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In 1897, the great American satirical writer Mark Twain famously wrote that “the report of my death was an exaggeration” after being told of rumors of his ill health by a journalist.

Amid the persistent confusion in the Lebanese political situation, some local parties continue to suggest that deciding on a president is the desired solution. However, electing the president does not mean much and the republic is eroding and dissolving day after day.

I am still uncertain about the implications of US President Joe Biden’s decision to suspend “advanced weapons” to Israel in response to the defiance of Benjamin Netanyahu and his war Cabinet, who have ignored Washington’s requests that they refrain from invading the city of Rafah.

Despite the government and the party leadership’s haughty denials, last week’s wholesale defeat of the ruling Conservative Party at the local elections in England was predictable.

The “uprising” we are seeing at numerous US university campuses deserves our attention. It is a phenomenon that should be approached in a balanced manner that does not blow these developments out of proportion. Nonetheless, we cannot overlook or fail to learn from them.

I know in advance, given the tense — if not explosive — current political circumstances, that this article will be condemned in some quarters and be met with bewilderment and discomfort in others. Nonetheless, anything less than a blunt conversation would be inappropriate.