Lebanese Army Chief’s Remarks Spark Political Row
Remarks by Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal on the military’s role and national policy have sparked a political dispute over the army’s authority, its relationship with the government and who has the right to define patriotism. Addressing troops, Haykal declared: “The army’s policy is the national policy, and anyone who does not agree with it is on the other side.” He added: “Anyone who speaks ill of their country’s army is not suited to Lebanon and has no right to be here.”
