Aoun's back and looking to future

The Christian Lebanese leader, General Michel Aoun, who fought Syria over its presence in Lebanon in 1989, is finally in Damascus, thereby turning a new page and conducting what he describes as an "open heart" operation with the Syrian President, Bashar Al Assad.

Aoun, who was forced to leave Lebanon and seek refuge in France for 15 years in the aftermath of losing a bloody war against the Syrian army, is neither a loser nor a victor in spite of the red-carpet welcome offered to him. The man and his host are looking towards the future without forgetting the past. They are trying to mend relations on the basis of mutual respect.

The General's move is historical on a regional scale because of the impact it will have on relations between the two countries. It sets a precedent on how relations can turn in the region when people open their hearts towards each other. Other leaders must follow suit and open their hearts towards Syria to reinforce peace and prosperity for people in the two neighbouring countries.