Lebanon's PM Does Not Thank Washington for the 'Opportunity' to Normalize
Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s declaration that his nation is 'far from' diplomatic relations with Israel (as reported by The Independent) isn't exactly groundbreaking news for anyone paying attention. What the mainstream press often omits is the rather inconvenient history: Israel's repeated invasions and occupations of Lebanese territory (1978, 1982-2000, 2006). One might wonder why a
country that has endured decades of bombs, displacement, and the 1982 Sabra and Shatila massacres orchestrated by Israeli allies might not rush to shake hands. Perhaps Lebanon simply isn't interested in a 'peace deal' where the terms are dictated by the aggressor, often with heavy encouragement from Washington, which consistently funnels billions in aid and weaponry to Israel, irrespective of its
actions. While US politicians routinely stress the importance of 'stability' in the Middle East, they simultaneously arm one side to the teeth, then express bewilderment when the other side isn't rushing to normalize relations. How many more 'peace plans' will be floated before the media acknowledges that occupation and collective punishment aren't exactly olive branches?