Eyad Abu Shakra

Eyad Abu Shakra

Political Shiism Remains Useful Despite Its Defeat

Everyone following the formation of the new Lebanese government before it came into being on Saturday was eagerly awaiting the fate of the "political Shiism’s" Lebanese branch. Indeed, the status quo was upended by Israel's recent war on Hezbollah and the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria,…

Two Years in America That Will Be Crucial for World History   

Even the most seasoned among us journalists are currently witnessing a historic moment. I believe that we have not seen anything like this since the emergence of the new world order following the Cold War... perhaps even since the end of World War II. We have not seen the foundations of…

The Shiite Duo in Lebanon: Its Rights and Duties

The formation of a Lebanese government has been postponed another week. Various parties that had been eagerly awaiting a breakthrough are growing increasingly concerned. There were several indications suggesting that Lebanon would imminently exit the long tunnel of its crisis. This optimism…

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…