Saad Hariri’s vision for a new Lebanon

Lebanese Future Movement leader Saad Hariri did not push for dialogue between the Future Movement and Hezbollah. However, he did not say anything to undermine the possibility of dialogue either. He instead emphasized that is should be based on a clear vision and on principles which cannot be given up for the sake of winning a post or achieving some sort of gain. Hariri has been extremely realistic in justifying the dialogue which did not achieve popularity among the ranks of his movement. Truth be told, important decisions do not gain resounding support no matter the choices a leader makes.

On the 10th anniversary of Rafiq Hariri’s death, his political heir Saad spoke as a responsible man and showed understanding of the issues at hand. He seemed as though he was confident in his choices and believed in the rise of the state regardless of the obstructions and regardless of how long it takes.

It seems as though Saad wants to resume the legacy of his father, the man who planned for Lebanon and constructed Beirut.

Hariri and his vision

Saad Hariri summarized his vision, saying: “I am not a moderate. I am an extremist who’s biased toward Lebanon, the state and the constitution. I am biased toward institutions, legitimacy, the army and the Internal Security Forces. I am biased toward economic growth, job opportunities and dignified lives. I am biased toward co-existence and equality. I am biased toward building the civil state, yes the civil state, the state of law which rules citizens according to laws and according to nothing but laws. Different jurisprudence, religion and sects (and their different) interpretation must neither (influence) the state nor public life.

“There is no middle ground between moderation and extremism. There is no middle ground between the state and chaos. There is no middle ground between the army and militias. There is no middle ground between national unity and civil war. There is no middle ground between Lebanon, the independent and sovereign state, and Lebanon, (the country of) strife and divisions,” he added.

Best response

These statements are the best response to other parties’ attempts to involve the Lebanese state in political and sectarian axes. After all, what the Lebanese citizens hope for is to maintain security and stability which could allow them to gain strength at a time when the entire region is witnessing unrest.

It may not exactly be the right time to achieve radical changes but it is the appropriate time to reinforce national principles and restore hope. It is worth it to remember that when the Lebanese National Resistance Front was launched against Israeli occupation, many ridiculed it but it was capable of expelling Israelis from the south.

Hariri has made it all clear and confirmed that no concessions which weaken the state’s prestige will be made and that dialogue is aimed at avoiding strife and is also an attempt to facilitate the election of a president. Hariri appeared before his audience and before the March 14 coalition’s audience as a responsible man who is aware of his responsibilities at the critical stage and he addressed the March 8 audience without hostility. He’s a patriotic leader who knows well how to aspire to the future of a Lebanon which accommodates everyone.

This article was first published in al-Nahar on February 19, 2015.

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Nayla Tueni is one of the few elected female politicians in Lebanon and of the two youngest. She became a member of parliament in 2009 and following the assassination of her father, Gebran, she is currently a member of the board and Deputy General Manager of Lebanon’s leading daily, Annahar. Prior to her political career, Nayla had trained, written in and managed various sections of Annahar, where she currently has a regular column. She can be followed on Twitter @NaylaTueni