A Revolution in Lebanon

by Dr. Abdul-Sattar Kassem

I follow Lebanese affairs closely, and how happy it makes me to see harmony and affection making their way smoothly between the various Lebanese communities. Lebanon is an inseparable part of the holy land of Greater Syria, which is in turn an inseparable part of this great Arab homeland, whose greatness free and dignified peoples will one day build.

I followed the statements of the Maronite Patriarch, Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, in Paris, followed his activities in Lebanon and his visits to the various Lebanese regions, particularly the southern regions, and followed his words and his statements, and I found in him great cause for optimism for Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and all the Arab countries. It is clear the man is neither flighty nor impulsive, neither fanatical nor narrow in outlook or thought; he is a man of vision, learning, and breadth of horizon, who tries to make of his office a source of reassurance for the Lebanese and for others.

What a stirring, magnificent sight it was to see the Patriarch meeting the people of southern Lebanon, its Christians and its Muslims alike, treating everyone with the very same affection and embrace. The people of Lebanon, and all who love Lebanon, were awaiting the moment when the stagnation would break, the old grudges would be overcome, and the past would be defeated in favor of harmony, unity, and working together for Lebanon, for the Lebanese people, and for their Arab surroundings, both geographically and humanly.

[Dar al-Ifta opened its doors] to everyone, and a historic gathering took place, bringing together the religious leaders of Lebanon’s seventeen sects. All of them met at Dar al-Ifta, with a single goal before them: the unity of Lebanon.

The spiritual leaders issued a statement affirming many of the principles the people of Lebanon have long awaited, but what was striking was the commitment of all of them to the Palestinian cause. The leaders regarded the Palestinian cause as a central cause, and declared that the responsibility of liberating the holy land rests upon the shoulders of all of them together. This is a true revolution as far as the Palestinian cause is concerned.

Among the Lebanese are those who have sided with the Zionists openly and unashamedly, some who have fought against Palestinians and Syrians in defense of Israel, and some who have worked hard to bring about Hezbollah’s defeat for Israel’s sake. And now comes a historic statement affirming Lebanon’s responsibility toward the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian refugees.

What is happening inside Lebanon is a glorious internal revolution that will lead to changing conditions in favor of all the Lebanese, and will isolate everyone who is betting on infighting and division. It is also a revolution in the face of the Zionist enemy, who now sees the forces of the region massing against it. The Zionists are in a heated predicament with Hezbollah — so what will become of matters when all the Lebanese unite in a single front of resistance, steadfastness, and defiance?

The leaders of Lebanon’s sects are now adding a new dimension to the Palestinian cause and to the cause of the Palestinian refugees, and in doing so they are affirming their belonging to this nation and their commitment to its various causes. Perhaps we will find some politicians overtaken by sinful pride, dominated by stubbornness, but their fate will be nothing but to cry out into a well from which no echo returns.

Source: Translated from the original Arabic, “ثورة في لبنان” by Dr. Abdul-Sattar Kassem.