no progress. In 2012, then-President Michel Suleiman advocated for placing Hezbollah's arms under the authority of the LAF, but the group swiftly rejected it. In 2016, President Michel Aoun endorsed Hezbollah's arms as 'complementary' to the LAF. After years of futile efforts, in 2018, negotiations finally broke down after the militia deployed to Syria to defend the Assad regime against a popular revolt. Now, Hezbollah says it is again willing to participate in a dialogue. According to Hezbollah MP Ihab Hamadeh, this dialogue would focus on establishing a 'defensive strategy' that would have to 'convince' the Lebanese that the state could defend the country from Israel. Militia officials have said they could agree to disarm if Israel withdraws from Lebanon—a reference to five hilltop locations Israel continues to occupy in Lebanon—and ends its targeting of Hezbollah. But that position has since been contradicted by the organization's current leader, Naim Qassem, who said on 19 April that 'no one will be allowed to remove the weapons of the resistance.' In any event, these officials say the dialogue will not occur until after the parliamentary elections in 2026, currently slated for May. Delay Tactic As in previous failed national dialogues, it appears that Hezbollah is once again embracing talks as a delay tactic . The United States and Israel, as well as many critics of Hezbollah in Lebanon, understand that after sustaining so many losses in its war of choice in support of Hamas, the militia is looking to buy time to regroup and reconstitute. For his part, President Aoun is seeking to avoid a direct confrontation with Hezbollah, but he is under pressure. US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus continues to press Aoun and the Lebanese government to fulfil their ceasefire obligations vis-a-vis Hezbollah. As Ortagus recently reiterated to the Lebanese network LBCI, 'that includes disarming Hezbollah and all militias .' Aoun's National Dialogue initiative and his trial balloon suggestion of incorporating Hezbollah fighters into the LAF were a well-intentioned effort to cajole Hezbollah into concessions the group is loath to make. To be sure, conscripting the militia into the LAF was the unstated policy vision for Hezbollah during the Clinton Administration. Yet Aoun clearly understands this approach won't fly with Trump's Washington. Indeed, immediately after floating the idea, Aoun clarified that absorbing Hezbollah into the LAF would not resemble the structure of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces, known as the Hashd al Shaaby , into the Iraqi military. The Hashd—another Iranian-backed militia force—operates separately and outside the control of the Iraqi government. In the case of Hezbollah, Aoun said, militia members would not be permitted to operate as an independent unit like the Hashd, but would instead be recruited into the military as individuals. Despite Aoun's assurances, the approach—in which Hezbollah loyalists would receive military training and continue to possess weapons—is unlikely to advance the disarmament objective. Predictable Initiative Sadly, this initiative was predictable. On 8 October 2024—two months prior to the ceasefire and three months before Aoun was elected president—I anticipated this outcome in a paper published by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy . At the time, I wrote: 'To avoid antagonizing the group (Hezbollah) while placating the West, they may be tempted to finesse the resolution to 'incorporate' Hezbollah into the LAF. This would be unacceptable, however.' Seven months on, the idea remains problematic. Lebanon has committed itself to disarming all militias and establishing a state monopoly on weapons. This is the sine qua non if Lebanon hopes to become a sovereign and successful state. And it is for the first time possible because of Israeli military operations in October and November 2024 that degraded Hezbollah to an unprecedented extent. Incorporating Hezbollah into the LAF will preserve the militia's latent capabilities and undercut the army. Delaying efforts to disarm the militia via an interminable dialogue will provide the group with a reprieve from extreme pressure. With both Hezbollah and its Iranian patrons at their weakest point, Lebanon has a fleeting opportunity to restore its eroded sovereignty. Washington will continue to press Beirut to seize this opportunity, but the decision ultimately rests with President Aoun and the Lebanese government. No doubt, Hezbollah will try to delay its demilitarization in hopes of maintaining a residual capability, and should the government persist and broaden its efforts against the group, there could be violent clashes. Despite the risks, however, there will never be a more favorable time to disarm Hezbollah—with or without its consent—than now. David Schenker is the Taube Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute . He worked in the Department of Defense during the George W. Bush administration, and was nominated on April 9, 2018, to head the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs in the State Department . . He has written two books, Dancing with Saddam: The Strategic Tango of Jordanian–Iraqi Relations (2003) and Palestinian Democracy and Governance: An Appraisal of the Legislative Council (2000). ( The Washington Institute )
Sunday World
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Kneecap facing US travel ban if Mo Chara is convicted of terror charge
Kneecap member Mo Chara is due at Westminster Magistrates Court on June 18. If convicted, he will automatically be barred from entering the States BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 2: (L-R) Mo Chara, DJ Próvaí and Móglaí Bap of, Irish rap group, Kneecap pose for a portrait shoot outside the Hawthorn Pub in West Belfast on June 2, 2024 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by) BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 23: A message supporting Kneecap can be seen on Belfast's Black Mountain showing the words 'Kneecap Abu' which translates to "Up Kneecap" or "Kneecap Forever" in white lettering on May 23, 2025 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The signage comes after a member of the Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah after an incident on 21 November 2024 at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London. Mr Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 18 June.. (Photo by) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 09: (L-R) Director Rich Peppiatt, and Móglaí Bap, Dj Provaí, Mo Chara of Kneecap and Producer Trevor Birney attend the "Kneecap" Premiere during the 2024 Tribeca Festival at Village East Cinema on June 09, 2024 in New York City. (Photo byfor Tribeca Festival) Kneecap are facing a travel ban in the US if Mo Chara is convicted under anti-terrorism legislation, the Sunday World has learned. The band is still scheduled to play a series of gigs across North America in October, with a number of them already sold out. The trio are due to play New York, Boston, Minneapolis Philadelphia, Nashville and Washington with other gigs scheduled for Kentucky, Seattle and San Francisco. They are also due at a number of sell-out gigs in Canada – all of which are still being advertised despite controversy surrounding the London Met's charging of Ó hAnnaidh for allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed Lebanese organisation Hezbollah at a concert in London last November. He is due at Westminster Magistrates Court on June 18. If convicted, he will automatically be barred from entering the States. Industry sources say they are 'facing an onslaught'' from political leaders and from 'powerful elements' within the music industry determined to silence them. Graffitti in support of Kneecap appeared on walls in West Belfast. 'The boys will not stay quiet, they are not going away,' said our source, 'in many ways they have become a cypher for something much bigger than them, they are on the right side of history.' The Sunday World understands the band's appearance at Glastonbury at the end of June is not currently under threat despite political pressure on the organisers. And they have a whole summer planned of festival appearances across Europe, the first of which was the Wide Awake Festival in south London on Friday where 20,000 fans filled Brockwell Park in Brixton. The Sunday World understands representatives from Glastonbury and other summer festivals were at Friday's show. The band has the backing of many musicians – Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher among them, while Sir Elton John has lauded them and on Friday, Sir Rod Stewart was seen in the wings watching the Kneecap set. Last night award-winning film-maker Trevor Birney, who made a Bafta-winning biopic of the band, said the group was now at the forefront of a global awakening to what's happening in Gaza. 'Kneecap are now cast in that global story. It's not where they wanted or intended to be, but they are shining a light on what is happening in Gaza at a time when political leaders around the world don't want to talk about it,' he said. 'They are speaking for young people around the world, telling them this is genocide. They have transcended the established political order.' He said their message came at a time when Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg were shutting down free speech on social media, and mainstream media was increasingly restricted. 'Public spaces for people to be informed are getting smaller,' he said. 'Soon the only place to get the truth across is from the stage.' He said there was more than enough material for a second Kneecap movie, but that is some way off. It is understood the band no longer hold valid visas following their controversial appearance at the Coachella festival in California in April. They used their gig in the Californian desert to highlight the genocide in Palestine. With neon signs proclaiming 'f**k Israel'' thousands of fans chanted 'Free Free Palestine.' The band has refused to step back from despite attempts to have them cancelled. A number of festivals in Europe have been cancelled but they are due to play events in Denmark, Netherlands and the Czech Republic before returning at the of June for a sell-out concert in Dublin. Then comes Glastonbury on June 28. Festival organisers have come under pressure from politicians and ministers to drop the Belfast rappers from the line-up. They are then due to play in front of 40,000 fans at Belfast's Boucher Playing Fields where they will support Dublin's Fontaines DC at the end of August. Móglaí Bap and Mo Chara. Photo: Lorne Thomson/Redferns By then they will have also played in Greece, Scandanavia, Belgium, France and the UK. After a surprise gig at the 100 Club in London on Wednesday following Mo Chara's arrest, they took to the stage on Friday in from of 20,000 fans at the Wide Awake Festival in south London. Mo Chara told the crowd the authorities were 'trying to silence us' before Glastonbury and urged fans not to be 'on the wrong side of history'. 'I know we're out, we're enjoying ourselves and we're trying to listen to some tunes at a festival... believe me lads, I wish I didn't have to do this,' he said. 'Let's remember how lucky we are to be in a field with our friends and not being bombed from the sky,' Mo Chara said. He said the US administration had been embarrassed to see thousands of Americans chanting 'Free Palestine', describing Glastonbury as the UK's Coachella. An estimated 54,000 people including 16,500 children have died in Israel's bombing campaign launched in the wake of Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023 which resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 people being taken hostage. Organisers of Friday's Brixton event confirmed in a statement earlier this month that the gig would go ahead after they had held 'positive discussions with key stakeholders'. 'Wide Awake Festival has a proud history of supporting the alternative music scene and we look forward to staging another unforgettable event showcasing the very best emerging and established talent,' they said. But other Kneecap gigs have been cancelled including at the Eden Project in Cornwall and Plymouth Pavilions.
Shafaq News
6 hours ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
President Aoun to revive Lebanon-Iraq relations: Focus on energy, debt and trade
Shafaq News/ Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's upcoming visit to Baghdad aims to revive ties with Iraq, focusing on energy cooperation, debt resolution, and economic partnership, according to political analyst George Al-Aqouri. 'Aoun will seek to expand the 2021 fuel deal, under which Iraq supplied Lebanon with one million tons of fuel oil annually,' Al-Aqouri told Shafaq News. Talks may also cover leasing natural gas and restarting the Kirkuk–Tripoli pipeline, currently halted by sanctions on Syria. Despite owing Iraq over $2 billion—including $1.2 billion from the fuel deal—Lebanon has paid only $118 million. Iraq has continued deliveries, which he described as 'a gesture of Arab solidarity.' The visit could also advance cooperation in agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure. With rising numbers of Iraqi tourists, Al-Aqouri urged both sides to ease travel and promote local trade for mutual benefit. On the political front, the analyst said both countries share a commitment to sovereignty and non-interference, noting, 'Lebanon is trying to reclaim full authority and block proxy influence,' he noted. Aoun's trip follows his absence from the Arab Summit in Baghdad, seen by some as a 'missed diplomatic opportunity.' The visit is now viewed as a step toward resolving outstanding issues and reestablishing coordination.
Al Manar
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Manar
MP Fadlallah: Hezbollah Military Formulas Remain Active, Governmental Failure in Reconstruction Pushes Lebanon to Instability
Member of Loyalty to Resistance bloc Dr. Hasan Fadlallah recalled the anniversary of the liberation of the Lebanese territories from the Israeli occupation in 2000, highlighting the great role of the Master of the Umma's Martyrs Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and the military commanders of the resistance in addition to the people who made all the sacrifices in order to reach the achievements. In this regard, Sayyed Fadlallah underlined the mercy of the Resistance in dealing with the members of Lahd treacherous militia, adding that Sayyed Nasrallah wanted to reassure all the Lebanese sects at that time. MP Fadlallah added that Lebanon is still enjoying the bless of the liberation, adding that the military formulas maintained by Hezbollah are still active. Regarding the Israeli violations, Sayyed Fadlallah reiterated that the Lebanese government is responsible for facing the Zionist enemy in coordination with the ceasefire monitor committee. When necessary, the Resistance will take the suitable decision in this regard, MP fadlallah added. Sayyed Fadlallah indicated that file of the prisoners is following a certain path that may not be directly handled by the government, without giving further details. Commenting on BBC report which shows its reporter with the UN troops in South Lebanon without any coordination with the Lebanese state, MP Fadlallah stressed that the Lebanese Army is tasked to address any problem caused by the UNIFIL troops. Lebanese Politics MP Fadlallah stressed that Hezbollah is not concerned with responding to every negative statement made against it, indicating that PM Nawaf Salam's negative remarks show that he has not adapted with the requirements of his post. 'None can distort the history about the Resistance role in liberating the Lebanese territories from the Israeli occupation.' Loyalty to Resistance bloc's meeting with President Joseph Aoun was positive, according to Sayyed Fadlallah who added that the president knows the Lebanese parties who are moving against his will to maintain stability in the country. Commenting on the remarks of the FM Youssef Rajji, who is affiliated with the Lebanese Forces, MP Fadlallah underscored that some Lebanese parties moved their barricades from the civil war to the council of ministers. The Lebanese government is not assuming its responsibilities regarding the Israeli withdrawal and halt of attacks as well as the reconstruction project, according to Hezbollah lawmaker. The governmental reluctance to carry out the reconstruction project will cause instability, MP Fadlallah said, adding that Hezbollah has managed to provide the needed funds for housing and reconstructing the damaged houses of 400 thousand families despite the pressures and siege. MP Fadlallah affirmed that the political and administrative reform in Lebanon must be maintained, calling for observing all the laws passed by the parliament in this regard.
MTV Lebanon
8 hours ago
- MTV Lebanon
Customs Seize Smuggled Crops in Sin El Fil, Impose Heavy Fines
The General Directorate of Customs — Anti-Smuggling Division, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, carried out three successful operations early this morning targeting smuggled agricultural shipments at the vegetable market in Sin El Fil. These efforts form part of the ongoing campaign to combat smuggling and protect Lebanon's local agricultural and livestock production. Confiscated during these operations were significant quantities of agricultural products that failed to meet legal standards, including 650 kilograms of apples, 1,000 kilograms of almonds, and 250 kilograms of mangoes. Following thorough inspection, the spoiled goods were slated for destruction, while the safe products are to be donated to the Military Hospital, aligning with policies that maximize public benefit from suitable confiscated goods. Fines totaling 730 million Lebanese pounds — double the estimated value of the seized items — were imposed on the offenders, sending a strong deterrent message and underscoring the seriousness with which authorities address smuggling activities that threaten national food security and harm the economy. The concerned authorities reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing coordination and cooperation to dismantle smuggling networks, pursue offenders, and enforce strict legal measures against all involved in these illicit activities.
