The Scenario of "Tripoli’s Islamic Emirate": Reality Vs. Exaggeration
Linda Ajami
The so-called "Islamic Emirate" in North Lebanon: a Salafist scheme that explicitly aims to turn the capital of the North, Tripoli, into a militia camp for the so-called "Free Syrian Army" fighters and al-Qaeda members and fundamentalists.
The second capital of the Lebanese Republic is simply witnessing a battle on its civilization, identity and history. A view that was confirmed by Prime Minister Najib Mikati who said, "if the Lebanese Army had not taken the initiative, Tripoli would have been turned to an Emirate out of the state. This what made the Army firm in ending the clashes."
Amid all this, were the recent clashes a major stop on the road of implementing the Salafist project in Tripoli? What is the LA's role in such confrontation?
In the Arabic lexicon, Salafist in principle calls for following the good predecessors and making them the models of the present and the future. However, this terminology is shrouded with ambiguity caused by a lot of political complications and ideological overlapping that accompany its use.
Meanwhile, well informed sources revealed to al-Ahed News that "a Salafist scenario was prepared for cleansing the city from all the Syrian regime allies."
In this context, the sources clarified that "the calls to expel the head of the "Islamic Tawhid Movement", Sheikh Bilal Shaaban, as well as the "Arab Democratic Party" official Rifat Eid were part of the plan."
"This cancellation scenario paves the way for establishing the supposed emirate," the sources mentioned, and noted that "the tense level of recent fighting between Jabal Mohsen and Bab al-Tabbaneh lies in this frame."
According to al-Ahed News sources, "during the latest round of clashes, hundreds of militants besieged Jabal Mohsen from several quarters."
"They previously vowed obedience and loyalty to their commanders after emerging out of the city's political actors' umbrella, particularly the "Future Movement" military official, retired Brigadier General Amid Hammoud," they added.
In parallel, the sources highlighted: "The scenario was tattled and thus foiled. This led to the isolation of the Salafist insurgents and their withdrawal from the streets."
"The Gulf states - led by Qatar - are funding these groups and supporting them," they unveiled, and asserted that "the secret Qatari coordination continued with the armed groups during the country officials repeated visits to Beirut."
They further stated: "They aim to increase the pressure on the Syrian government through controlling the common borders with Lebanon."
The exposure of this plot wasn't the only reason behind the militant's withdrawal to their bases. According to the sources, a firm Syrian decision and a serious threat reached the armed groups - via communication channels. "The Syrian army would be forced to intervene if the siege and shelling on Jabal Mohsen continues," the warning message, delivered to those concerned, said.
It also threatened that "Syria cannot accept that the capital of the North turns to a weak flank and safe incubator for terrorists."
Despite the dangerous situation in the North and the open door of possibilities to explosive developments, the sources exclude a security big bang in the city, as was the case in Nahr al-Bared clashes.
"The armed groups are unable to confront the Lebanese Army, especially if it was granted the necessary political cover, which the different Lebanese political parties rush to give ahead of coming parliamentary elections," the sources assured.
Based on this view, both Sidon's Imam Sheikh Maher Hammoud, and the political analyst Qasim Ksseir warned of the dangers of the assumed scenario.
However, they linked its success to Syrian developments as well as the international and regional support.
Moreover, Hammoud and Qassir acknowledged that the Salafi militants promote to this unprecedented idea. They urged the army and the state to intervene to rein and control the militants.
However, they undermine the importance of the scenario.
To Sheikh Hammoud, "Establishing an Islamic emirate is an exaggeration and metaphorical, given that there are wise Salafists , who wouldn't allow this to happen."
"An emirate needs an Emir and men... This is not available," he stated, and hoped that "people refrain from exaggeration because this would aggravate the situation, and even promote to the idea."
Similarly, Qassir suggested that "the Emirate, in principle, needs military and economic powers as well as strategy, which is not present in the case of Lebanon."
He further explained that "Tripoli's people are unable to afford such a scenario due to its serious economic and social repercussions."
"The armed militias can't exclusivity control Tripoli's security, especially that the region is known in its geographic variety and overlapping," the expert added.
Based on the foregoing, Sheikh Hammoud heavily relied on the LA's effort to control the ground, confirming that Tripoli will remain for all Lebanese . "The Alawites are an integral part of the city's social fabric," he said.
For his part, Qassir called for dealing with the issue rationally and realistically without spreading fear in the hearts of the Lebanese.
Source: al-Ahed News, Translated and Edited by moqawama.org
