Though many Lebanese love their country, and are ready to sacrifice their lives for it, army commander General Michel Sulaiman rose up to yet another challenge as the country's only remaining patriot to preserve its integrity. His incredibly courageous stands proved once again why he is such an effective and indispensable leader.
What the Lebanese witnessed during these past few days was nothing short of carefully planned coups and counter-coups set up by both the majority as well as the opposition to emasculate the only truly national institution of any value. Sulaiman refused to become a tool and stood his ground not because he was concerned that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) would split along sectarian lines - which is possible but highly unlikely after the incredibly brave experience of Nahr Al Bared - but because he correctly concluded that both the majority as well as the opposition advanced non-Lebanese agendas.
Beirut, that is the official and legitimate government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, gambled with its two recent decisions - Hezbollah's private communications network and the dismissal of the head of security at the international airport for dereliction of duty - to finally break the political stalemate that the opposition imposed on state institutions. These were not hasty decisions but carefully calculated steps. In fact, Hezbollah and Amal took the bait well, especially after Hassan Nasrallah lost his legendary cool and machine-gunned his way through West Beirut and Druze strongholds.
By deploying considerable military might against civilians, especially fellow citizens, Hezbollah lost its authenticity. Siniora further gambled that he would goad the army into disarming the Shiite militia, although previous state decisions granted the Party of God undeniable privileges, which everyone respected. This is precisely what Sulaiman upheld.
Sulaiman, who prides himself in a collegial decision-making process, consults the LAF General Staff to reach key decisions. By refusing to take sides, the Commander accomplished two specific objectives: first, he rose above political differences, and second, he empowered his most likely successor, the Druze general, Shawki Al Masry, to follow in his footsteps. In other words, Sulaiman saw to it that the LAF would continue its mission - to defend the country - if and when wily politicians truly empower it.
New problem
Indeed, the commander's decisions proved that this man is underestimated, though the LAF has a new problem, namely how to oblige Hezbollah and Amal leaders to stand their men down. Time will tell whether that process will be successful and whether the opposition will finally muster the necessary courage to elect Sulaiman president.
As President of the Republic, Sulaiman will face several critical challenges in the weeks and months ahead, which will prove to be far more complicated than many assume. First, Sulaiman will no longer have the privilege of collective decision-making, but must balance various political groups against each other. In the current make-up of the country and for the foreseeable future, Lebanon will remain divided because a huge ideological gulf separates its citizens. He will be hard-pressed to preserve his effectiveness by staying neutral but that would mean a failed mandate. Rather, the Sulaiman genius will be to satisfy all sides, on the condition that all espouse Lebanese nationalism - and forego foreign allegiances.
Second, as president, Sulaiman will have to accept that the new LAF leadership might not follow in his footsteps. This is possibly the Commander's greatest fear, since he is counting that a Druze, Sunni, Shiite or Christian officer would first be a Lebanese soldier, not a sectarian representative of a particular minority community. He is hoping to have instilled in each and every soldier, officer, and especially high-ranking members of the General Staff, loyalty to the national flag.
Third, Sulaiman will have to find a solution to Hezbollah's weapons, which cannot remain illegal. In fact, it is in Lebanon's interests to sanction Hezbollah's arms as quickly as possible, because they are sorely needed to defend the country. On this much everyone agrees. Hezbollah is useful and its arms are essential to liberate the Sheba Farms and prevent future Israeli incursions. How Sulaiman will go about doing this is his cross to bear throughout his six-year term. Suffice it to say that as president he will not be the great patriot that he is if he transforms himself into Emile Lahoud, which he is unlikely to do.
Finally, Sulaiman will have to dig deep in his mind and soul to find a modus vivendi with Syria, Lebanon's only rival. Simply stated, it is essential for Beirut and Damascus to earn each other's respect. Today, Damascus shows little consideration for Beirut, which is shortsighted, because Syria's welfare - yes welfare - is intrinsically tied to democratisation and the creation of wealth. Though President Bashar Al Assad believes that he is serving his people, he knows that he is ruling over a relatively poor country, and would very much like to change current economic conditions. He must come to terms with this truth and the best ally to improve his people's standard of living is in forging closer bonds with a democratic Lebanon. In other words, Bashar must accept a free Lebanon if he wishes to have a prosperous Syria, and this is where Sulaiman will be of immense assistance.
Neither Lebanon nor Syria have any interest in being dragged into millennial and ideological conflicts propelled by Iran, which will enslave their populations, and prevent the creation of wealth. Those who dream of better days for future generations cannot but reject being dragged into alien battles. The week that just ended illustrated that General Sulaiman and the LAF proved they were able to withstand dark forces. The onus is now on the Syrian president to lend Sulaiman a hand by silencing Lebanese opportunists who are unpatriotic.
Dr Joseph A. Kechichian is a commentator and author of several books on Gulf affairs.
