Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Why Are You Not Joining Us?

Can someone explain to me why Hizbullah and Amal are not taking part in tomorrow's funeral of our martyr Gebran Tueni? Why?

Aoun's FPM have joined forces starting yesterday. Despite political differences, all Lebanese factions have joined hands to repel destruction, death, and hate. But where are the Shiites? Where are they? And why are they absent from this movement?

This is not about Syria; it's about a Lebanese martyr. This is a lowest common denominator; and if Hizbullah/Amal do not see eye to an eye with this lowest common denominator, then what is there to agree with them on?

As MP Bassam Sabeh said, he usually takes different political stances than his sect (the Shiite sect), but now he pleaded to Hizbullah and Amal not to alienate themselves from what is Lebanese.

Yesterday, in DC's candle light vigil, all political party representatives were present. This unity reminded me of the candle light vigil that was held last February, the same day the late Hariri was murdered. As political calculations entered into the equation, especially during the parliamentary elections, I witnessed less and less of that unity. But now, we all held hands to say no more. We saw that FPM can oppose a government, but will hold hands with everyone when Lebanon is in danger...Then where is Hizbullah and Amal?


"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."

14 comments:

Charles Malik said...

What is most incredible is that even Sleiman Franjieh and the Qawmy Surie have condemned the attack.

In fact, even Syria condemned the attack.

There is no reason not to stand beside the Tueni family and the Lebanese people in their time of mourning.

It seems that the sectarian parties Hezbollah and Amal are hoping to create a sectarian war. We now fully know they are willing to watch Lebanese die without comment, as their supporters cheer and pass out sweets.

Yaman said...

The answer is quite simple to me. Hizballah's main priority, its reason for existence, is the liberation of Palestine. This is their ultimate priority. They see division within the Arab world as detrimental to this goal, so they will naturally oppose any move that might threaten solidarity against Israel and for Palestine. Lebanese nationalism is only something Hizballah picked up after the Hariri assassination to stay viable in Lebanon--this was the first time they needed to because they had never been an independent force in Lebanon without some external support (Syria).

Their refusal to condemn the attack is a sad one; however, I would guess that Hizballah was never a fan of the late Gebran Tueni. Unfortunately, Voltaire's principle of "I may disagree with what you say but I will fight to the death to protect your right to say it" has not yet been extended to the Arab world in the political realm.

My sympathies, Lebanon. Insha'Allah, one day, our region of the world will get past the political muddle, the sectarian rifts, and move forward into an era of coexistence, mutual respect, and national solidarity.

Anonymous said...

Quoting an anon:

"Tueni never said shiites are sheep. This is the biggest distortions of facts ever propagated by the extremist sectarian al manar tv.

This is how it happened:
Tueni was having a conference in french at the Université Saint-Joseph in Beirut when one student asked for his opinion about the Hizbullah claims that there were 1.6 million people in their demonstration (8 of March).
His reply was that we shouldn't look at demonstrations in terms of sheer numbers, because here we're talking about people and not sheep.
Next day al manar headlines: Tueni called shiites sheep!!!!
Can anyone be more dishonest than this?"

Master Blaster said...

Actually, LP, the SSNP may well have known about the hit. Read Khishen in al-Mustaqbal.

Anonymous said...

It's clear hezbollah's loyalties lie with syria and iran. They do not want freedom, they do not want democracy. Their stupid ministers just withdraw from every meeting with the excuse 'we need more time to think' as if they are some big, thoughtful organisation. They obviously dont want the truth, they dont want justice, they dont want Lebanon. They want Syria, because Syria shares their dictatoric interests. Where are the Shi3a (30% of Leb's Population) going down to the streets to demonstrate against hezbollah's action? They go on about heroism and martyrdom but not one of them is ready to stand up for a free lebanon!

Anonymous said...

Quoting another anon:

"Tueni never said shiites are sheep. This is the biggest distortions of facts ever propagated by the extremist sectarian al manar tv.

This is how it happened:
Tueni was having a conference in french at the Université Saint-Joseph in Beirut when one student asked for his opinion about the Hizbullah claims that there were 1.6 million people in their demonstration (8 of March).
His reply was that we shouldn't look at demonstrations in terms of sheer numbers, because here we're talking about people and not sheep.
Next day al manar headlines: Tueni called shiites sheep!!!!
Can anyone be more dishonest than this?"

Anonymous said...

Quoting Vox Populi,
Man youd didn't get the definition of martyr. A martyr is any terrorist who blow himself in South Lebanon. There's no martyr above the litani river

Can you enlighten us with the definition of a "terrorist"?
Your bigotry is disgusting.
And you except a shiite to march against hizbullah or asking all shiites to join the rest of lebanese?! With your venomous words, I can say "you are dreaming".

Master Blaster said...

Doha, you nailed it with your last comment about HA's experience being a total failure. See the addendum to my latest post.

Anonymous said...

To all lebanese, let's not waist time with the BS talk. Action is the only mean to regain our freedom back. Get ready. Arm yourselves now. Not long ago, we were saying we don't want war again. But fuck it this is not the way to live. Besides, the Syrians, Iraninans and HA keep asking for it. Why not. I have done once. I do it again. Little older but meaner on the Syrians. Stop waisting your time. Get ready. You they are! Remember what the Syrians have done to most Lebanese(Except Shiites) for 30 years. Screw forgive and forget. The Syrians must pay the price. This is the time. The # one enemy is within us and not Isreal

Anonymous said...

I agree. Syria have declared war. Like it or not. Yes time to get ready. You know they are. Al-marada, Hizb(no allah), Amal and the Syrians. Enough said. See you in Damascus !

Anonymous said...

Maybe are not taking part in tomorrow's funeral because they carried out the orders from their boss, Syria

Hassan said...

LP,
"It seems that the sectarian parties Hezbollah and Amal are hoping to create a sectarian war. We now fully know they are willing to watch Lebanese die without comment, as their supporters cheer and pass out sweets. "

HA did condemn the attack, but you cannot blame their supporters' actions on them. Generalization is not a logical tool.

Anonymous said...

Anon 6:11, it's ok if you behave like a sheep.

Agreed, I will give you the dog's role in our lebanese zoo.

There's enough courageous men in Lebanon to save this country.

Ofcourse, not dogs like you. Leave the courage for those "terrrorists" who would blow themselves below the Litani. They seem more tolerant than you are, BTW.

Anonymous said...

AHJunior,

Why are you refering to me?! I find your words suitable for vox... or you are too childish.

BTW, it is Hatred not hatress!