The two years I have spent in Lebanon have taught me a great deal.
For instance, I learned to look out the window more. This lessened the risk of missing scenes like churches and mosques, standing side-by-side, or ancient ruins nestled amid modern architecture. I discovered that a pair of hiking boots and a mountain trail form a gateway from daily chaos to deep serenity. And, very soon into my stay, I came to realize that the hospitality of the Lebanese knows no bounds, with people from all communities and backgrounds willing to share whatever they have.
Other lessons learned over the past two years have been harsher. It is one thing to read about the Lebanese economy’s collapse, but another to speak with someone who cannot access their life’s savings, built from hard work and generational sacrifice. I have observed deeply rooted sectarian fault lines; have seen pragmatism and empathy retreat behind rigid party lines. I have experienced both the complexity and devastating impact of the role of non-State arms on Lebanon’s society; of a state within a state. And, I have watched anger calcify through the drip of political dysfunction, corruption and impunity.
The truth is: Lebanon, already so much, can be even more than what it is. The country is teeming with potential, from its natural beauty to its vast reserves of creativity and tenacity, as well as its ability to mine the golden aspects of diversity.
Some of this potential came to life last year. A new president and government heralded brave, ambitious agendas, shattering taboos and laying out a vision for a strong and sovereign Lebanese State. The recent talks in Washington, DC, and resulting framework, while only part of a wider puzzle, show that Lebanon is capable of breaking new ground.
That said, a conducive environment must be created, foremost, from within. Not only to push back on the influence of external developments and actors, but also to move to decision-driven and functional governance. Of course, the history of the country’s power-sharing system is well understood. A state-centric approach, however, has evaded Lebanon for too long. And yes, an expanded perspective to non-State arms is needed too – one which goes beyond a military solution, offering all Lebanese citizens a future in which they are protected and provided for by the State.
I am convinced that the era of an empowered Lebanese State can still come into being. It will require herculean work over years and vast patience. Clearly, this work cannot be done by the Government alone. It should see all Lebanese leaders and political actors putting the best interest of the State over party or confession. And certainly, it will also require external allies to listen to and support the decisions of the Lebanese State.
Moreover, there will need to be a shift in the mentality and practices of Lebanese society, which has grown accustomed to relying on non-State support networks. But, from what I heard while living in Lebanon, the vast majority people are just fed up. From government employees and entrepreneurs to local fruit sellers and taxi drivers. They wish to live in stability, welcome their loved ones back from abroad and plan for a future without the caveat of “let’s see how the situation is next month”.
There is no time like the present for a strong call to rally around the Lebanese flag!
As my plane took off from Beirut airport, I did what I have learned to do more of and gazed out of the window. I marveled at the Mediterranean coastline and the city’s urban landscape bleeding into the towering terrain of Mount Lebanon.
Lebanon is a country which has given much to the world, from what some historians argue is the foundation of the modern-day alphabet to what I argue is the region’s best kishk. Now is the time for Lebanon to give to itself. For it to be the country it can be. A country which is nothing short, frankly, of paradise on earth.
