Walid Jumblatt, leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, and Nabih Berri, head of the Amal Movement and Speaker of Parliament, have announced that their maximum acceptance regarding current negotiations is a return to the truce agreement. This position was delivered from Ain el-Tine, serving as a direct message to President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, both of whom are working to end the war and secure stability for Lebanon.
A History of Political Alliances
The current stance of Berri and Jumblatt is viewed against a backdrop of long-standing collaboration. In 1983, the alliance between the two figures led to the collapse of the May 17 agreement.
Since that period, the two have been accused of sharing state resources and impoverishing Lebanon by aligning themselves with the Iranian project of Hezbollah and the Syrian occupation authority. They previously defended the concept of “one people in two states” and the slogan of a “necessary and temporary” legitimacy.
Shifting Domestic and International Dynamics
Current conditions in Lebanon have evolved since 1983. There is now a broad consensus favoring peace across various sectors, including Christians, Sunnis, and a significant portion of the Shia community, despite some remaining silent.
the international climate has shifted, with the Arab community and the international society supporting peace. This movement is currently led by US President Donald Trump, whose influence is described as dominant in global affairs.
Allegations of Influence and Survival
The source suggests that these political positions are driven by personal interest and survival. Nabih Berri is described as having limited options due to the risks associated with opposing Hezbollah and the Iranian religious project.
Similarly, Walid Jumblatt is accused of prioritizing the maintenance of his influence and avoiding imprisonment or political replacement. This includes allegations that he allied with those responsible for the assassination of his father, Kamal Jumblatt, and advised former Prime Minister Saad Hariri to overlook the assassination of Rafik Hariri to maintain power.
The Conflict of Public and Private Stances
You’ll see claims that both Jumblatt and Berri maintain private convictions that contradict their public statements. While Jumblatt may support Prime Minister Salam in private, he is reportedly unable to align with him or President Aoun publicly from the platform of Ain el-Tine.
This duality has led to accusations that they act as mediators for Hezbollah to undermine negotiations and settlements, utilizing the political access they have maintained for forty years.
Potential Future Implications
The current political deadlock could lead to several scenarios. If Jumblatt and Berri continue to occupy a “grey area” between the state and Hezbollah, it may further complicate the efforts of the government and the presidency to reach a final settlement.
The international and Arab communities may continue to monitor and record these positions, which could influence future diplomatic relations with Lebanon. There may be increasing pressure to hold figures close to Jumblatt and Berri accountable for corruption, as the source notes that no such accountability has occurred since 1982.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current position of Walid Jumblatt and Nabih Berri regarding the conflict?
They have stated that the maximum they are willing to agree to is a return to the truce agreement.
Who are the state officials currently working to stop the war?
President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam are identified as the leaders working to stop the war and secure Lebanon’s safety.
Why is the May 17, 1983 agreement mentioned?
It’s mentioned given that the alliance between Berri and Jumblatt caused its collapse, marking the beginning of a long-term political partnership and alignment with Syrian and Iranian interests.
Do you believe a return to a truce agreement is sufficient for long-term stability in Lebanon, or is a broader peace settlement necessary?
