Crucial Hours.. and Escalation

President Michel Aoun spent his last night at the presidential palace yesterday, surrounded by tents that his supporters set up around the palace, which he renamed as the People's Palace in a move reminiscent of the period from 1989 to 1990, which ended with Aoun's forceful expulsion from the presidential palace—a scenario that is not applicable if circumstances and political conditions were to repeat themselves. A formal farewell will be held for General Aoun, as he prefers to be called, during his departure from the palace today, accompanied by a popular reception at his residence in Rabieh. The "Free Patriotic Movement" cautioned its supporters about "the possibility of infiltrators, both men and women, who will attempt to disrupt the day, carrying counterfeit IDs of the movement or press." Supporters were advised to remove anyone they do not know well, as well as being instructed not to make statements without proper authorization. The erection of tents around the palace is part of an escalatory plan that the head of the "Free Patriotic Movement," Gebran Bassil, along with President Aoun, warned against unless Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati responds to their conditions regarding the formation of the government and choosing ministers, while simultaneously withholding confidence from the government!