Hezbullah's Blatant Manipulation of the Press
Okay, so for weeks we've heard that Hezbullah will be out in the streets en force today, to protest the "pro-Western" Lebanese government and otherwise make life miserable for those opposed to Syria's puppet reign.
Now that photographs are pouring in, we get to see shots like this:
Compare this to previous Hezbullah rallies, and see if you can make out the difference:
As has been noted fairly extensively, Hezbullah is very adept at manipulating the media. The fact that these protesters are so blatantly identifying themselves as "Lebanese"--rather than identifying themselves with the usual Hezbullah, Iranian, and Syrian flags--it is apparent to me that Hezbullah has sent out a little internal memo to its rally organizers, instructing them that it would be most prudent to wrap themselves in the Lebanese flag, to couch the argument in terms that they're somehow "reclaiming" the Lebanese government for themselves.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Hezbullah remains a group whose strings are pulled by the Opthamologist and Dr. Spongebob Nuclearpants. To consider them even remotely pro-Lebanese is farsical at best.
One other possibility here, just as an aside: According to the pro-Lebanese website From Beirut to the Beltway, the March 14th (thanks, Austin) group is planning massive demonstrations in Beirut today as well, to counter the Hezbullah invaders (and really, what better word is there for a group of the population that intends to turn control of one's nation over to a neighboring nation?). It's possible, but not likely, that we're actually looking at a group of March 14th'ers here. The reason I would suggest that this is Hezbullah-in-drag, though, is that most of the signs in the crowd are in Arabic, not generally the language employed by March 14.
As always, events in Lebanon are complex. Hopefully, my Lebanese compatriots can continue to update us with their side of what's going on over there. Stay safe, y'all!
For extensive Lebanon coverage: Jeha's Nail, From Beirut to the Beltway, Free Cedar.
I know I've been silent on the latest AP scandal--and I have a good reason for being so! Everyone else has covered it extensively already, and I don't really have anything insightful to add to their brilliant observations! What can I say? Kurt at Flopping Aces has done a spectacular job of tossing some egg at the AP's face -- or rather, pointing out the egg that the AP put there itself!
To make up for it, here's a "Flatima" wannabe sighting, following the break, from today's Hezbullah rally. Enjoy! (If you read Arabic, I'd be delighted to hear a translation for the sign behind our dear Flatima impersonator!)
UPDATE: I'm not the only person who noticed the conspicuous absence of that disgusting yellow flag. Howdy, GatewayPundit! It's good to be in esteemed company such as yours!
Update: Extensive coverage from Abu Kais at From Beirut to the Beltway, cross-posted at Michael Totten's website. Continue reading »
Now that photographs are pouring in, we get to see shots like this:
A Lebanese Hezbollah supporter sits on a street light as he waves a Lebanese flag during a demonstration to force the resignation of Western-backed Prime Minister Fuad Saniora, in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday Dec. 1, 2006. Hundreds of thousands of protesters from Hezbollah and its pro-Syrian opposition allies descended on downtown Beirut on Friday in a peaceful but noisy protest to force the resignation of Western-backed Prime Minister Fuad Saniora, who was holed up in his office along with several ministers ringed by hundreds of police and combat troops. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
Compare this to previous Hezbullah rallies, and see if you can make out the difference:
Flags, in order: Hezbullah, Amal movement (aligned with Hezbullah), Lebanon, Iran.
As has been noted fairly extensively, Hezbullah is very adept at manipulating the media. The fact that these protesters are so blatantly identifying themselves as "Lebanese"--rather than identifying themselves with the usual Hezbullah, Iranian, and Syrian flags--it is apparent to me that Hezbullah has sent out a little internal memo to its rally organizers, instructing them that it would be most prudent to wrap themselves in the Lebanese flag, to couch the argument in terms that they're somehow "reclaiming" the Lebanese government for themselves.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Hezbullah remains a group whose strings are pulled by the Opthamologist and Dr. Spongebob Nuclearpants. To consider them even remotely pro-Lebanese is farsical at best.
One other possibility here, just as an aside: According to the pro-Lebanese website From Beirut to the Beltway, the March 14th (thanks, Austin) group is planning massive demonstrations in Beirut today as well, to counter the Hezbullah invaders (and really, what better word is there for a group of the population that intends to turn control of one's nation over to a neighboring nation?). It's possible, but not likely, that we're actually looking at a group of March 14th'ers here. The reason I would suggest that this is Hezbullah-in-drag, though, is that most of the signs in the crowd are in Arabic, not generally the language employed by March 14.
As always, events in Lebanon are complex. Hopefully, my Lebanese compatriots can continue to update us with their side of what's going on over there. Stay safe, y'all!
For extensive Lebanon coverage: Jeha's Nail, From Beirut to the Beltway, Free Cedar.
I know I've been silent on the latest AP scandal--and I have a good reason for being so! Everyone else has covered it extensively already, and I don't really have anything insightful to add to their brilliant observations! What can I say? Kurt at Flopping Aces has done a spectacular job of tossing some egg at the AP's face -- or rather, pointing out the egg that the AP put there itself!
To make up for it, here's a "Flatima" wannabe sighting, following the break, from today's Hezbullah rally. Enjoy! (If you read Arabic, I'd be delighted to hear a translation for the sign behind our dear Flatima impersonator!)
UPDATE: I'm not the only person who noticed the conspicuous absence of that disgusting yellow flag. Howdy, GatewayPundit! It's good to be in esteemed company such as yours!
Update: Extensive coverage from Abu Kais at From Beirut to the Beltway, cross-posted at Michael Totten's website. Continue reading »
Well, in an update to 
Now that Hezbullah has suddenly morphed into a 
