bill harris on brammertz report

Bill Harris on the Brammertz Report

Lebanon scholar William Harris, author of the excellent The New Face

of Lebanon, wrote a commentary in the DS on the Brammertz report.

Harris points out that "Syria is as much the main focus for Brammertz

as it was for Mehlis." For instance, Harris writes, "[n]o other state

or organization is named in this regard [to provide 'full and

unconditional cooperation'], and the report comments that 'based on

the information received, further requests will be formulated and

addressed to Syria'." Furthermore, Harris sees that the suspected

linkages between the Hariri case and the 14 other bombings "inevitably

focus attention on the Syrian and Lebanese security services."

Brammertz has recommended the UNIIIC intervene in the investigations

into those cases.

Moreover, Harris adds, "Brammertz confidently claims "considerable

progress" despite the otherwise tentative language of the report.

Assuming this is the reality, he has obviously made advances beyond

the cautious assessment presented in the text. The steady build-up of

personnel, expertise, and resources indicates intense commitment and

forward momentum. Combined with the deep engagement of UN Security

Council credibility, this is ultimately bad news for the murderers."

As for the repercussions on Lebanon and Assad's destabilization

campaign, Harris writes: "As for Lebanon, the report means the country

will endure more months of political paralysis while the Hariri

investigation grinds on toward a full prosecution brief for a

'tribunal of an international character.' Given that the futures of

both Lebanon and the Syrian Baathist regime are at stake, tension and

possibly turbulence can be expected to increase later this year.

Brammertz anticipates coming dangers when he remarks, 'the focus of

the investigation increases the probability of individuals or groups

attempting to execute threats against the Commission or its personnel

for the purpose of disrupting its mandate.' Again, it is apparent that

the commission has already determined that a large apparatus was