Introduction to the evening news 10-03-2012

The upcoming week will be marked by the first anniversary of the Syrian uprising. On the eve of the anniversary, Syria saw a close race between diplomatic efforts and military solutions.      

At the diplomatic level, two developments were at the forefront. First, in Cairo, Russian foreign minister’s statements at the Arab League “made a breach in the crisis’ wall” while its dimensions are yet to be determined.   

At the military level, Syria saw a bloody Saturday in Idlib after the events in Homs extended to it.   

As for the Lebanese scene, “the billions’ file” was laid to rest after it settled at the prime minister’s table. However, the week did not see a convenient ending, whether at the democratic level or public safety level.   

The abused Ethiopian worker video aired on LBCI sparked frenzy whose echoes reached the cabinet and the concerned ministers, particularly the ministers of labor and justice. The video also drew reactions from the civil society committees and social media, which is seen as a positive move.  

Today, clashes erupted between the security forces and Kataeb students among which many were injured. However, official condemnations were absent from the scene expect for a reported move by PM Najib Mikati who called MP Sami Gemmayel and both agreed to send a students’ delegation to the Grand Serail on Tuesday. By the way, what would the history book recount about today’s demonstration and related violence?      

As for the public safety level, the rotten meat scandal has grown further given that new data have surfaced today.