17/02/2025
17/02/2025
FOR the first time in 33 years, Lebanon has managed to rid itself of the grip of the “blocking third” in the government and is finally free from Iranian influence over its decision-making. For the first time in nearly 50 years, since the beginning of the civil war, Lebanon is emerging from the shadow of the Syrian regime and shaking off the consequences of decisions made in Damascus.
For the first time, this beloved country of all Arabs is finding its way out of the tunnel of yellow, green, and other flags that have overshadowed the Lebanese flag. After the riots that took place on the road leading to Rafic Hariri International Airport and the subsequent response from the Lebanese Army, the Lebanese people began to sense that the prestige of official institutions had returned. The inspection of Iranian planes and the prevention of their landing at Beirut Airport marked the first step toward Lebanon’s resurgence.
The Lebanese people understood that liberation from the Israeli occupation would only be achieved through the unity among them all, rather than being monopolized by any single sect. Now, the Republic has a president, and a technocratic government is in place. Everyone is acting according to their national conscience, placing Lebanon above sects, denominations, and leaders. Arab trust is gradually returning, as Beirut begins to reclaim its status as the capital of beauty, culture, Arabism, and joy.
For the first time in many years, visitors to Beirut no longer encounter images of Hezbollah leaders, Tehran regime officials, or yellow flags, all of which used to mar Lebanon’s face with death and destruction. The road to the international airport was an example of the time when Lebanon was oppressed by some of its own sons who monopolized decision-making for the benefit of certain sects and imposed their will on the rest of the people. Instead of competence being the basis for assuming positions, as former Lebanese President Fouad Chehab had envisioned, sectarian, denominational, and partisan affiliation became the guiding force behind the Lebanese administration. Corruption transformed into an organized institution that resulted in the impoverishment of all Lebanese, except for the influential few who gained power either from foreign backing against their own nation or through bribery and looting. Thus, Lebanon was reduced from being the great Arab publishing hub to a Captagon factory.
It shifted from being a source of culture to becoming a hub for smuggling drugs, particularly to the Arab Gulf states. Lebanon seemed to be stricken by a plague, and the world turned its back on it. For several decades, a metaphorical “gravestone” was placed upon it. Yes, Lebanon, the “Switzerland of the East”, is beginning to emerge from the political embrace of both Arab and international powers, and is rediscovering itself as a jewel buried by Iranian conflicts and the influence of some Arab and international regimes. As a result, Arabs, especially those from the Gulf countries, and those with properties in Lebanon’s mountains and cities, are filled with hope as they anticipate positive changes. This optimism is fueled by the election of a president, Joseph Aoun, who emerged from the military field and embodies the Army’s motto of “honor, sacrifice, loyalty”, and a prime minister, Dr. Nawaf Salam, who came from high international judicial positions to establish justice in the country. All of this is promising.
The most important aspect is President Joseph Aoun’s commitment to his oath and his work with Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam to create a modern electoral law that deals with the flaws in parliament. This will enable the election of a capable Speaker of Parliament, and ensure the completion of the three branches of government and the revival of institutional vitality. Lebanon is poised to emerge from the grip of the “blocking third” in the legislative council. The Lebanese parliament will face huge tasks ahead, including extensive legislative reforms. Social reform will begin before institutional reform, and financial reform will lead into economic reform, with the goal of restoring Lebanon’s status as the “Switzerland of the East.”