Fear, hunger and oppression

BEIRUT - Kamel Salim Taha

February 2005

Since the blast that rocked Beirut and the world, I have seen grim faces all around me. To the Lebanese this meant the resurgence of their fears and anxieties, those same feelings that dominated their lives throughout the Lebanese war of 1975 to 1990.

You could see the entire population, from within the depth of their beings, screaming: “Do not drag us to the war again.” To this once war torn country, this seen is terrifyingly too familiar. After a mere 15 years, of the termination of military hostilities among Lebanese warring factions, this country deserves a mend its wounds and look to a brighter future.

After the tragic blast that led to the murder of ex-PM Rafik Al-Hariri, his entourage and innocent bystanders, people will wonder, what about our children? Will they face the same ordeal that we faced in 1975-1990?

This is the impression I am getting everywhere I go and with whoever I speak with. In my opinion, silence is sin. The prospect of a prosperous future for this country should not be given up without a historical popular fight. Fear should not cripple attempts to solidify the Lebanese national unity, as well as the determination to liberate this country from the Syrian regime’s occupation. 

The youth and the students have a huge role to play. They should not surrender to fear for they will be condemning their own future. They are the best hope that this people and country have. They are the most reliable prospect of maintaining the Lebanese peace and stability.

The generation before them was used to fuel the war. It was sent to the trenches. This generation was given the option of emigrating or holding their ground. I believe that they have held their ground and now it is time for them to shift to the offensive. They shall not stand idle and take the blows.

The days of shying away from the responsibilities towards this land are over, action is the new creed.

They have to take to the streets and defend their country. The people shall not hesitate to take a stand in defiance of terrorism and totalitarianism as they have already done in Hariri’s populous funeral. They will defend democracy, liberty and independence of a sovereign Lebanese state.

After Georgia and Ukraine, after Palestine and Iraq, I believe Lebanon’s time has come. I do hope that we all rise to the challenge. And that we fully participate in the battle of independence.

Our people deserve to live a secure and respectable life; our country deserves a promising future. This people should be freed from fear, hunger, and oppression.