The Arabist

The Arabist

By Issandr El Amrani and friends.

Siniora appeals to dips

Josh Landis has Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's address to the Diplomatic Corps in Beirut. An excerpt:

Is the value of human life in Lebanon less than that of the citizens of other countries?

Can the international community stand by while such callous retribution by the State of Israel is inflicted on us?

Will you allow innocent civilians, churches, mosques, orphanages, medical supplies escorted by the Red Cross, people seeking shelter or fleeing their homes and villages to be the casualties of this ugly war?

Is this what the international community calls self defense? Is this the price we pay for aspiring to build our democratic institutions? Is this the message to send to the country of diversity, freedom and tolerance?