Marhaba.
I live in Lebanon, Aley district. Israeli airstrike targets are at proximity of my location. Beirut, and particularly Dahieh, is completely visible from my balcony. There are also refugees sheltered in my town.
Other things to know about me: I am a leftist, and a legal and political writer.
P.S. I will answer anything (as it is with AMA posts), not only issues pertaining to the recent events.
What has been the response of the lebanese goverment about the israeli incursion on the south?
The Prime Minister has been calling for a ceasefire and the application of resolution 1701 (which on the one handdefunds hezbollah and replaces it with the Lebanese army, and on the other hand forces Israel to withdraw from the south). Of course, the resolution is unfeasible but that’s a whole different matter.
From the humanitarian aspect, the government is employing a support plan in cooperation with NGOs and the UN to help and accommodate refugees. The state’s treasury is dry so most assistance depends on donations.
For context: the cabinet was officially dissolved in late 2022 but was not replaced since we still await the election of a new president. In other words the current government is effectively useless.
Where does different Lebanese political parties stand on the current Israeli attacks and potential invasion? What about the stance of Lebanese people in the north and south?
There has been a divide in the Lebanese political scene since 2005. The march 8 coalition was pro-syrian and pro-resistance, while the march 14 coalition was against the Syrian occupation and is critical of Hezbollah. The current anti-resistance discourse is blaming Israeli invasion on Hezbollah, same as with the war in 2006)
Despite their differences all parties and share a common stance of anti-zionism. Though their modus operandi obviously diverges: some support the resistance axis whole others are critical of it and demand enforcing UNSC reaolution 1701. Note that these differences go beyond sectarian lines. For example the Free Patriotic Movement (christian party) is an ally of Hezbollah, while the Lebanese Forces (also a christian party) staunchly opposes Hezbollah. The Progressive Socialist Party (majority druze party) tip toes between the two sides depending on the context.
As for the North-South divide, there can surely be some disconnect from the part of citizens in the North. But shelters have been opened across the country in solidarity with our displaced brethren.
How much of a case for optimism do you feel there is right now? Are we witnessing the start of some even darker times than we have seen in the last year or are these the last dying spasms of the Zionist project? And how does your opinion on this match your neighbors, colleagues, friends and family?
No optimism in sight. The Zionist entity is far from collapsing anytime in the foreseeable future considering all the funding it gets from the West. I think its destiny is connected with that of the United States. Keep in mind that this is not our first war with the entity.
From the Lebanese point of view, the curewnt zeitgeist is a pessimistic one, almost to a numbing effect. In 2019, mass protests occured against the sectarian establishment. In 2020, the economic crisis happened. Also 2020 vovid happened and has only died down (or given less attention) in late 2023. And now the Israeli invasion.
As a leftist, I look at the issues from the feasibility of a proletarian revolution which had looked hopeful prior to 7 october with how the economy was moving. But the working class is still divided by culture wars and strategies employed by the sectarian bourgeoisie. In 2022-23 a surge against syrian refugees and immigrants took place, officials here like in Europe claim that the immigrants are the reason for the economic crisis to alleviate their responsibility from the mess they created since the 90s due to neoliberal austerity measures. Anyways I am digressing. Point is, we need rebuild the political left as well as the labor movement. These opinions do not reflect those of the average Lebanese.
What do you believe is the most effective way for Westerners to be in solidarity the people of Lebanon and the resistance? Examples: educating their peers to support Lebanon and against Zionists, contributing money to specific organizations or fundraisers, making direct ties with front groups, engaging in direct action against equipment intended for Zionists, BDS, etc.
Please stay safe and as healthy as you can.
Ideally overthrowing the bourgeoisie in the West ;)
Any contribution for the anticolonial cause, be it material or immaterial, is cherished. I am afraid I cannot as of now recommend any organisation to donate to for aiding refugees (maybe the red cross and red cresent??) but I will look into it. And thank you for your wishes.
Red Cross aren’t terrible, but note some of their orgs are very cringe. Be aware which one you support and what they do internally in the country, too.
This is an alt account. I come from another instance. Your recent integration into the fediverse is a blessing :)
