Hazem Saghiyeh

Does any sane person believe that no Lebanese national hates the Syrian regime and that none wants to protest as a sign of solidarity with the Syrian uprising and its victims?

If that is the case, and so it is, why is every civil protest lighting candles countered by another protest laden with threats and “bone-crushing” confrontations? Why is it not the other way around? In other words, why isn’t there a protest of support for the Syrian regime – which is rightful in every way – that is countered by another one, full of threats and intimidation?

This comparison epitomizes the problem in Lebanon: There is always one side that does not respect democracy, which is supposed to be the very identity of our regime, and that does not refrain from threatening to use violence against a side merely calling for its right to self-expression.

Significantly enough, the violent side, which changes its names as well as the names of its component forces and organizations, remains ultimately the same. It is the one that is most inclined to militarist regimes or most attached to ideologies glorifying power, not to mention its use of treason accusations as a weapon against anyone who disagrees with it. In contrast, whenever the other side has recourse to violence, it does so defensively and as an “option of last resort” in order to preserve its own right to freedom of expression.

What one had better realize – and act upon – today is the fact that the showdown over Syria should be confined to its political scope. In other words, let anyone express whatever position they want to express. While this is an absolute principle, it is true now more than ever before. In fact, it is in no one’s interest to threaten civil peace and foster hatreds within one people for the sake of a situation whose days are counted.

Indeed, the Syrian regime is crumbling and after a while, it will no longer be able to reward those who are turning a blind eye today and lending it their all-out support. This goes without mentioning growing expressions of solidarity with the uprising in Tripoli, Saida, the Bekaa or Beirut.

It is an orientation that cannot be hindered as long as the Lebanese people are politically and emotionally divided, which is only natural and healthy. Why then are we witnessing this dangerous, crude and repeated stupidity, which is trying to fit a river into a cardboard box?