Last week, the Lebanese people commemorated the 22 anniversary of start of civil war. And each Thursday Marcel Ghanem, Lebanon’s most prominent TV presenter, hosts a talk show, “Kalem al Nass” on LBC. So on the eve of that infamous anniversary the show was about the civil war, and Ghanem asked the Lebanese a crucial question “will you be willing to take up arms again and fight your fellow Lebanese…”Unfortunately, 9 out of 10 male callers professed their willingness, even their eagerness to fight. I was not surprised… You could feel this “esprit de guerre” or war logic in the streets, in conversations, in any social gathering, even between educated people.
Lebanese politicians are famous for their changing allegiance and overnight alliances, yet the current rhetoric of exclusion and accusations have deeply affected the population at large. I fear that the gaping chasm which divides our society will need years and years to heal, if the situation does not deteriorate.
Finally, many would ask how a people who suffered the horrors of civil war embark on the same dark path another time, in less than 20 years (the war ended in 1990) the answer is simple it is young fools, who never witnessed the last war that are most eager to start a new one. Of course with the help of even bigger fools, politicians and divine leaders, who think that they can accomplish in a civil war what they failed to do in the pseudo-peace we live in…
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There are news signs of trouble for the hardliners behind HA in Tehran:
"Leader Must Be Open To Criticism, says Iranian journalist."
http://www.iran-press-service.com/ips/articles-2007/april-2007/zeydabadi_17407.shtml
So, that's good news from the point of view that Ahmadi Nezhad might soon be replaced for overstepping his authority on the nuke issue and British hostage situation and might soon be replaced by what would be considered a "reformer" in that country like former Pres. Khatami.
Meaning, the grip on Lebanon might start to serioulsy loosen. That way if a Civil War did break out again, HA wouldn't find themselves with the full tacit support they enjoyed with the previous administration, but also the not so good side of the coin is that, Ahmadi Nezhad, fearing being deposed, might try to start something fresh in Lebanon to shift focus, yet again.
The best advice is probably to hold tight as always.
Patience is a virtue, patience is a virtue....
Educated but not cultured. This is the Lebanese condition. 9 out of 10. What happened to that 1 left?
Lebanese people suffer a lot in the civil war.. don't blame them.. Everyone needs to protect his family.. I watched the talk show that night and I found them very honest and their reaction was normal.. Akid bitmanna ykouno minfithine aktar w ma yfakro bel hareb bass hayda l waki3 w bala ma nitkhaba wara ossba3na.. hayda libnan
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