April 13th marked the 46th anniversary of the start of the Lebanon War, the darkest episode in the nation’s history.
How could it be that a civilization renowned for its peaceful coexistence degenerate into the most tragic human act?
Given the way the war was resolved, it remains paramount to construct a collective recollection of the war, so that the nation can finally move on, once and for all, from the divisions that sparked the war and led to the economic crisis today.
Five major factors caused the war and prolonged its resolution: occupation, sectarian-based system that had led to socio-economic disparities, lack of a strong state, foreign interests to use Lebanon as a proxy battlefield, lack of a strong national identity that supersedes sectarian or supranational identities.
Despite pre-existing internal issues, the war may have never started were it not for the foreign occupations of Lebanon. Had it started, it may have only turned into smaller clashes culminating in a much quicker settlement.
One should not group all war participants into one box. The warlords who appropriated the government after the war do not necessarily represent all those who participated in the war.
When a state is unable to perform its basic duties, it is normal for some humans to feel they have no resort but to arm themselves and protect their families. Many people who participated in the war did it out of deep personal conviction. Of course, there were others who simply had a thirst for violence.
Are there any positives to take out of the most horrific of conflicts?
New, emerging states often go through many crises before they develop socio-political cohesion and institutional strength. Ironically, it is often said that the processes of wars and crises are part of the nation state building process. Wars can either create nations or destroy them.
Despite all the atrocities of the war, the social fabric remained, the republic still stands, and most importantly, 17 Teshreen demonstrated the presence of strong national unity.
The tribes of Lebanon are destined to live with one another in harmony and peace.
A NEW ERA IS ON THE WAY