Friday, August 18, 2006

What the Lebanese Army Really Means To Lebanese

The Lebanese Army today basks in the spotlight - and for good reason, too. For the first time since its disintegration during the civil war, it deploys its personnel and material south of the Litani River. Numerous journalists and analysts have written articles assessing the army's capabilities. Most have been scathing. However, all have conveyed relief at its deployment in Southern Lebanon.

Some of these assessments have compared the army to Hizballah, for obvious reasons. They sought to satisfy the curiosity a few individuals betrayed regarding whether or not the Army could take the militia on, and disarm it. Of course, considering what the Israelis were able to accomplish in a month, there simply is no question about what Lebanon's antiquated armed forces would be able to accomplish. If it were ever to take Hizballah on, it would lose mightily.

So if our armed forces are so obviously weak, why are Lebanese so proud of it? Why does it foster such feelings of pride among most, if not all, Lebanese?

For an answer to that question, I will quote none other than Walid Jumblatt: "the Lebanese Army is the product of political consensus - consensus among all of Lebanon's political forces (and sects) - consensus that protects it, and allows it to fulfill its duties." Therefore, in certain respects, the Lebanese Armed Forces are not merely means to ends, but rather ends in themselves.

There would be nothing easier than for a foreign power to isolate a particular sect in Lebanon, help foster a militaristic culture, train its military-aged men for guerilla warfare, and spend hundreds of millions of dollars arming it to the teeth and preparing it for war. In other words, there is nothing special about Hizballah. If the Americans, French, Russians or Chinese decided to spend $20 - $50 million dollars a month on militarizing the Druze, Sunna, or Maronite communities, you would see the exact same outcome.

However, as I've already mentioned, nothing could be easier. The challenge for Lebanon and Lebanese lies in the national project - in choosing to be Lebanese. And despite our Army's impotence, we remain proud of it because it is a living, breathing symbol of that project. The Army reflects our society, and will only do what is acceptable to all of us. It is truly, Our Army.

One of my professors at Hopkins once said something that struck me. He pointed out that contrary to popular perceptions, he believed it much more difficult to effectively lead state institutions than private enterprises. Whereas leaders of the latter were single-minded in their determination to secure profits, leaders of the former needed to factor in and manage the often contradictory demands that emanate from the soceity(ies) they serve.

13 comments:

Andrey said...

They are saying here that truck with ammunition crossing the border from syria will be bombed...

Blacksmith Jade said...

From personal experience I know that in the Christian areas of Lebanon the army earned the respect of the population because it protected the citizenry there from the extortion and illegal taxations and harrasments imposed on it by the militias in place.

Also, the army was respected for its precise shelling and avoidance of civilian targets.

These are, of course, sidenotes to the admiration the army commands as a national institute. In a highly militaristic culture such as ours, the army is right up there with the cedars of north and of the shouf in its symbolism.

Lets just hope it can do more than just be a symbol.

Solomon2 said...

I should hope that the Lebanese phase of this conflict is now over. I suspect that if re-supply of Hezbollah steps up, Israel will prefer to attack the source, rather than Lebanon itself. I wouldn't want to be on the Syrian side of a border crossing when that happens.

The Middle East News Addict said...

The initial Lebanese reactions to the army's deployment seem encouraging. It seems to me that if that continues, the army should be used as a focal point to gather the country around just the way it is in Israel and Turkey. This is not to say that society will become militaristic; simply that the army and its monopoly on force among other things will become a consensus point around which all Lebanese will gather.

The Middle East News Addict said...

To ShittyZions

the army's disarming of Hezbollah will only cause civil war if people let it. On the other hand not disarming it will lead to a war with Israel. So which one do you prefer: a potential civil war or a certain war to the bitter end (probably of Lebanon as the comparison of damages shows) with Israel?

If there was truly consensus in Lebanon about what Hezbollah is doing, then Hezbollah would have no reason NOT to join the government and army and then sway the government to war. Unfortunately HA knows that it is the only one wishing war.; and that without that war, no Iranian/Syrian funding will be forthcoming, reducing Hezbollah to an insignificant party.

Tour Guide Jack said...

To Chris from Lebanon
If there was no Hezbollah, do you think a true peace with Israel would be possible? I'm not being sarcastic - I'm truly asking your opinion. Would Israel respect the sovereignty of Lebanon, including the airspace and territorial waters of Lebanon?

Tour Guide Jack said...

Like the peace between Israel, Egypt and Jordan? They"re not exactly democratic, so their governments can be paid to tow the American line. Even without Hez Lebanese politics will be more volatile. Is having an Orwellian Big Brother like Israel/USA really ok with you?

Tour Guide Jack said...

Because free speech is severely limited, Israel dictates border terms and anyone who voices dissent gets thrown into jail.

Anonymous said...

Raja - Are you aware of any military connections exist between Hizo and the Lebanese Army, and to what extent such connections exist? Please don't try to tell me that they don't exist; that would be ludicrous. You simply cannot have two armed forces on a piece of land half the size of New Jersey and they don't cross paths at all.

Andrey said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Ecumene said...

Congratulations to Lebanese basketball team in Japan-Mundobasket.Venezuela-Lebanon 72-82.Good message for the national unity.

Andrey said...

lol

Anonymous said...

gosudaryna - Actually, I had not intended to quibble with details on Lebanon's area, but you piqued my curiosity with your response, so I looked it up. New Jersey is 22587 sq. km, more than twice the size of Lebanon. I had not intended to be right, only to emphasize that Lebanon is really freaking small. But hey, surprise surprise.

And I was certainly not interested in some guy's cousin who knows a guy who used to be a conscript in the Lebanese army and then sold his soul to HA. I was more interested in contacts between leadership elements, if Raja was aware. But thanks for your input.