It’s a bad season for Presidents. All over the Arab world leaders are fidgeting in their chairs. They're not sleeping well at night. They're sipping Rabeprazole at cocktail hour. And so they should. The Tunisian president had to make a run for it. Moubarak is about to go, today or tomorrow (although he may not realize it yet). The Arab leader in my household suddenly took the initiative this evening of actually helping clearing the table. Talking about revolution! The Jordanian king is trying to be ahead of the game by dismissing the parliament. That might work. And then again it might not. It would be a pity, I like the guy, but apparently quite a few Jordanians do not. We hear about demonstrations in Yemen and self-immolations in Algeria, Mauritania, and Saudi Arabia. Who’s next?
Yep, a bad day for Arab leaders. Will it be a good day for democracy? I doubt it, most of them will be replaced by another bad leader. But it’s a start. Isn't it good to see the other places in the Middle East be in trouble now and then, instead of us? Well, there is always Palestine. And Israel.
Beirut Sunset
And in Lebanon? Guys, it’s too ‘cold’ to go out and demonstrate. Today is the first ‘fresh’ day of the winter. It is 12 degrees Celsius in Beirut. The coldest one so far. The air is absolutely still, I can clearly see the mountains. The sunset tonight is absolutely stunning.
And then there’s the realization that we might be in trouble, but not as deep as Egypt, or Syria, or Jordan, or Saudi Arabia, or Libya, or Yemen. Isn’t that good news, for a change?
"it’s too ‘cold’ to go out and demonstrate" - Brilliant !
ReplyDeleteThe Lebanese had their shot at a revolution, and we ruined it. Besides, while people across the Arab world are demonstrating against their leaders, we have a tendency to demonstrate "for them", which kinda messes up the whole revolution spirit..
Let's hope this period of "relative stability" lasts. I hear the obsence of government is doing wonders to our gas prices (at least).
Cheers !
I'm trying not to worry just yet. I have been enjoying these past calm, clear, and refreshing days. Even made it up to Faraya this week..can't believe it took me so long to do that. What would it take to get the Arab leader in your household to help with the laundry? haha
ReplyDeleteExcellet post.