Most of the reactions that emerged in recent days regarding the statements of the leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Jumblatt, were not surprising. These reactions are always revealed when political realism fails to grasp the indicators of the phase and what it carries for the country. Sources from the “Socialist” Party noted through “Anbaa” electronic news that “the attacks on Jumblatt have become routine whenever he makes a statement, with some supporting and others rejecting, but often from a perspective that is engulfed in the political moment without understanding the implications of the stances which they later confirm, after a long time, that Jumblatt had made the right choice for Lebanon and the future of the country.”
The sources pointed out that “Jumblatt's openness towards Hezbollah came after he proved in the parliamentary elections that all attempts at encirclement and elimination that Hezbollah or others tried had failed. Thus, what is happening today is primarily an acknowledgment of Jumblatt's significant and historical national role by Hezbollah before anyone else. In this context, the anticipated visit of a Hezbollah delegation to Jumblatt serves as a confirmation of Jumblatt’s principles for dialogue and openness, especially as he has stated during intense political times that ‘if others want to eliminate us, we want national partnership.’ In the face of accusatory language, he raised his slogan ‘the voice of reason.’ Therefore, Walid Jumblatt today is applying his principles that he has never deviated from, in contrast to what he is accused of by this side or that.”
In addition to this surface reading, from the standpoint of substance, the sources added that “everything happening at the regional level and in terms of internal circumstances confirms the correctness of the positions calling for the protection of social, living, and economic security in Lebanon, and that the existing reality must be addressed and the required reforms presented. Dialogue with all political forces in the country is necessary, and as conversations occur with others, discussions with Hezbollah should happen as well, especially since the prospects are sadly closed for all possibilities; hence, Jumblatt attempts to break a hole in the wall of the crisis.”
Simultaneously, it is clear that the country's entry into the presidential election cycle has begun to cast shadows on all fronts amid a term that is nearing its end and mastering the art of wasting time. The resigned government is nominally handling affairs without any noteworthy achievements, neither in the files it committed to before resigning, particularly those related to the reforms demanded by the International Monetary Fund, nor in relieving the burdens on Lebanese citizens regarding their needs for food, clothing, medicine, and all life's necessities. Even the project for importing oil and gas from Jordan and Egypt has become a thing of the past. Furthermore, renewing the contract with Iraq to secure fuel for another year is also subject to the winds of postponed promises that blow occasionally over Lebanon, and political action nowadays resembles dancing on the edge of the abyss before falling into hell.
Political sources likened through “Anbaa” electronic news the handling of political leaders during this period to “a policy of raising the obligation and recording stances, knowing that there is nothing serious; this phase is merely about passing the time. President Michel Aoun’s main concern is to be remembered by the Lebanese for fighting corruption, forensic auditing, and the Syrian refugee issue, while Prime Minister Mikati continues his meetings at the Grand Serail without making any progress in pressing files.”
In the meantime, anticipation rules the situation regarding the maritime border demarcation file. The political sources noted that the three presidents are awaiting the Israeli response to the Lebanese stance concerning border demarcation, to determine whether things are moving in a positive direction or not, so that appropriate measures can be taken. Perhaps waiting will continue to dominate the situation in the coming weeks, affecting all files, most of which are effectively stalled until the current term ends.
