Lebanon: Adib Meets Aoun for More Consultations as Cabinet Deadline in Doubt

Adib talks to the media after being named Lebanon's new PM at the Baabda Palace, Lebanon, August 31, 2020. Reuters file photo
Adib talks to the media after being named Lebanon's new PM at the Baabda Palace, Lebanon, August 31, 2020. Reuters file photo
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Lebanon: Adib Meets Aoun for More Consultations as Cabinet Deadline in Doubt

Adib talks to the media after being named Lebanon's new PM at the Baabda Palace, Lebanon, August 31, 2020. Reuters file photo
Adib talks to the media after being named Lebanon's new PM at the Baabda Palace, Lebanon, August 31, 2020. Reuters file photo

Lebanese PM-designate Mustapha Adib said on Monday he had met President Michel Aoun for more consultations, raising doubts that he could form his cabinet by a deadline agreed with France.

"God willing, all will be well," Adib told reporters following his meeting with Aoun at Baabda Palace.

Lebanese politicians promised French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Beirut on Sept. 1 to form a government in two weeks, part of a roadmap drawn up by Paris to start reforms.

An official source had previously said the prime minister-designate would present plans for his cabinet on Monday. But on Sunday Speaker Nabih Berri voiced objection to the way Adib was putting together a cabinet, undermining prospects for his government of technocrats to win support across the sectarian divide.

Some worry that even outside pressure cannot force reform on politicians, for whom reform means an end to power and perhaps eventual accountability.

Lebanon’s ruling class, in power since the end of the civil war in 1990, has run the tiny country and its population into the ground. Heading a sectarian system that encourages corruption over governing, the elite have enriched themselves while investing little on infrastructure, failing to build a productive economy and pushing it to the verge of bankruptcy.

Anger over corruption and mismanagement has come to a peak after the giant Aug. 4 explosion at Beirut’s port, caused by the detonation of nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate that politicians allowed to sit there for years. Nearly 200 people were killed and tens of thousands of homes were damaged.



Türkiye Intensifies Steps to Establish Air Base East of Homs

Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
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Türkiye Intensifies Steps to Establish Air Base East of Homs

Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 

Türkiye is accelerating preparations to establish an airbase in the city of Palmyra, east of Homs, following an announcement by its Ministry of Defense last week that it is considering a request from the Syrian administration in Damascus to set up a base for training purposes.

Reports indicate that Turkish military convoys carrying equipment entered northern Syria overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, likely transporting logistical supplies and gear to the “T4” airbase in Palmyra.

The pro-government Turkish newspaper “Türkiye” reported on Wednesday that the country has taken official steps to take control of the Tiyas Military Airbase—also known as Tiyas Airport, T4 Airbase —located near the village of Tiyas, about 60 kilometers east of Palmyra in Homs province.

According to the report, Türkiye plans to establish a multi-layered air defense system at the base, incorporating domestically produced weapons. Additionally, Ankara intends to deploy reconnaissance drones and armed UAVs with advanced strike capabilities. The goal is to enhance the country’s counterterrorism efforts against ISIS while also deterring potential Israeli airstrikes in the region.

Some sources suggest that Türkiye may also consider deploying the Russian S-400 air defense system, which it acquired in the summer of 2019.

Retired Turkish Brigadier General Fahri Erenel stated that Ankara plans to take significant steps in Syria in April. He mentioned that after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, a defense agreement was negotiated with the Syrian interim government. Under this agreement, Türkiye would provide air support and military protection to the new Syrian administration.

Israeli Concerns

Israel is deeply concerned about Türkiye’s growing cooperation with Damascus and its efforts to expand its military presence in Syria.

An Israeli security official, speaking to The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday, described the potential establishment of a Turkish military base in Syria as a “possible threat” to Israel. The official, whose name was not disclosed, warned that a Turkish airbase in Syria would undermine Israel’s operational freedom and was therefore something Tel Aviv opposed.

On Friday, the Israeli military announced that it had targeted what it described as “strategic military capabilities” at Syrian army bases in Palmyra and the T4 airbase. The Israeli official indicated that the strike on T4 was a message that Israel would not tolerate any obstacles to its air operations in Syria.