We must not let these bombings become commonplace. I've heard Lebanese people make statements such as "another weekend, another bombing". It is almost as if the Lebanese are learning to live with the carnage and destruction imposed upon them. While there is a very visible level of frustration and anger regarding the "Saturday night special" bombings, it is pale in comparison to the pro-Lebanon demonstrations, where reportedly a million outraged people took to the streets demanding change. So regarding the bomb du jour, where is the outrage?

Whoever is coordinating these attacks has a major advantage; their likelihood of getting caught is close to nil. Thanks to our now world-famous investigative incompetence, insurgent attackers can bomb at free will. A look back at bombings and attempted assassinations in recent Lebanese history unveils one unsolved mystery after another. Had it not been for the international impact of the slaying of PM Rafik Hariri, the world would not have witnessed the chronic attempt to cover up the Valentines Day tragedy.

By making a mockery of investigations and never holding anyone accountable, the Lebanese government is sending the message to attackers that it is ok to cause chaos and send Beirut back to the darkest days in its history. Furthermore, these bombings are putting a dent in the spirit of the cedar revolution. People are still committed to freedom and independence; however the element of fear puts a damper on the strong spirit demonstrated in the past couple of months. This could be a critical turning point for the movement for change, will the Lebanese people let cowardly attacks dictate our future? Or will we continue in pursuit of our very real dream for Lebanon? I sincerely hope Lebanon's future is free of violence, sectarian divide and foreign dominance.

The international community must uniformly condemn each and every one of these attacks on our freedom and pressure and make it clear that such scare tactics shall not be tolerated. In spite of the carefree attitude of the Lebanese government, the Lebanese people desperately need a helping hand that will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the will of the masses.

The bombings are a two-pronged direct attack on fear and stability. The first target is at the heart of the movement for freedom, sending a crude message to those who seek a peaceful revolution. The attackers are attempting to mislead the Lebanese into thinking that the Syrian military and intelligence apparatus is necessary for the country's well being & security. The second target focuses on crippling the Lebanese economy. Local businesses are struggling to make ends meet with the ongoing wave of bombings.

The famous Beirut nightlife no longer looks like a scene out of Manhattan or London. For a nation blessed with sociable people that love to enjoy life, the psychological impact is evident. Furthermore, the Lebanese economy thrives on tourism. Summer time in Lebanon is when every other car on the street is either a rental or has foreign plates. The influx of visitors has a huge effect on Lebanon's economy. In the past Israel frequently struck at the heart of Lebanon's economy by attacking just before the summer. The latest bombing in Broummana hit one of Lebanon's most popular summer venues. How very hypocritical of the attackers to be using the same Israeli tactics that they previously condemned.

The cowardly attackers employ barbaric tactics because of their inability to progress from yesterday's regimes which cultivated sheep that submissively follow dictators. In effect Syria is giving the Lebanese people the ultimatum "you're either with us or against us". Lebanese must either live with being occupied or endure repeated attacks and abuse. It's time to send a message that we reject this Wild West mentality.

It's time to break through the psyche of these age-old regimes which are unwilling to promote rational progression at the risk of appearing overly flexible or weak. This weakness is a catalyst for change, clearly why President Assad can't just pull out of Lebanon peacefully and quietly. His survival depends on him "flexing" in an attempt to save face with the Syrian people. It has become somewhat of a bipolar juggling act for President Assad, as he tries to come across as flexible and reasonable to the international community, Dr. Jekyll if you will. Lebanon is unfortunately subjected to the wrath of Mr. Hyde, a merciless dictator that exudes barbarism and inhumanity.

The recently released UN investigative report documents the physical threats issued by the Syrian president. Resorting to scare tactics may have worked out for Syria in the past, but not any more. Poorly raising a child in an abusive manner often backfires on the parents once that child has come of age. Lebanon has endured years of painful abuse and attempts to divide the people by a selfish neighbor.

Lebanon is facing its toughest test since the start of the Cedar Revolution. The international community needs to continue to apply pressure and make efforts to prevent these calculated bombings from taking place. The Lebanese need to be brave and not allow intimidation tactics to deter us from our dreams. It is instrumental that we demonstrate unity, clearly our biggest asset in moving towards a free and independent Lebanon. We must continue to scream bloody murder and show outrage at each and every attempt to undermine our peace and freedom. The Lebanese people will not accept to be ruled by chaos. Mr. Hyde, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Note: Ya Libnan published a poem in reaction to these unacceptable bombings in Lebanon which is very relevant to this article: Syria's agents in Lebanon exposed!


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