We choose life

It is not easy belonging to a country with never-ending political, economic and social problems. Growing up in surroundings where the problems were discussed but rarely addressed, I started to lose my idealistic vision of the future of my country and develop a more realistic, albeit sad, view.

The country has slipped into more violence, instability and uncertainty arguably since the assassination of Rafik Hariri in February 2005. But Lebanese history is not lacking in episodes of violence, sectarianism and war. With every passing year the Lebanese lose hope and find more reasons to immigrate.

Being an expatriate in Dubai, I meet so many Lebanese here. Although meeting compatriots in a foreign country is soothing, often times it is sad to see such a large community outside one's country, deprived of their right to live peacefully at home. It is heartbreaking that the only way the Lebanese ever score accomplishments is by seeking shelter elsewhere and that their contributions rarely have an impact at home.

One glance at UAE youth and one can't but admire the opportunities that are created for them. They have the choice to say no to foreign sponsorship and work for the benefit of the local community.

They choose to make movies, fly airplanes and run businesses. This is an option that Lebanese youth did not have when the country was in the grip of in political turmoil and economic decline.

On April 13 this year, groups of people came together in Lebanon to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the start of the civil war.

They reiterated their hopes that wounds caused by the war would heal so they could rebuild the country. There will be no civil war, they confirmed, because people have had enough. We have seen too much suffering in the eyes of our parents and we know better than to repeat the same mistakes. The people of Lebanon choose peace, economic opportunity, prosperity, security and the right to life.

If somehow, someday the Lebanese are to go back home, they should keep in mind the things they learned here. They should try to contribute to their country as much as they were able to do abroad.

- Maysam Ali, Notes Staff Reporter
education@gulfnews.com