President Sleiman: The clashes in Tripoli have nothing to do with the Syrian crisis

In an interview with the Al Liwa newspaper, Lebanon's president Michel Sleiman declared: "The clashes in Tripoli have nothing to do with the Syrian crisis."

It is very unfortunate that the Lebanese President would make such statements that no one believes. All he is doing is reducing his credibility even further.

Come on, Mr. President, Sunnis and Alawis are fighting a few dozen kilometers from the Syrian border, and you're trying to convince people this has nothing to do with the situation in Syria?

I know our leaders think we're all idiots following blindly what they tell us, but please, Mr. President, do give us some credit!

I know, Mr. President, that you are trying to appease the various warring factions, the Lebanese population and the tourists who are still trying to make up their mind whether to spend the Summer on the Lebanese beaches and mountains. It would have been better to reassure us all by spreading the Lebanese Army throughout Lebanon, all of Lebanon, and showing an even handedness when dealing with your constituents, all of your constituents.