Junblatt makes waves on Twitter
Lebanese Druze leader’s blunt tweets win him 30,000 followers within three weeks
Storied Lebanese politician Walid Junblatt, long famed for his blunt manner and role as the country’s kingmaker, has become an instant must- follow after launching a new Twitter account.
Junblatt is the most senior member of Lebanon’s Druze community and has often been dubbed a “chameleon” or “weathervane” for his shifting political alliances.
But it’s his tendency to pronounce frankly on everything from his beloved dog Oscar to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict that has won him nearly 30,000 followers in the three weeks since he joined Twitter.
His tone is familiar, and he has no qualms about sharing details of where he is eating or what he is doing. “Now it is becoming late, I do not want to miss ( television programme) Hercule Poirot. Good night,” he informed his followers one evening.
Many of his tweets share his reflections on more serious matters, including the situation in Syria, where more than 195,000 people have been killed since conflict erupted in March 2011.
“The Syrian people will be freed from tyranny sooner or later,” wrote Junblatt, whose account is @ walidjoumblatt.
But he also revels in direct and freewheeling interactions with followers from around the world, tweeting in English, French and Arabic, including directly at US President Barack Obama and philanthropist Bill Gates.
In one tweet he advises a fol- lower fed up with the country’s deadlocked politics: “You cannot abandon Lebanon. Nobody is allowed to despair.”
In another, he responds to question about his favourite breakfast: “A French croissant with butter.”
And in a third, he is asked for his views on reincarnation.
“I will answer by tweet once reincarnated,” he replied, alongside a smiling face emoji.
Twitter has been popular among Lebanese politicians for years, but Junblatt’s plainspoken interactions set him apart from his colleagues.
He tweeted directly to former prime minister Najeeb Miqati, urging him to do more for the northern port city of Tripoli after a recent bout of fighting.