Do the Lebanese politicians realize that their negative speeches shaped the current situation on the ground?

For the last two years the Lebanese politicians and leaders from both camps have been verbally abusing each other, ignoring the demands of the people, and ensuring that each one of them cements his political status. Each political party hindered any solution that can lift Lebanon from its static and stagnant condition.

The Lebanese were frustrated with the situation and the Leaders did not choose to interact or even communicate to alleviate the economic and social burdens that touched every Lebanese. Using the media as an alternative to dialogue so as to transmit messages, accusing each other by being Israeli or Iranian agents, and putting conditions for each other is unprecedented in any Arabic, civilized or democratic country. Leaders from all walks of life have a responsibility to convey to their constituencies the facts of the deadlock that kept Lebanon in the political abyss. However, they do not have the right to use the media as a tool to instigate violence, or ignite and kindle racism ignoring that Lebanon has s a unique social fabric that reflects in every alley, street and village.

Village life is a microcosm society that reflects the bigger Lebanon. These small towns reflect the complexity of the social fabric that manipulates the daily-to-daily lives of the Lebanese. Villages are divided according to families, religion and social status. Powerful families dedicate the flow of events in municipal elections up to parliamentary elections. Lebanon is a unique case in the Middle East; its demographic landscape differs from any country in the region. All in all there are eighteen different kinds of sects and religions in Lebanon competing with each other to gain power in ruling the country.

Ignoring the complexity of this Lebanese foundation led to the first civil war. Obviously, the two major political camps these days supported by major external powers, forgot how feeble and vulnerable this social structure was and still is. Because of their Lack of savvy and political wisdom the situation and the killings that happened in Beirut, Alley and Choueifat and the current situation on the ground has originated.

Many Lebanese who do not belong to either camp raise many questions and blame both sides for this volatile situation. They ask these leaders if they know where are they taking the country? Both camps proved that they lack the will and independence to take constructive decisions that can create a positive impact on Lebanon. Both camps created a negative atmosphere on the ground that instigated aggravation, and hate.

One camp in the name of independence and stability that they hope will lead to full democracy, the other in the name of Arab nationalism, patriotism and martyrdom who wants to free Sheba farms, Lebanese prisoners from Israel, and also to be a part of the axis that confronts Israel and enjoys the victory over a vicious enemy. Both love Lebanon in their own way; nevertheless, by indulging in their negative insults and clenching each to their meaningless decisions they lost the trust and the common ground that unite them. The only common issue that unite them is the Lebanese army, however, they are both burdening and weakening the army with their internal dispute and egoistic gains. The Lebanese army proved to be courageous, unbiased and needs the support of all the Lebanese. This determination will be the backbone that can lift the country from its current situation.

The Lebanese army needs to be modernized, and in the words of Amr Mousa it needs "logistic support". But this will take time, money and will from the Lebanese and the world. Also having a strong powerful Lebanese army will consume a threat for Israel and Syria. These countries are enjoying the explosive situation in Lebanon. Israel hoping that Hezbollah's power will weaken, and Syria wishing for the Seniora's government to disappear and resign, so the Lebanese political formula will change to suit its agenda and regime. Both countries are wrong in their assessments, and the only shield that can protect Lebanon from external powers is to have a wise politicians, it is said that "Men shape history" and not the other way round.

So, the acrimonious debate now is where is Lebanon heading? It seems that the Lebanese government that represents March 14, does not show any intention of resigning, and March 8, think that they can create a new reality after changing the balance of power on the ground militarily. It is a pity that they both forgot the most important factor in their equation: Lebanon's fabric society and stability, and most important the welfare of the Lebanese people.

Both camps should understand the magnitude of what happened recently, and understand that the only exit from this mess is to retreat to a common ground that unite and glue this country together. By counting on external powers to solve the country's gridlock, leads to a very simple analysis that both camps do not deserve to be in power, and that they are a liability not an asset to Lebanon. The Lebanese hope that their politicians will rise to the occasion, and if they choose the current situation to continue without any concession and co-operation from both sides, then God help Lebanon and the Lebanese.

God bless the souls of the young Lebanese who died the last few days, and let their blood unite the country together.

Tags: Civil War, coup, Fouad Siniora, Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah, Michel Aoun, Nabih Berri, Samir Geagea, Violence, Walid Jumblatt, War