There has been some discussion floating about in the aether about how Hizbollah at least will spin it's new found power. For a long time it referred to itself as a 'resistance' movement, now it looks more like an 'occupier'. Especially with the group moving into areas that it has historically not enjoyed a popular base of any kind! Fighting Druze in the east, fighting Sunni's on the outskirts of Tripoli. Hizbollah has come a long way from a South Lebanese 'resistance' movement.
It does look more and more like a coup. Although it appears to be one not against the government, as the army is largely staying out of conflicts, but between the various militias (the few sentences detailing how the Left is the only force without one) around the country. It's Hizbollah v. Them, not the elected government. Which I'd imagine it is seeking to control once it established itself as the strongest force in the country.
Now we've got commentary saying Hamas is going to have to change it's rhetoric too. I find this to be preposterous.
First of all, Hizbollah is roaming free making it's own destiny in Lebanon, while Palestinians in Gaza are subject to frequent Israeli raids (the legitimacy need not be delved into here). There is still a external 'big bad' to resist on a regular basis! Hamas may have defacto control over Gaza, but Israel is still providing a target to resist.
Secondly, Gaza is in a much more precarious position. Economically crippled and walled off from both Egypt and Israel unable to sustain itself. Lebanon as a whole is in a completely different situation.
Hamas may be in a position where it is 'causing' Israel to act, but the actions it is causing only reinforce it as a resistance force.
See Also: Arabic Media Shack on Lebanon.
UPDATE:
LATimes piece on Sunni Militias.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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