Marhaba.
I live in Lebanon, Aley district. Israeli airstrike targets are at proximity of my location. Beirut, and particularly Dahieh, is completely visible from my balcony. There are also refugees sheltered in my town.
Other things to know about me: I am a leftist, and a legal and political writer.
P.S. I will answer anything (as it is with AMA posts), not only issues pertaining to the recent events.
first of all, i would like to let you know that you have the solidarity of all decent people on this planet. i hope that you and your loved ones are and stay safe. from the river to the sea!
what is the general public opinion about the former soviet union, both in leftist circles and in the wider society, and how has the illegal dissolution of my country affected leftist organizing in your region?
what is the attitude towards the current russian government and its actions?
once again, i want to wish you and everyone close to you all the best.
The soviet union is rarely mentioned nowadays, be it positively or negatively. I presume this is because the union wasn’t directly involved in the domestic affairs of the country, not even during the civil war. Some old people, usually muslims, have good impressions because they studied in soviet universities by means of scholarships. However the common talking points about soviet tyranny are prevalent here like in any capitalist society. Most true leftists I know defend the union or at least have sympathies towards it.
Opinions on the current Russian administration are mixed. Unsurprisingly the orthodox community is supportive of Russia. People’s opinion also depends on how they view the Assadist regime in Syria, because Russia has been Syria’s biggest ally since the eruption of the civil war. Sometimes you can see pro-Ruasian posters on advertisement signs. I also remember that Russia donated a remarkable quantity of wheat to Lebanon during the crisis.
Thank you for all your wishes, comrade. I dearly hope that your country one day regains its communist ways and surpasses its past glory.
thank you for your insight!