Hope in Lebanon

[selenite0]

Hundreds of thousands of protestors--over a million by some reports--are marching to demand Syria leave Lebanon. They're massively outnumbering the pro-Syrian protestors Hezbollah fielded (without even getting into whether Hezbollah was importing ringers). Syria's already promising to withdraw at least partially. If things go well Lebanon could get some real political freedom, and Syria's dictatorship could collapse.

Seeing a couple of dominos wobbling is making me feel a lot more optimistic about the war.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_nymphette_/]

This kinda of stuff just make me want to jump up and cheer.

Peacefull demonstrations in the arab world... remember when that was a myth? : )

If the Palestinians will just jump on board, we're home free!

Support the masses against their oppressors!

[p-o-u-n-c-e-r.livejournal.com]

I would hope that those in The Movement who train for non-violent protest and gentle acts of sabotage and resistance are sending trainers to spread those techniques in Iran, Lebanon, Kuwait, etc.

I don't quite agree that war is unnecessary but I do agree it should be near the bottom of the list of options; and those who argue that war IS unnecessary have a rather long list of alternative approaches that I have no objection (and quite a fondness) for seeing tried. Walk up to the soldier and stick a daisy into his rifle barrel -- let me know how it works out for you. Honestly. Go for it. I think such techniques have a real place in the grand scheme of things. And I think there are plenty of experienced people who have devoted decades to practicing the gentle arts of political demonstration at World Trade Organization meetings and like venues -- who have real lessons to teach to neophyte political organizers in nations on the cusp of revolution.

It's not my particular thing. My thing, thirty pounds and twenty years ago, was going places, breaking things, killing people -- and setting up radios. And painting the rocks in the parking lot. Army stuff, you know. Nowadays I'm just responsible for making sure the younger guys have what THEY need when they GP,BT,%KP. But I'm not adverse to other people doing other things. Much the reverse, actually.