A new national-unity government with no celebrations

Rasha Hassan, 10-11-2009

At last, Lebanon has a new triumphant national-unity government after five months of intensive Lebanese efforts, yet Lebanese people as well as political analysts eye the situation with Cautious optimism.

Lebanese didn't celebrate after the announcement of the new government, there was no handing out of sweets, and no random showering of fire into the sky. It was a difficult pregnancy and the new government may still prove to bear problems within it.

Moustafa Koubesse, a private teacher, said that he hopes the government will act for the sake of Lebanon, for people need to rest, calling for putting economy and security as a priority
While, Rami Mazloum, a college student, said that the new government should work on providing jobs for youth; it also should work on preserving security and enhancing economy.

Besides, one of the major reasons behind the delay was a series of extensive discussions by Prime Minister Saad Hariri with Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader Michel Aoun.

However, an improvement in relations between regional power brokers Syria and Saudi Arabia in recent weeks has helped ease the rift in Beirut and led eventually to a power-sharing agreement.
"Finally, a government of national unity is born as we turn a new page that we hope will be based on consensus and partnership to serve Lebanon's best interests," Hariri said after the decree signed by both him and the president was made public.

In an interview with local political analysts on the formation of the Lebanese government, Dr. Rony Khoury said "I hope the government will last, we still have to wait, it's too early to judge but I am not optimistic regarding the latest developments in the region and its repercussions on the future of Lebanon".

Besides, Mr. Sassen Kawzally added that the formation of the government is another compromise in the future for more fractions, for any disruptive issue to be discussed may lead to an explosion , stressing that there are a lot of contradictory individuals inside the government and any detail on the agenda is a candidate subject for a blast.

Lebanon's journey to political stability seems to be strewn with challenges and setbacks, a new government has been formed but still the tide may turn with no previous warning.