The undue delay in the formation of the Lebanese cabinet signals a serious flaw in the political establishment.

[Prime Minister] Tammam Salam was put in charge of forming a new cabinet with a mandate that had unprecedented, near-unanimous approval. The cabinet was perceived to be transitional in nature, which would administer and supervise the forthcoming parliamentary elections and would presumably be made up of men and women who are not members of parliament and who are independent with well-established records of integrity.

In other words, this was to be a transitional cabinet that would last only until after the elections. Being absorbed in endless consultations — as understandable as that might be under normal circumstances — cannot be a reason for any further delay, especially in light of the present regional challenges.

The cabinet that many expect is one of independence — policy-oriented but not full of politically biased politicians. Fresh faces were expected as required for Lebanon at this juncture. This is imperative to face the unprecedented regional challenges as well as sectarian divides.