Lebanese don’t want another civil war

Lebanon is a country that cannot afford instability, let alone a full scale civil war. Given its history, geographic location, and the politics situation, Lebanon can easily become a victim of other parties who are at war with each other. Yet in order to sustain its independence as much as its neutrality, it is crucial that the country maintains a level of calm and reasoning when dealing with such a situation.

There is no question that the events taking place in Syria will affect Lebanon one way or the other. The proximity of the two countries and the ramifications of external politics make it impossible for Lebanon to remain in absolute isolation of its surroundings.

A Sunni cleric opposed to Syrian President Bashar Al Bashar was killed in Lebanon. This has surely raised the alarm not just for the Lebanese but also for others. Saudi Arabia reacted by expressing its concern over the killing. “Saudi Arabia is deeply concerned and is following up on the recent [events in] Tripoli, especially the targeting of a [major] sect in the country’s social fabric,” stated King Abdullah in a letter to Lebanese President Michel Sulaiman according to the official Saudi Press Agency.

Lebanon is not ready for a conflict that would definitely tear its social fabric apart. It is also not equipped to deal with any kind of sectarian strife that could lead to a break up of the country.

The 1975-1990 civil war is still present in the memories of all the people of Lebanon. And it is this dark side of the country’s history that gives hope that the people would insist on keeping sectarianism at bay and block out outside interefrence.