Introduction to the evening news 21-11-2011

It seems that the last week of November will be a decisive week in Lebanon and the region:        

In Lebanon, the issue of the STL funding is expected to be settled, positively or negatively, at this week’s cabinet session. This expected decision will take place in the wake of the STL president’s visit, on Wednesday, according to an STL communiqué comprising of the STL president’s first statement where he stressed his commitment to serve justice and speed up the tribunal’s work.      

On the schedule of Wednesday’s session, no doubt the STL funding will not be passed if put to vote. But what will be the stance of PM Mikati be after the funding fails? This is the major conundrum that can only be decrypted by PM Mikati who is making sure the decryption code stays in his pocket. Also, the possibility of a resignation is not ruled out as he may resign and flip the table on everyone.      

The second issue to be decided is the hubbub between the Arab League and Damascus: The League refuses any amendment to its initiative while Damascus is adamant to have these amendments made. This chasm will be the major item on the table of the Arab foreign minister’s meeting next Thursday.     

In light of these deadlines, Egypt returned to the forefront as more than 30 were killed and over 2,000 wounded in Tahrir square.