THREAD ON LEBANON: 1- It’s fascinating that some still look at #Lebanon as an economic crisis. It’s fascinating that some still refuse to look at the elephant in the room. Lebanon is under an Iranian occupation - non-traditional, and via proxy - but an occupation indeed.
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Hanin Ghaddar
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A very brave woman from #Dahiyeh - She’s probably being intimidated by #Hezbollah today after what she said last night.
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1- The Maritime Agreement between Israel and Lebanon deserves support for 2 main reasons: First, No matter how you look at it, this is an agreement between #Lebanon and #Israel, and an actual recognition of Israel by #Hezbollah. #ترسيم_الحدود_البحرية
This is priceless!! #Hezbollah Minister forgot to switch accounts and basically praised himself on twitter 😂
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And it's finally out - my policy paper on Hezbollah and Lebanon- I know its long, but if you're into #Hezbollah-Shia dynamics and #Lebanon policy, you might like the details . This is adapted from a book I'm finalizing. -
#LebanonProtests: This is today. #Nabatieh - or what used to be #Hezbollah’s heartland - defies stereotypes, threats, and intimidation. This is Hezbollah’s worst nightmare.
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Hussein Qawouk is awesome 👏🏼🤩 His intelligent humor is so good that #Hezbollah launched a campaign against him. You gotta love him:
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From
RYAN
Just in - video allegedly showing crowds from #Lebanon’s town of Ali Annahri besieging #Hezbollah MP Hussein Haj Hassan in the hussaineieh of the town. This is a #Shia town btw. Hezbollah is facing unprecedented Shia anger, now turning directly against the group.
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The resignation of #Lebanese government is a mere distraction from the real problem: The Mafia-Militia control over Lebanon state institutions. The #Mafia_Militia rule must end!!
1- I’m very proud and happy that my book on and the community is out – after years of interviews, research, exploring Dahiyeh streets/families/people, and endless memories of home and childhood coming back to haunt me -
Thread on #LokmanSlim:
1-I’m heartbroken and full of indescribable anger, but I feel obliged to push myself to say a few things about the assassination of my amazing friend Lokman Slim and the context of his assassination. Some of this is missing from the rhetoric:
#شيعة_لا_حزباللهيين amazing hashtag going around - “non-Hezbollah Shia” in #Lebanon breaking the silence and expressing their opposition to #Hezbollah.
THREAD: #Hezbollah quagmire between #Idlib #Iran and the #coronavirus:
First, various reports coming from Idlib indicating major losses within Hezbollah forces, against Turkish and Turkish-supported #Syrian rebels 1/9
#Nasrallah just said #Hezbollah has 100,000 fighters. This is a big exaggeration, even if you include the reservists. In addition, quantity is one thing, but quality of their fighters has been shaken by long wars, budget shifts, and emergency recruiting during #Syria.
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طائرة قطرية غادرت طهران قبل ساعات وحطت قبل قليل في مطار بيروت الدولي وهذا مسار رحلتها. هل الطائرة هي طائرة ركاب او طائرة شحن؟ وماذا تحمل؟. اليس المطار مقفلا؟ .. QTR8320 وصلت الساعة 9.43 الى المطار!!..
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2- The rhetoric of “Israel does not exist and this is an occupied land etc…” will become irrelevant under the new reality. Hezbollah cannot say they will never negotiate with an enemy/occupier, because they just did.
Today: The amazing Iraqis are still coming to #TahrirSquare, despite all the violence. #IraqProtests ❤️❤️❤️
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This is going around - allegedly #Dahiyeh today. According to #Nasrallah, #Hezbollah has 100,000 fighters - but they won’t clean their own streets. #says_tons👇🏼
Just in: My piece for on #LokmanSlim assassination and its context - In #Lebanon, Lokman Slim's Assassination Proves #Hezbollah Is Vulnerable
2- #Hezbollah protects all corruption and hinders all reforms. They kill! Nothing can be resolved while they’re blocking all roads to save Lebanon. Nothing, NOTHING, can happen without their approval or direct orders. The past year was the decisive proof. Even the French saw it.
My take on #Lebanon #BeirutExplosion, and why the #US should take the lead on this major political moment - like it did in 2005, post #Hariri’s assassination -
It’s beyond painful to watch your country withering from afar, knowing that this is going to be a slow and excruciating death. And the worst part is when some of us do not have the choice to go and say goodbye. Exile is pure pain. #Lebanon, I miss you in the most broken sense.
#GebranBassil is finally getting the slap he deserves tomorrow - Trump Administration Set to Sanction Top Pro-Hezbollah Politician. #LebanonProtests #Lebanon wsj.com/articles/trump
6- See the problem? Realize the pattern? Ok let’s please focus. Lebanon is not going through an economic crisis. The economic collapse is a result of a worse problem: occupation!
#LebanonOccupied #FreeLebanon #LiberateLebanon
#Lebanon party scene these days 🤦🏻♀️ When there’s no accountability for armed militias violence, port explosion, and assassinations, people will naturally resort to this kind of show off - video allegedly shows a party in #Tyre in the south of Lebanon - twitter.com/CJ_0044/status
We lost #LokmanSlim and are left with these assholes who think #Hezbollah gave them the “Shia”power. #Tfeh... This is not #Shia power - this is #Hezbollah control over #Lebanon AND the Shia community, both of which collapsed under their arms.
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3- Second, an agreement that focuses on the econ. interests of the 2 countries will elevate stability. Hezbollah’s war rhetoric will eventually fade out. On the long run, the resistance narrative will be outdated – the group itself chose the benefits of negotiations with Israel.
Events in #Lebanon are a clear message: if you continue to call for justice, you’ll have civil war. The story is still developing and details are gradually revealed, but one thing is clear - investigation of #BeirutBlast have reached a serious level. All my support to Judge Bitar
Turning people into beggars is not a solution to the crisis - #Hezbollah thinks they can maintain loyalty by displaying bread. They used to be smarter and more strategic 🤦🏻♀️
Video of the day - as Lebanese can no longer withdraw US dollars from banks, they can at least be creative about it - #LebanonProtests #لبنان_ينتفض
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That’s it - Beirut’s lights are out. No electricity, and no hope:
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From
Mark Stone
Seems that in #Shouf, Wahab and Erslan (Hezbollah and Assad puppets) lost, but not to Jumblatt, but to the awesome opposition 🤩
Amazing! Not a single mention of #Hezbollah involvement in the #Khaldeh clashes earlier today. According to the #LAF, it was a clash between the Khaldeh Arab tribes and some “residents” in the area. Unbelievable! 🤦🏻♀️
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بتاريخه وقع إشكال في منطقة خلدة قرب سوبر ماركت رمال بين أشخاص من عرب خلدة وعدد من سكان المنطقة على خلفية رفع راية لمناسبة عاشوراء، وما لبث أن تطور إلى إطلاق نار من أسلحة رشاشة وقذائف آر بي جي ما أدى إلى سقوط قتيلين وعدد من الجرحى.
#الجيش_اللبناني
bit.ly/2YFyixw
BREAKING #Lebanon - reports of 3 banks in Saida - southern Lebanon - been targeted with explosive devices: Fransa Bank, Blom, and Med Bank. This follows the campaign against #BDL and banks by recent protests, and #Hezbollah campaign against #RiadSalameh and the banking sector 1/2
10- Personally, I was “fighting” – to survive and preserve what is left. Today, I feel I have to “fight back” – not to preserve what is left, but to regain what we’ve lost. This is the only way to honor Lokman, his incredible courage, and his beautiful mind. RIP my friend.
3- Humanitarian assistance is crucial, but won’t solve the problem. Elections (May 22) is vital, but it will mean nothing! When Hezbollah lost elections in 2005, they used their guns to force everyone to go to Doha and form the unheard-of “National Unity Government.”
4- Third, no matter how hard Hezbollah is trying to spin it as a victory, it’s not working. The internal Lebanese reactions – except the group’s and Bassil’s crowds – are happy with the deal but are critical of Hezbollah’s role in it.
A #Hezbollah member (from the reserves) joins the #LebanonProtests and cuts his Hezbollah membership card to pieces. Another one bites the dust 😁
Please meet Hajj Issam Khalifeh - A pious and influential #Hezbollah man from my hometown Ghazieh. I grew up with the likes of him - the "ethical, righteous, and trustworthy." Today, we find out that he is hoarding HUGE quantities of subsidized medicine (2nd photo). #Lebanon
Protests in #Lebanon and #Iraq Show That #Iran Is Losing the Middle East Through Bad Governance - My piece for #LebanonProtests #لبنان_يتنفض
WTH ? Is this for real? Very disappointing cover that can only be read as defense of the Iranian regime. ISIS will rise only if the Iranian regime stays powerful across the region.
, and all non-Lebanese media outlets in general, please stop printing these simplistic reports that miss the nuances and reality of the #Shiite community. Lebanon’s Shia are much more complicated that this. #Walaw! #BeirutExplosion
4- When they lost elections in 2009, they toppled Hariri’s government and used their arms again to form another National Unity Government. In 2022, in the unlikely scenario that they will lose, they will - AGAIN - use their arms.
2 videos of a former #Hezbollah commander, burning a large poster of Khomeini and khamenei in Aitit, south of #Lebanon. He says Khamenei is a dictator and accused Hezbollah. of violence and unjust treatment of people. As expected, he was threatened and forced to leave his town.
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5- Basically, Hezbollah cannot translate this into a political win in the presidential elections or even the government formation. It cannot use it to wash away its terrible actions and stances since 2019 (and earlier).
I think they’re just trying to buy time, as he and his allies are very desperate. I don’t think this is serious or would lead to any serious talks. Every time they’re pushed against the wall, Hezbollah tries to buy time. #Lebanon #BeirutBlast asiatimes.com/2020/08/lebano
Really looking forward to this
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تستضيف حلقة الليلة من برنامج #عشرين_30 الباحثة في معهد واشنطن لدراسات الشرق الأدنى حنين غدّار
@haningdr
@AlbertKostanian
@LBCILebanon
8- Israel will immediately start extracting gas and will gain most, while Lebanon will still has to see what Qana contains. What really happened is that Hezbollah gave security guarantees to Israel and the Lebanese people, but the economic benefits will depend on Qana AND Reforms
#LebanonProtests: More Shia going after #Nasrallah and holding him responsible. This one is from #Tyre
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Shia from #Hezbollah’s milieu protest in front of the house of Wafiq Safa -Hezbollah’s main security official in #Lebanon - in #Dahiyeh. The group can’t even provide for its own core community anymore. twitter.com/GinoRaidy/stat
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#Lebanon needs all the help it can get today, and it's amazing how many states, organizations, and individuals are rushing to help. But please make sure assistance does NOT go through Lebanese gov or political charities/institutions. We know where it would end. #BeirutExplosion
Most disturbing news - has been found killed in his car - after he disappeared overnight. I have no doubt that #Hezbollah has assassinated Lokman, only because he has a different opinion.
#Nasrallah today: Do not curse. Cursing is wrong. But we can beat you. Beating is OK. In the face of our violence and intimidation, you are only allowed to run and hide. He still hasn’t got it: these old tactics don’t work anymore. #LebaneseRevolution
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Hezbollah’s mouthpiece at Al-Akhbar is threatening me here. He attacks the military tribunal for reversing the prison sentence against me and adds “She will be punished in a different way.” So how are they planning to punish me then? 🤔
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محكمة عبقرية والله!
تدخلت في ما لا يعنيها، وقرأت القضية بالمقلوب، وتراجعت عن حكمها تحت ضغط سياسي على الأرجح.
هذه المخلوقة يا سادة تعاملت مع العدو، وحسابها من نوع آخر ايها السذج والاميون وعميان التظام الطائفي.
مع التحفظ على اعادة نشر مقالة من موقع قطري
almodon.com/media/2018/4/1
6- Regarding the opinion that Israel made too many concessions to Lebanon, that is not true –at least that’s not how many Lebanese political circles and media sees it. Lebanon started at a very low bar from the get go, and Hezbollah/Aoun actually made real concessions: 👇
A #Hezbollah fighter - Ali Mshayyek - released a video exposing the group's violations in Syria. He says he was 16 when he joined Hezbollah's fighting force, and he's now 36. He joined the group's operations in #Syria in 2012, and transferred to Qalamoun in 2016... (thread 👇)
2-No, #LokmanSlim was not “a prominent Lebanese activist.” Lokman was a prominent anti-Hezbollah critic, among other things. We all know what he did, how was repeatedly and directly threatened by Hezbollah, and where/how he was murdered.
To my friends in #Lebanon who thought this administration is not going to use sanctions to promote accountability in Lebanon - now you see? Not only it happened, the designation is on point, timely, and comprehensive. I’m personally very thankful #JihadAlArab is on the list 😁
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The United States is imposing sanctions on two corrupt Lebanese businessmen and a member of Parliament – an important step in promoting accountability in Lebanon. Lebanese officials must end corruption and take urgent action to address the crises the Lebanese people face.
For the first time ever, #Nasrallah has a Lebanese flag behind him during his speech! #LebaneseProtests #لبنان_ينتفض
Dear . I grew up in a Muslim community in Lebanon, and we've celebrated every Xmas before #Hezbollah was created. People just love the spirit of Xmas and Hezbollah is just playing the game. People are suffering, and blaming Iran for their isolation. 1/2
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Even Hezbollah, the Shiite political movement and militia that the United States has branded a terrorist organization, has helped ring in the season in previous years, importing a Santa to Beirut’s southern suburbs to distribute gifts. nyti.ms/2CxCDsg
Update: #Hezbollah thugs burnt The Hub’s tent after two days of attacks and harassment. If anything, this is a sign of weakness, not power. Shame on everyone within this political class for allowing this to happen. Tent or no tent, freedom will remain sacred. #LebanonProtests
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Despite #Hezbollah’s threats and intimidation to Shia protestors, #Nabatiyeh is back #lebanonprotest #لبنان_ينتفض
Mt latest Policy Watch on how #Hezbollah Has Created Parallel Financial and Welfare Systems to Manage the Current Crisis in #Lebanon - washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysi
#Hezbollah’s #Al-Manar crew attacked by residents in the in Doueir, #Nabatieh. They were filming people lined up in front of a gas station. People broke their cameras. Everyone - including Shia of Nabatieh know Hezbollah has been smuggling fuel to #Syria. nna-leb.gov.lb/ar/show-news/5
Everyone I talk to in #Lebanon say they’re OK. But they’re not OK. You cannot be OK when you live in a city that’s being raped by monsters every single day! Surviving this and staying alive is not OK. Only anger, accountability and justice are OK at this point. I’m very angry!
7-The timing: Hezbollah strikes when it is pressured, and this is why they targeted Lokman today. Lebanese Shia are blaming Hezbollah for the crisis, the Beirut Blast, and the miserable conditions of daily life. Lokman was targeted because he was the voice of this discontent.
Rabih tried to get in touch with me 3 days ago - right before he went missing. Just saw his msg today as I don’t check my inbox regularly. I feel bad I didn’t get back to him in time. It’s horrible - if anyone knows what he might have needed, PLEASE let me know. #ربيع_طليس twitter.com/GinoRaidy/stat
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Hezbollah’s Urban Missile Factories Put Civilians at Risk - I wrote this with my colleague two years ago. Reposting it now as the same issues still need to be resolved - and civilian lives are more at risk than ever.
7- Israel got all of #Karish – See this clip from #Nasrallah’s earlier comments on the negotiations. Lebanon completely dropped line 29, and although they got #Qana, we all know that Israel still has a share in its profits.
“Ya Sayyed [Hassan Nasrallah] you said the Shia won’t starve. We’re telling you, we are starving.” Shia addressing #Hezbollah’s leader as protests return to the streets in #Lebanon today.
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Second, some of the recordings made by #Hezbollah fighters indicate that the #Russians have abandoned them. See this video 👇🏼2/9
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Report from on how #Hezbollah is hiding patients with #COVIDー19 in its hospital Al Rasool Al Aatham. These patients came from #Iran and were not reported to the Lebanese authorities.
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تتم معالجة المصابين بسرّية تامة كي يتفادى “ #حزب_الله” ممول المستشفى، الإحراج طالما المرضى أصيبوا بالفايروس خلال تواجدهم في #إيران
#كورونا #مستشفى_رفيق_الحريري #الرسول_الأعظم #جنوبية #janoubia
janoubia.com/2020/03/05/%d8
40 #Hezbollah thugs beat up Ali Al Amin in his hometown #Chakra. #Lebanon. Al Amin, who’s running agst Hezbollah in the South, was just admitted to the hospital. He is in a bad shape, but will hopefully recover and continue his noble and peaceful fight against these terrorists
In case rumors on #Nasrallah death are true - I’m re-upping my piece on succession in #Lebanon - Lots of details here about #Hezbollah’s leadership and challenges of Nasrallah’s succession
Apparently, the Iranian people are not united around the regime after #SoleimaniAssassination. #IranProtests are back
4-Urging the Lebanese officials to hold accountable “those who commit such barbaric acts” is like asking Hezbollah to investigate itself. We all know that said officials and the Lebanese security and judiciary systems are not to be trusted.
9-His assassination was set as a message and I'm extremely worried about them. By assassinating Lokman, Hezbollah is terrorizing everyone in Lebanon, and eliminating the remaining small space of expression. We need to preserve this space and protect those in it.
Darkness engulfs #Beirut. At night and in the morning, it’s dark. When I left this city, it wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t even great, but it wasn’t dark, and it was still mine. The spaces that were ours - that used to offer a glimpse of belonging - are gone. Total darkness.
