The recent comments by Lebanon’s minister of information George Qardahi on the Yemen war sparked a series of reactions across the region. Qardahi calling it a chaotic war that needs to end and that the Houthis are simply acting in self-defense was not welcomed by Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries such as Bahrain, the UAE and Kuwait that decided to expel the Lebanese Ambassadors, recall their ambassadors and cut all diplomatic ties with Lebanon. Below are some Bahraini views on the issue:
“Tragedy”
“Most of us in the Gulf have decades of happy memories of holidays and time spent in Lebanon. We all love the old Lebanon with its culture and beauty. That is why it is painful for us to see Lebanese politicians embarrassing themselves and their nation on the world stage. It is a tragedy what has happened to Lebanon” Ahmed, 38.
“The people of Lebanon are unfortunately paying the price for the nonsense spoken by their officials. A few months ago, it was the Lebanese Foreign Minister who was disrespectful towards Saudi Arabia, and now it’s the information minister” Khawla 33.
“Perhaps it’s a harsh response to cut diplomatic ties with Lebanon but it is expected. Lebanese officials should not stand against the Yemen war as it is very clear that it is a proxy war between Iran and the Gulf. If they have to take sides, then they’re expected to take Saudi’s side” Abdullah 27.
“Arab belonging”
“We have the right to cut diplomatic ties with Lebanon when its officials have done nothing but disrespect us. Officials should be well aware of our culture and political standing, what they lack is diplomacy and respect for Saudi Arabia which has always been a leading supporter of the Lebanese people” Mariam 40.
“The relations between Lebanon and the Gulf are very deep rooted. I don’t believe this diplomatic rift will last for long. Ordinary Lebanese feel a sense of belonging to their Arab neighbours and their isolation will only give more power to the Iranians and Hezbollah” Khalid 32.
“Deepening Hezbollah control”
“I can honestly say that I only feel for the people of Lebanon being torn between one government to another. By cutting diplomatic ties Saudi and the GCC will certainly stop all aids to Lebanon and this will further deepen Hezbollah’s control of Lebanon” Salman 32.
“Lebanon’s minister of information called it a chaotic war. All wars are chaotic, however he needs to understand that this war is more about bringing an end to the hegemonic aspirations of Iran in the region. The Houthis wouldn’t have gained any form of strength without Iran’s support” Hassan 29.
“This is what happens when you put TV stars and reality TV personalities in positions of power. It was a disaster with Trump, now Lebanon’s information minister is igniting fires against Lebanon’s most important neighbours every time he opens his mouth. Lebanon is one of the best educated states in the region. Why does it have such bad, stupid and corrupt leaders” Fatima 33.
“Lebanon’s subjugation to the Hezbollah narrative”
“Qardahi’s comments are a matter of freedom of expression. If he sees it this way, then it doesn’t mean that the Lebanese society and government as a whole view the war in Yemen as a chaotic war and the Houthis aggression as self-defense” Sarah 33.
“With the port explosion and the economic collapse, most Lebanese are really suffering. We have to find ways to help them, even as we openly work to get rid of Hezbollah” Abdulrahman 38.
“The Ambassadors being expelled from Saudi, Bahrain and others is a move to object Lebanon’s subjugation to the Hezbollah narrative. Lebanon is an Arab state and its government officials are expected to always side with their Arab allies” Hamad 28.
“Nothing but endless chaos”
“This is the Hezbollah narrative, that Saudi is responsible for the chaos in Yemen. How about the responsibility they carry for arming the Houthis”? Aisha 42.
“Lebanon is an independent state and perhaps it’s about time the government takes care of itself. The state is nothing but endless chaos and you can hardly call it a state when it is being controlled by a terrorist organization like Hezbollah” Ali 35.
“Soon we will throw them all out. God willing”
“The Lebanese state has been dependent on Saudi Arabia for decades and when you’ve established these kinds of ties with a foreign power, you’re considered an ally and you should support your ally’s causes” Marwa 30.
“15 years ago after the 2006 war many in the Arab world loved Hezbollah and even figures like Ahmedinejad. By trying to dominate Arab states, Iran has only made itself hated. Just look at the disaster Iran’s allies had in the recent Iraq elections. Soon we will throw them all out. God willing” Omar 36.