This was against Lebanon’s most powerful political party. When Hezbollah’s bloc lost the majority that had underpinned Lebanese politics for the past four years, it was an unusual setback.
The team has been used to winning for many years. In 2000, it drove Israeli forces out of southern Lebanon after 22 years of occupation. In 2006, it stood firm in its war against Israel as Israel sought to disarm the group. During the Syrian civil war, it successfully intervened on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and helped bolster his defenses after the dictator brutally quelled an uprising against his rule. The group’s political influence appears to be growing, despite domestic efforts – backed by Saudi Arabia – to rein in the group’s power that is rapidly expanding beyond Lebanon.
But election weekend marked a reversal of fortunes. While the parliamentary structure of Hezbollah and its Shia ally, Amal, remained intact, several of the group’s allies were defeated or defeated, most by reformists.
The country is at a crossroads. It has been subject to much turmoil over the past two decades: a series of deadlocks that have taken a toll on the Lebanese economy. On the other hand, the new parliament also raises the specter of what was previously unthinkable – a political retreat by Hezbollah.
It’s a move that critics of the group, as well as some of its supporters, want to see. Pro-Hezbollah analyst Salem Zahran said in an interview with Lebanese TV station LBC on Tuesday. Establishing a political distance from the spiraling crisis could help Hezbollah strengthen its popularity, he said.
Other analysts say a political retreat could also facilitate the government formation process currently underway and avoid further chaos.
“This could be an opportunity for Hezbollah to tactically concede to some kind of economic recovery that could buy the country for a while,” said researcher Ibrahim Halawi of University College London. “Because otherwise it’s a deadlock and it’s going to be very costly for a system already bearing the brunt of the economic crisis.”
Either way, the larger implications of last weekend’s vote are clear. More surprisingly, observers see the election as an indictment of a political class that includes both the alliance of Hezbollah and its traditional opponents. Whether Lebanon’s leaders will deal with that and change course will determine the fate of the country.
CNN’s Ben Wedeman and Charbel Mallo contributed reporting
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Clashes erupt in Libya as parliament-appointed prime minister tries to take over capital
Violence engulfed the Libyan capital on Tuesday as parliament-appointed Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha tried to take over the government in Tripoli, but was forced back by UN Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah. backing and his rival administration, which refused to cede power.
- Background: After two months of stalemate between rival Libyan governments in the east and west of the country, Bashagha attempted to enter Tripoli overnight but withdrew after fighting broke out. Bashagha has said that he will not use violence to capture the capital.
- Why is it important?: Violence between both administrations recalls memories of a divided Libya, which saw deadly skirmishes in 2020 when then-eastern Commander Khalifa Haftar launched an assault on capital, western part of the country. The current political stalemate has also resulted in a partial blockade of Libya’s oil facilities, cutting the country’s main source of foreign revenue in half.
Iranian state TV broadcasts footage of a French couple accused of espionage
Iranian state television on Tuesday aired what it described as details of the arrest of two French nationals earlier this month, saying they were spies who sought to stir up unrest.
- Background: Iran said it had arrested two Europeans on charges of inciting unrest “by organizing union protests.” France has condemned their unfounded detention and demanded their immediate release.
- Why is it important: The incident is likely to further complicate relations between Iran and France as broader talks on reviving a nuclear deal stall. Two other French nationals are being held in Iran on national security charges.
At least 70 injured as Palestinians and Israeli police clash around funeral
At least 20 people were arrested around violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces in East Jerusalem on Monday night, including five suspects in a car crash incident, Israeli police said on Tuesday. . The Palestinian Red Crescent on Monday said 71 Palestinians had been injured in clashes, which took place around a funeral.
- Background: Israeli police said six police officers were injured in Monday’s confrontation, two of which required medical treatment. Violence erupted around the funeral of Walid Al-Sharif, 23, who died Saturday in hospital from injuries sustained during unrest at the Al Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem last month.
- Why is it important: The violence comes just days after clashes between Israeli and Palestinian forces at the funeral of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Abu Akleh was shot in the head in the West Bank as she covered up an Israeli army raid.
What to see
Iraqi Yazidi activist Nadia Murad said: “Sexual violence is a weapon of war to destroy communities who are working to make sure oppressive regimes are held accountable for their crimes. .
Watch her interview here:
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Britain’s colonial past is returning to public debate as Libya demands the return of what experts say are 1,800-year-old marbles that now decorate a park owned by the British Royal Family.
Today’s marbles make up the Temple of Augustus in Windsor Great Park, a royal estate in Berkshire, England. But like many artifacts held by former colonial powers, the marbles are not of British origin.
The early structures were built in Leptis Magna, a Phoenician settlement on the north coast of Africa, in what is now modern Libya, said Josephine Quinn, professor of ancient history at Oxford University told CNN, adding that they date back 1,800 years. .
According to Mohamed Shaban, a lawyer based in London, Mr. Mohamed Shaban, a lawyer based in London, sent a letter of notice to his attorney to the Crown Estate informing them of their claims.
“So far, my guidance has been easy and simple to initiate a dialogue with the aim of reaching a friendly agreement with the Crown,” Shaban told CNN.
He said: “The Crown’s lawyers simply sent polite but unsubstantiated handwritten letters, adding that there was “nothing to discuss, whether litigation in British courts or mediation”. through UNESCO’s mediation services”. The Leptis Magna site in Libya was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.
The Crown Estate told CNN that the Leptis Magna columns “were installed in Virginia Water in the early 1800s” and that they “remain on public display and are an important and valuable feature of the Virginia Water landscape.” .”
“They continue to be visited by millions of visitors each year at Windsor Park,” the Estate added.
Leptis Magna and marbles taken from the area have “defined the identity of the Libyan people”, said Hafed Walda, a UK-based Libyan archaeologist who advocates their return. . Libya’s cities are home to a number of Romanesque structures, many dating from the 2nd century AD.
By Nadeen Ebrahim
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