Chadi Hileneh, "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency

Formation Delay...Could It Spark Arab Discontent with Aoun and Salam?

Source: The Path is clear, yet there are concerns about falling into Lebanon's traditional power game

Every day of delay in forming President Joseph Aoun’s first government extends the lifespan of the accumulated crises in Lebanon. This delay is merely a natural result of the immense complexities and conditions imposed by the political forces, which have effectively trapped Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam in his mission. Consequently, what is happening serves no one’s interests.

This complication arises despite the conditions set by international sponsors for reconstruction and Israeli withdrawal, which require all parties to address the political shifts in the region. These shifts carry the potential for good and hope, promising a radical change that could restore Lebanon’s natural position within its Arab and international environment, presenting a golden opportunity. Yet, nothing has yielded from this, and the pillars of political power behave as though nothing has changed. Meanwhile, the expectation is that all parties should cooperate to restore sovereignty, overcoming personal interests, and prioritizing the Lebanese state above all else, as stated by an Arab diplomatic source involved in the Lebanese file.

In a conversation with "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency, the same source referred to what Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had said: "We will need to see real action, we will need to see real reform, and we will need to see a commitment to a Lebanon that looks to the future, not to the past, so we can increase our participation". The source concluded that, in short, nothing prevents the President and Prime Minister from ruling, as the path has been paved for them. However, the concern remains that they may fall into the trap of traditional power struggles, undermining all that was said about their revolutionary and transformative approach, which characterizes their path and personal history.

The source continues: "Therefore, they must categorically reject all forms of extortion from any party, especially since any reform, investment, and, most importantly, reconstruction are tied to the formation of a government that is both acceptable internally and valued externally".