Abrams Instigates March 14: Will Sunnis and Christians Ask West to Reject Mikati Reception?

Local Editor

In an article entitled "The Resistance in Lebanon" published by the "Foreign Affairs Council" in the United States, the US National Security Council consultant in the Bush era Elliot Abrams wrote "Mikati will be a competent official; he's a talented man and a hugely successful businessman. He has close ties to Syria and Hizbullah, and it is clear which side is in power in Lebanon."

Abrams considered "The influence of the United States in the Middle East is declining", noting that "This reflects the continuing reduction in American sway in the region."
The last straw may have been the decision to send an ambassador to Syria by recess appointment despite the Senate's unwillingness to confirm the Administration's candidate. That foolish gesture must have indicated to the Syrians and to Hizbullah that the Administration had learned nothing from two years of insults and rebuffs by Damascus."

Elliot triggering incitement, questioned "Will the Sunnis and Christians ask the Obama Administration and the Government of France, and indeed the Arab League, to refuse to receive Mikati, and try to make it impossible for him to keep his poisoned office?" adding "Second, will the United States make it clear that a Hizbullah-governed Lebanon cannot be our partner?"

Elliott ended his article with a key question on whether the March 14 will resist, and whether the US is willing to back them.