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More people were killed in Lebanon yesterday in yet another unjustified clash between supporters of the ruling majority and their opponents. The fighting in the north followed similar street battles in the Eastern Bekaa Valley last week.
The violence which threatens to shatter the Doha Agreement, signed a month ago, to end a two-year political deadlock, is a symptom of the new political crisis.
A new president, Michel Sulaiman, was elected following the Doha Agreement, raising hope of the restoration of normalcy in the tiny country.
But the second point in the agreement - forming a new unity government - has yet to be implemented. Major parties cannot agree on the allocation of key ministerial portfolios, especially defence and finance.
Prime Minister-designate Fouad Siniora has been promising to present a cabinet since late May. But he has yet to deliver on this promise.
The political vacuum provides ample room for violence which in turn will make dialogue and political concessions difficult. It would really become ridiculous if the Lebanese need another Doha deal to form a government. Is anybody still taking the Lebanese leaders seriously? We would be surprised if another Arab mediator stepped in.
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