I mean, he lives in Beirut. For thirty years in fact, as he likes to remind us at regular intervals. And that makes him a seasoned commentator on Syrian and Lebanese affairs.

So how does a man who lives in Beirut - a city dotted with Syrian flags for years - make a mistake like this:

"The Syrian flag, with its governessy and ferocious eagle..."

Is that the Egyptian flag you're thinking of Mr Fisk?