If Only
Nasrallah Would!
26/08/2007
By: Tariq Alhomayed *
According to a report published in our newspaper a couple of days ago,
Hezbollah's Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah has moved out of his rented home
to an undisclosed location in preparation for the rebuilding project slated for
the Dahiya neighborhood destroyed by Israel's attack on Lebanon during last
summer's thirty-six day war. The story of the Dahiya quarter, or rather the
"security compound", is much greater then that of a mere "leased home", and is
more complex in its composition for it to be labeled as just a "residential
neighborhood", for it is a sealed security area limited to Hezbollah, a story
the people of Lebanon know only too well.
But before celebrating the details of extensive renovation project, we wish
Nasrallah would also restore the rest of Lebanon to its people.
What is meant here is that Lebanon, the nation, would serve the agenda of the
Lebanese citizen and not that of Iran or Syria. The reconstruction of Lebanon
will happen if Nasrallah chooses the unity of Lebanon, taking into account the
composition of the country, which can only survive on its pluralism and the
granting of others their space. Lebanon is an entangled country and the best
solution for its dilemma would be not to manipulate it.
Today, the number of migrating Lebanese citizens is increasing; and this is not
out of fear of escaping Israeli occupation but rather fleeing from the domestic
absurdity which is tampering with the lives of Lebanese people, who are victims
in this case.
Hezbollah has frequently wagered on the issues of resistance and the liberation
of Lebanon. But today the party has run of credit and now must face the Lebanese
people. and the should face their country's people knowing that last years war
let to the deaths of ap
proximately
1200 Lebanese , not to mention the damage and loss of properties!
Today, Hezbollah wants to wrap up Lebanon in its coat, turning against the
pluralistic mosaic of the country.
Lebanon wants Syria out of Lebanon and demands a Syrian return to Lebanon in the
form of an Ambassador with diplomatic relations just like other nations. Lebanon
also wants Iran to stick to the rules of geography and remain behind their
natural borders, instead of turning Beirut into a pawn, utilizing it according
to political conflicts and ambitions of the Islamic Revolution. Yet the actions
of Hezbollah resemble those of a Genie in a Magic Lantern, who pops up at Syria
and Iran's beck and call saying "your wish is my command". Furthermore, the news
of Hezbollah's reconstruction project should not eclipse the news of them
constructing their very own telephone network parallel to that of the official
state. Building telephone networks is a new reality among movements and groups
which work to eat away at their nations in the Arab world.
So now after accepting the fact that each group has its own flag, militia or army and television satellite channel, we now have to accept the establishment of one's own private telephone network as well. I do hope Hassan Nasrallah would restore all of Lebanon to its people and their best interests, steering clear of subordination to any party. Only then will Lebanon become a healthy state that breathes correct democracy and not the democracy of exclusion and the disruption of constitutional institutions. Restoring Lebanon to its people means reopening the doors of parliament, trying those accused of murder, respecting Lebanon's constitution and keeping Beirut free of foreign greed.
***Tariq Alhomayed
Tariq Alhomayed is the Editor-in-Chief of Asharq Al-Awsat, the youngest person
to be appointed that position. Mr. Alhomayed has an acclaimed and distinguished
career as a Journalist and has held many key positions in the field including;
Assistant Editor-in-Chief of Asharq Al-Awsat, Managing Editor of Asharq Al-Awsat
in Saudi Arabia, Head of Asharq Al-Awsat Newspaper's Bureau-Jeddah,
Correspondent for Al - Madina Newspaper in Washington D.C. from 1998 to Aug
2000. Mr. Alhomyed has been a guest analyst and commentator on numerous news and
current affair programs including: the BBC, German TV, Al Arabiya, Al- Hurra,
LBC and the acclaimed Imad Live’s four-part series on terrorism and reformation
in Saudi Arabia. He is also the first Journalist to conduct an interview with
Osama Bin Ladin's Mother. Mr. Alhomayed holds a BA degree in Media studies from
King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, and has also completed his Introductory
courses towards a Master’s degree from George Washington University in
Washington D.C. He is based in Londo