Introduction to the evening news 10-08-2012

For the second day in a row, Michel Samaha is making the news headlines despite Washington’s announcement this evening that the U.S. accuses Hezbollah of providing training, advice and extensive logistical support to Assad's government.         

Then why is Samaha’s case still at the forefront? Simply because the current indices are contradictory to investigations and analyses: the investigations conducted by the ISF’s Information Division reached their final stages and includes documented confessions and filmed evidence proving that Samaha was involved in plotting several explosions in north Lebanon. When investigations are over, the detainee and the case will be referred to the military court; the referral is not expected to take place before tomorrow.           

In this regard, a cloud of ambiguity is still surrounding an alleged phone call conducted by Syrian President Bashar Assad to official Lebanese figures to discuss Samaha’s case. However, the Central News Agency quoted Baabda’s visitors as saying that President Sleiman has not received such a phone call, adding “President Assad might have called some Lebanese political figures.”       
Some indices, like the fact that the  majority and March 8 figures are still remaining silent, are noteworthy. In fact, no comment was heard from House Speaker Nabih Berri or General Michel Aoun. However, MP Simon Abi Ramia said that the Change and Reform bloc refuses to voice its stance on the case before it is clarified.             

In international positions, France declared that if the charges against Samaha reported in newspapers turn out to be true, they would be exceptionally dangerous.        

Herein lies the question: “What will prevail? Evidence, proofs and confessions, or domestic and foreign pressure?         

When the case reaches the military court, there are two options: an arrest warrant and a transfer to Roumieh, or a release. In both cases,  a problem is foreseen: if Samaha is arrested, Syria and the March 8 coalition will object, and if he is released, the March 14 coalition will object and will use this release as an excuse to hold on to the STL.