The Lebanese Tragedy from a Jordanian Persian Baha'i Londoner's eyes

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Category: News

Created: Saturday, 22 July 2006 00:24

Published: Friday, 21 July 2006 05:00

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Is it too much for Lebanon to ask for solidarity from the Arab nations?

Not again!

Fifteen years of civil war would challenge the character of any nation. No doubt the resolve of the Lebanese people was tested. No doubt they emerged from the ashes of war a stronger more unified people.

Every Lebanese person, from San Paulo to Paris to Saida experienced the first Lebanese tragedy of modern times, first hand. Residence did not define the nation. Blood, cultural ties and common experiences & ambitions bound the Diaspora with those inside Lebanon . Cutting across the religious and racial lines emerged a common will and belief in the destiny of a great Arab Nation. In many ways Lebanon symbolized the melting pot of cultures and religions that defines our time. This proved to be its curse in conflict...and its blessing in times of peace.

The current crisis is not about politics. It is about the personal tragedies that are taking place every day inside Lebanon. The plight of those who can not, or chose not to leave their homeland. The calamities of our brother & sisters; aunts & uncles; cousins; friends; neighbors and fellow citizens of the world. Praise to my friend in Beirut who's working to alleviate the pain of her brethren by helping students in the most hard hit areas relocate to northern parts of the country so that they may continue their education. If we were all so focused on deeds rather than words, the World, the Arab World in particular, would be a better place.

As an Iranian national growing up in Jordan, I was unable to visit Lebanon during its moment of need. I would hear via my uncle and cousins in Beirut of the resilience of the Lebanese people. Urban legend or fact, stories of army troops complaining about poorly equipped tanks not having stereos inspired us all. The simple - often petty - pleasures of life define our humanity and help keep us ticking. No one understands this better than the Lebanese.

Typically, I prefer not to comment on the political or military aspects of conflict. But galling hypocrisy gives me no choice. July 18th: 11 Lebanese soldiers killed in an Israeli air strike on a Lebanese Army base. These are the Lebanese soldiers Israel expects to reign [sic] in Hizbullah. At least that's the official line. I guess disarmed dead soldiers can finish the work that Israeli laser guided missiles fail to complete. Tough job!

A parallel can be drawn to the systematic incapacitation of the Palestinian Authority by the Israeli Army. The Israeli government chastises the PA for not reigning in Hamas and their military wing. You can believe one of two things: the Israeli government has no control over their own army; or they're both taking the piss.