U.S. Official Hints al-Rahi’s Statements Jeopardize his Visit to Washington
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi arrives in Beirut on Sunday at the end of an official visit to France, as his controversial positions on Syria weren’t positively received by French officials and were strongly criticized by the March 14-led opposition.
A high-ranking U.S. official expressed his astonishment and dissatisfaction with al-Rahi’s speech in France regarding the popular uprising in Syria against President Bashar Assad and Hizbulla’s arms.
The official told An Nahar newspaper on Sunday that the Patriarch’s statements were “unjustified and reckless… and harms his reputation and his position.”
He criticized al-Rahi’s remarks that the popular uprising in Syria will help the Sunni extremists in there to control the country.
“These allegations are merely propaganda to help the Syrian regime,” the diplomat said.
He said that the patriarch was “blessing” Hezbollah’s arms by linking the party’s arsenal to the termination of Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory. Noting that “he (the Maronite Patriarch) realizes what many Lebanese know that Hizbullah’s arms don’t exist to defend Lebanon, and it’s just an extension of the Iranian influence (on the region).”
He added: “The way he spoke about the Sunnis reveals that the assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri doesn’t concern him.”
The official expected that al-Rahi’s visit to the U.S. next month will be only “pastoral.” Signifying that the U.S. officials might not meet him.
The Newspaper remarked that Bkirki will witness consecutive meetings after the Patriarch’s return to discuss the repercussions following his statements in Paris.
In an interview with al-Arabiya had stated on Thursday al-Rahi said: “Assad must be given a chance because he is implementing reforms in Syria.”
He warned that the Christians will pay the price if the Muslim brotherhood succeeded Assad.
Al-Rahi added: “As long as there is an occupied Lebanese territory, Hizbullah will maintain that it wants to carry arms in defense of its land. What will we say to it then?”
11 September 2011, 10:56
08
Pope John Paul II we need you and your fearless, uncompromising stands against the enemies of freedom and democracy.
11 September 2011, 11:26
81
Once again, Naharmrett quotes An Nahar, the toiletpaper of Fabrikante Marwan Hamade, the embodiment of filth, which quotes a "secretive" US official. Fabrikantes upon fabrikantes upon fabrikantes upon fabrikantes... STOP FOOLING THE IDIOTS THAT FOLLOW YOU. m3alla2in bi 7ibal al hawa
11 September 2011, 12:00
93
What a breath of fresh air, batrakna is... Sometimes the truth may hurt but its still the truth! Sorry mustaqbul movement and their gimps and foreign bosses. The batrak should only be traveling for pastoral visits and he will be preaching to the Lebanese Maronites, those of Ohio state, where the next presidential election might be decided as it was in 2004.
Let's not forget that Cardinal Patriach of Antioch al-Rahi, is also the leader of all Catholics and Maronites in Syria.
11 September 2011, 12:18
19
@Ado: You seem to be an ignorant worm. You speak as if the Batrak belongs only to you and your tribes from zughrta! The Batrak should not make statements that align the church with a criminal regime. Why do the Christians need protection in Syria from a minority regime and fear a majority regime? For your information, we the Christians of Syria existed prior to the Alawi regime of Assad and will continue to exist long after he and his filth are long gone. We don't need sponshorship and protection of anybody. We exist as part of being citizens of Syria. I suggest you shut your big mouth and stop pretending you are defending Christian rights or that you better know what is good for Christians.
11 September 2011, 12:23
06
I want to ask the Batrak: After the fall of the Sunni regime of Saddam Hussein and the take over by the Shiites, were the Christian rights in Iraq preserved? The answer is obviously NO. ALl sects were negatively affected in Iraq. To link the future of Moslems or Christians to a specific regime specially a brutal one is a big mistake for a religion whose teachings support the poor and deprived.
I hope this stance does not negatively reflect on the Christians anywhere.
11 September 2011, 12:35
06
I wonder if Iran will now extend an invitation to Al Rahi and whether he will accept it?
11 September 2011, 13:27
06
Kiss good bye any Christian survival in Mideast ! He has just killed off any hope! Jabal amel ur chance to wipe out all the Christians in Lebanon for good with ur Iranian friends! Good luck creep!
11 September 2011, 14:15
210
Poor guy, he was threatened and now he fears his life like Jumblat. As I said before,. all clerics sholuld stay ot of politics, specially the fat rat hiding in the hole.
Religion is the reason for Lebanon's sufferings.
11 September 2011, 14:49
07
monseigneur entered a path he can't continue ,he condemned all the moderate sunnis in one shot, he needs urgently some geopolitic lessons.
N.B. in egypt we were hearing everyday sunni/christians rift, now after the dictator is history, it is only anti zionist rift.....i repeat syria after assad family WILL NOT BE DIVIDED .PERIOD.
11 September 2011, 15:04
50
what happened to freedom of speech and opinion in the U.S? How sad
11 September 2011, 16:17
06
Comments such as "This is the freedom of speech and opinion that they believe in" are useless since they say nothing at all. Freedom of speech still means - last time I checked - that one can criticize whomever one wants. So if people want to criticize the speech of P. Rahi, people have the right to do as much, just as he keeps his right to express his opinions freely.
11 September 2011, 16:25
05
thks again rahi for clearing the picture,u make it easy for the majority moderate sunnis.
11 September 2011, 16:30
61
What about the arms and crime of Israel, is it not in the intrest of USA and Europe, others also have the right and free to hold and use either themselves or others. Dont forget Arms with Shia is an arm to protect the minoreties let that be cristian or jew. Arms of Hizballah is with right people who will resist and defend Lebanon.
11 September 2011, 16:35
06
Batrak,Moufti,Sheik Should mind there churches Mosque and PRAY that what they do BEST.
Leave politic to the politician
11 September 2011, 17:35
03
Bigdig, please allow me to explain- I can also draw pictures for you.
Freedom of speech means you can say what's on your mind without the fear of the government throwing you in prison, torturing you and all the other fun stuff your heroe Assad does to his people who dare ask for minimal rights. Freedom of speech does not mean if you say something stupid that the rest of us have to like it.
Rahi has the right to say he sides with the Assad regime/Hezbollah and Obama has the right to cancel his meeting. Both are free, and the FOS is alive and well.
Sometimes I see moments of wit in you, but occasionally you lay a brown egg!
11 September 2011, 18:31
10
really has "khaleds1@hotmail.com " post really gone un-noticedd.
where are our bretheren bel ouwet wel kataeb!!!!!!!!!
11 September 2011, 19:16
40
LOL so funny to read all your comments guy!
"he was threatened" LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Just because the guy woke up and saw the truth. Rather than judging, just state your viewpoint (if you have any). What he says makes perfect sense! You want to put pressure on hezbollah? Do the same on the other side and don't give them reasons to keep their weapons. Clear, straight forward, makes sense... So take it easy guys!
As for the regime in Syria, you are really stupid if you think the regime will disappear... Watch again the interview of Aoun at LBC. A wise man who represents today more than ever the majority of Christians. Sorry for the losers :)
11 September 2011, 20:02
10
http://mideastwire.wordpress.com/2011/09/11/feltman-angry-over-rais-comments/
This internet source says: "Feltman angry over Rai’s comments
One assumes this is Feltman talking to nahar"
My reaction to that is, what should Lebanon or anybody be worried about--when you cannot distinguish US leaked statements from Israeli leaked opinions? If the US is as doctrinaire, party-line, as Israel, then it means the US is also as incompetent as Israel.
Isn't that what meets the eye when you read these remarks from this unnamed official? He doesn't seem to know anything about the region. And why did he want to be unnamed? It all looks very weak. So what are you afraid of?
11 September 2011, 21:12
10
The truth always hurt, I guess when you say the truth for some is translated the other way, what he said is the core of the problem, if you want to remain in the conflict for another 30 years, well go for it, if not LIsten to Lebanese experts on the middle east conflict.
11 September 2011, 21:22
10
No one killed Christians more than the Americans in Iraq and Yogoslavia, if the American are edicted to the Arab oil, your are blind to the hidden policy for Americans and the west, it is a replica of political slavery and privilage and Anti-Lebanese policy.
11 September 2011, 21:25
10
Anti-Lebanese policy is the issue in the region, US and Europe. No matter what you say you always wrong and they are right. Lebanese need to be united enable to face the enemies of their nation. Why would you hide the zionist corrupted policy against Lebanon, air violation, and occupation. I guess the priest is real Lebanese andwhat he is trying is to unite Lebanese against the real threat and reform in the region. US and Europe never liked Lebanee and Lebanon and their blind support to Israel is the problem.
11 September 2011, 21:27
10
He is a good candidate for the next president and I will vote for him, god bless him, he is my sheik, my priest and my rabai.
11 September 2011, 21:52
01
Aligning yourself with the other hiding rat has hurt your reputation. If this is the way to re-claim the Lassa lands that belong to the church then you have lost legitimacy altogether. Media cannot be blamed because this is what they do for living, teach and spread love and be very outspoken when 2300 are massacred even if they are not loyal to the church because something is wrong with this picture.
11 September 2011, 22:44
10
@slash: take it easy man! No personal feelings... Stick to the facts, who has today the biggest christian representation in leb? Did you watch lbc with marcel lately? Even himself admits it? Yeah yeah I know he is threatened by terrorists' weapons...
Open your eyes guys. Argue with content and facts, leave your feelings for your girlfriend or your mum...
We are talking business and serious stuff here. I am open to any argument as long as it is supported by data...
11 September 2011, 23:04
01
Very disappointing statements indeed. Has the Hezbollah threat machine gotten to him as well.
11 September 2011, 23:10
02
Naharnet,
You must be joking to remove my response to BD explaining the freedom of speech. How ironic!
12 September 2011, 00:08
10
@Good guy : it's good to be good but it's silly to be naive! You have no real argument so all what you can say is : the threat of weapons got to him!
Man! wake up. I know you can be smarter than that. Just make an effort!
12 September 2011, 05:33
00
مرة اخرى ، من لا يملك يعطي من لا يستحق.... الى متى؟
حان الوقت الذي يصوم فيه اصحاب العمامات و القلنسوات باختلاف اشكالها و الالوان، عن التدخل فيما حقيقة ليس من امرهم و لا من نطاق اختصاصهم...
صمتك ايها “الراعى الطالح” كان اجدى، لو كنت تسمع او كنت تعقل...
النكبة التي لا ننتظرها، هي تاخر مسيحى الشرق و تقاعسهم عن نداءالحرية بانصاتهم لامثال “الطالح” و انشغالهم بمخاوف و اوهام لا جذور لها الا لاطالة الروح في انظمة ديكتاتورية بعيدة عن كل دين و عن الارباب كلها و عن اسباب رئيسة في تخلفنا.. و كأن مسيحيي الشرق افاقوا صباح ١٦ تشرين الثاني ١٩٧٠ ليجدوا انفسهم فجأة مواطنيين في وطن اسمه سورية....
خوفي بان مسيحيى الشرق اضحوا لاحقيين و تخلوا عن قيادتهم في هذا الشرق، و لربما ايضا عن جزء من مسيحيتهم ،و في نظري ، هذا اقسى و امر من ترك ا
12 September 2011, 05:49
00
Patriarch Al- Rahi is accusing the press and people of being shallow and misquoting him etc. The truth is that Pat. Al-Rahi is himself very shallow in his assessments. People seeking freedom and democracy will triumph over dictatorships and Al-Rahi still have time to retract his positions, else they will be remembered later and he will be sidelined since he stood on the wrong side of history, criminal acts of Assad and torture. Yuck, this sounds bad already. Let's hope that Pat. Al-Rahi will see the light before it is too late.
12 September 2011, 08:23
01
BigIdiot, obviously you have no concept of what "Freedom of Speech" means.
What do you think happens in Syria and Iran if you speak in public against Assad or Khameni? You are beaten, jailed, and possibly never seen from again. In the US and Europe, you can call the president any name in the book, and you won't spend one day in prison for it. Freedom of Speech doesn't mean you get special treatment or extra privileges for what you say, it means you won't be jailed or punished for voicing your opinion.
Al Rahi is free to speak his mind, and not be punished for it, but if his opinions align him with a murdering dictator, and an Iranian-funded terrorist murdering militia, then don't expect him to have special privileges at the White House.
Can you be any more ignorant?
12 September 2011, 08:56
10
Blind views regardnig the American Anti-Lebanese people, for years they sit and watch the Syrian regime killing Lebanese Christian nd Musloms they even helped them to invade Baabda. Again telling the truth will hurt many people. I guess AlRahi is a real Lebanese, who want to live in the south on daily bases of Israeli's war plane violation, including their drums of war. Think real and look to the core of the problem, who dumped or deported thousands of Palestinian refugees in the Lebanese land and guess what non of them can go back, even the terrorists or criminals, the govrnment cant deport them back to Israel, while US baby born from Lebanese parents have been deported from US, Christian, Jews or Musloms?
12 September 2011, 11:49
01
First of all, who is this "senior" US official (US Ambassador's to Lebanon under secretary)?
The murder of hariri is not a sunni isuue. One may criticize the hard line sunnis, al qaida, ikhwan muslimineen etc. that has nothing to do with the murder of hariri and the stl. harir was the PM of lebanon, before being a Muslim, and a sunni.
Al Rai is free to voice his opinion, we call that freedom of speech. We tolerate peoples' opinions and beliefs.
12 September 2011, 12:32
10
AlRahi is a great Lebanese and he spoke the truth about the core of the problem in the region. Why the Assad must give power to Sunnis if they don't garentees the future of Christians, Shia and all minorities inside Syria. AlRahi concerns about not repeating the same what happened in Iraq and Egypt.
To all of you who think that he is smarter than AlRahi on middle East issues is wrong.
12 September 2011, 14:23
00
god bless him for he knows what he says more than anyone else
12 September 2011, 19:57
00
You are with "US" or against "US" ...
I like the new unbiased and honest Patriarch
Mrbrain
13 September 2011, 12:39
00
BROTHERS it is about time for us to tolerate each other. people are always people, they say whatever they want to say, but please let us respect each others point of view...my sole interest is for us to rise to our human dignity and respect and cut the crap we throw at each other in our speeches xxxx
