The question circulating across Lebanese political commentary since the signing of the Washington framework agreement is straightforward: if Hezbollah and Amal oppose the agreement, reject its terms, and consider it a betrayal of their community, why do their ministers remain in the Salam government that signed it? Why not resign? The question assumes that resignation is an act of principle. It is not. In Lebanon’s confessional system, resignation from government is an act of strategic self-destruction. Hezbollah and Amal will not leave the cabinet because leaving the cabinet would accomplish every objective their opponents have failed to achieve through negotiation, legislation, or force. The decision to stay is not a contradiction of their rejection of the framework agreement. It is [...]
