At Bloggledygook I have a post on Walid Jumblatt, sometime raving conspiracy theorist, sometime pragmatic politician, sometime pan-Arab nationalist. This person will likely be a prominent figure in coming events in Lebanon.

Jumblatt has acted at times as one of Syria’s most vocal critics but seemed to come back into the fold when the US invaded Iraq. The big break came when he opposed the extension of Pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud’s term. Now that he was deemed to be less than friendly, Jumblatt believes he was fingered for assassination. The killing of Hariri confirmed his suspicions.

It would be a mistake to think that now that Jumblatt has changed his mind again that this will be the last time that he switches sides. However, with events in Lebanon happening at an increased pace, Jumblatt may have his chance to change the course of his country’s future. It may be, for now at least, that he sees that future as being tied to US interests in the region.

UPDATE: Jumblatt Hails Government’s Resignation

“The people have been victorious but we should now form an impartial government to supervise the elections” due by the end of May, he said.

But Jumblat also called for the anti-Damascus camp to avoid “chauvinist slogans against Syria, with whom we are determined to have healthy relations.”

He is making all the right moves, saying all the right things.

I wonder what Vaclav Havel is thinking right now.