Eyad Abu Shakra

Eyad Abu Shakra

Lebanon’s Government Between the Threats of Arrogance and Opportunities for Agreement

Following the bitter objections of the "Shiite Duo" to Dr. Nawaf Salam’s designation as prime minister, he is seeking to reassure them by stressing that he has two choices: "accommodation" or... "accommodation!" Thus, surrendering to failure is not an option. There is no desire for the…

Unpacking the Implications of Lebanon’s Presidential Election

The past week was a turning point for Lebanon by all measures. Observers agree that this was no ordinary presidential election, and not only because it ended a longstanding presidential vacuum that reflected a systemic political crisis. The election of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, who…

Minorities in Syria: Prospects and Controversies

I am not a fan of the excessive use of the term “minorities,” let alone exploiting it to reshape nations based on external interests. However, political history, across the globe, has taught us the dangers of downplaying or ignoring the concerns of small or marginalized groups - whether based…

Syria’s Achievement… Between the Necessary and the Sufficient

Going back to the Syrian issue, it must be said that few of us had anticipated the developments unfolding today a month ago. The chapter on 54 years has been closed in less than two weeks, a massive achievement in every sense of the word. The ease with which the Assad regime was brought down and…

Syria’s Future Will Be Decided by a Correct Reading of Developments

Regardless of what one says, words remain inadequate for doing justice to the major shift that Syria has seen over the past week. The end of the Assad dynasty after over half a century is a significant development, very significant indeed. It will be even more significant and will endure longer…

Syria… 'Political Transition' Is No Longer a Choice

As soon as the "unity of arena" war on Lebanese soil ended, Hezbollah decided to push the conflict across the Syrian border - a step that has immense local, regional, and international repercussions during this critical juncture. Hezbollah is undoubtedly well aware of this move's political…

Be Under No Illusions... Lebanon Faces Tests to its Existence

The speech by the new Hezbollah Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, was extremely important for several reasons, in terms of both its timing and content. Broadcast on Saturday, it was Sheikh Naim's first speech after the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, which was brokered by the United States…

The Stability of Lebanon: A Hostage to Negotiations Under Fire

No one disagrees that stability, as the Lebanese understand and seek it, is not a priority for Israel. This has been repeatedly demonstrated in the past, and it is evident today. Worse still, the only "stability" the Israeli leadership wants for Lebanon is total submission to Benjamin Netanyahu…

Lessons of the Ukraine Crisis for the Middle East and the US

It would be absurd for any political commentator to ignore the US presidential elections, in which a very substantial number of voters have already cast their ballots through early voting, before the official election day on Tuesday. And after what we have seen in the Gaza Strip, it would be…

The Duty of the Lebanese… Despite Washington’s Differing Priorities

Optimism based on wishful thinking suggests that the Israeli military campaign against Lebanon may end “in a short period...” as military and political sources in Tel Aviv are saying. However, the problem, based on readings of the past “clashes” between Lebanon and Israel, is that optimism…