The Lebanese people will never forget the slogan “Thank you Qatar” raised by the “resistance grassroots” in a sign of appreciation for Qatar’s contribution to the reconstruction of the South of Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs following the Israeli attacks in July 2006.
However, the “military arm” of an honored Lebanese family had challenged the logic of the state, its status, institutions, interests and foreign relations. This family had undermined security, civil peace and national economy by kidnapping Arab and foreign nationals under the pretext of “tit for tat” and by terrorizing innocent citizens and travelers on Aug. 15, 2012.
After these incidents, Lebanese people are expected today to raise the slogan: “Apologies Qatar,” apologies to Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Kuwait, Turkey and other brotherly states. They should raise the slogan “Forgiveness Lebanon” and implore the pardon of helpless Lebanese families who do not have “military arms” to defend protect them, save their dignity, bring back their abducted ones and make up for their human sorrow and accumulated material losses.
Awaiting postponed governmental procedures and the due judicial measures, those affected by the events of August - and its ongoing political, economic, financial and moral repercussions - should hold the “financial arm” of the said family responsible for the facts and material and moral damages that they have endured.
They should hold them accountable for tarnishing Lebanon’s reputation and hampering the country’s economic, financial and service sectors. The “financial arm” should be asked to pay sufficient indemnity from “clean money” to make up for the damage caused by the family’s “military arm” since the relationship between the two arms should be based on coordination, mutual interests and a unified destiny. Therefore, the financial arm should bear the expenses of any activity undertaken by the military arm in a spirit of solidarity, as it happens in any other prestigious family and dynasty!
There’s also no harm in holding other counterparts responsible since the Lebanese state lacks resources and since the beloved neighboring country will distance itself from the Lebanese crisis.
If Lebanon did not commit to this promise, the whole country would bear the consequences as usual in terms of reputation, stability, economy, the country’s future and the future of his resident and migrant citizens in addition to “new immigrants.”
In all cases, the state should react as a State! The state should investigate with these armed “families” that are spreading all over the Lebanese territory, despite their affiliations. The state should hold these “families” accountable for their source of funding and arming while solving the kidnappees case and bringing them back to their families. But more importantly, the state shall show determination regarding the exclusivity of weapons so that any “military and financial arm” would fall under the sole authority of the Lebanese state.
Mazen.Hayek@annahar.com.lb / Twitter: @HayekMG
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