Lebanon stands at a pivotal juncture, with its destiny hanging in the balance. The nation’s security officials, who have historically supported Syrian and Iranian occupations, must be held accountable. The Lebanese army, particularly its Intelligence Services, known as the ‘Mukhabarat,’ have committed heinous acts, including kidnapping, torture, and transferring political opponents to Syrian prisons. It is inconceivable that former officials of the ‘Mukhabarat’ who are suspected of such crimes could be considered for the presidency in an era marked by the Syrian Spring and the decline of Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon. Those responsible for atrocities, including negligence leading to the Beirut Harbor explosion, should face justice, not high office.
Lebanese politicians who have colluded with foreign powers to imprison their fellow citizens must be barred from political life and brought to trial. This includes members of Hezbollah and Amal, who have been implicated in dragging Lebanese Shia into Syrian dungeons. This also includes former president Michel Aoun who deliberately abandoned his troops and knew of their abduction in Syria, and who lifted no finger to free them up when he had many occasions and opportunities to doing so. These individuals must be held accountable in both legal courts and the court of public opinion. Their communities should reject them, recognizing the betrayal of their own people.
Journalists and propagandists in Lebanon also bear responsibility for spreading misinformation, defamation, and treason. They have glorified dictators and accused opponents of treason, brainwashing young men into martyrdom for foreign regimes. These actions demand accountability and legal reckoning.
This call for justice is not about revenge but about accountability. We seek a thorough, legal process where those accused of crimes can present their defense. If found guilty, they should serve long sentences; if innocent, no further claims will be pursued.
Drawing inspiration from the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Lebanon must establish its own TRC to address past atrocities. The TRC’s openness and transparency were crucial in dealing with the violence and human rights abuses of apartheid. Lebanon needs a similar process to forgive, learn from past mistakes, and ensure they are not repeated.
Hezbollah remains delusional, Amal is in denial, and other Lebanese parties -from far left to far right- are lost in confusion. Once the dust settles, a TRC for Lebanon is essential to heal the nation and move forward.
The adage “let bygones be bygones” is a recipe for repeated disasters. Lebanon must confront its past to build a better future.