Walid Jumblatt celebrated his 64th birthday a few days ago. A larger-than-life photomontage featuring Gamal Abdel Nasser — a gift from a friend — leans against a wall in the simple, well-guarded courtyard of his Beirut villa.
Jumblatt is a man without illusions. A lifetime in Lebanese politics has hardened his view of the players — especially the Assad family regime and Hezbollah — who are today at the center of regional concern.
