Throughout the war in Lebanon, I wrote out of conviction. Today, with the same confidence I say, Thank you Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah! Why am I showing my gratitude when I disagree with him on several issues? Simply because the Hezbollah leader has practiced self-criticism, in the aftermath of the destructive conflict.
Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah told Lebanon’s New TV station “did not think, even 1% that the capture would lead to a war at this time and of this magnitude. You ask me, if I had known on July 11 … that the operation would lead to such a war, would I do it? I say no, absolutely not”.
His statement wasn’t merely one of atonement but represented a step in the right direction, for Lebanon’s sake, away from Assad’s speech and from Iranian proclamations. Crucially, the words were not uttered by the hero of sound bites in Damascus or by the Emir of Qatar, the post-war leader and strategic victory choir member.
Nasrallah spoke after the war ended and he himself had seen the destruction wrought on Lebanon, despite the presence of data one should be aware of or, at least, be able to discern.
Events in Gaza, after the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier and the death of two others, were an indicator. We all know that Lebanon was expecting some one million tourists this summer. This should also have served as a national indicator!
All eyes were firmly set on the Iranian nuclear program as it snowballed, and accusations are being leveled against Hezbollah for being Iran’s military wing, while the world sees Damascus dance a dance of death with Tehran. Of course, the centers of decision-making were on the alert for a culprit! This too was an indicator!
Everyone knows that Syria wants to avoid the results of the investigation into the assassination of Lebanon’s former Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri, and also wants to re-impose its influence on Beirut, even at a price. Many see Hezbollah as a continuation of Damascus. This is reason to avoid kidnapping the two soldiers and an indicator!
Today, we all see only to well the destruction brought about by 33 days of fighting, which put an end to fifteen years’ reconstruction and whose victims are a million Lebanese.
Sayyid Nasrallah’s latest statement is a clear indication that the kidnapping of two soldiers and the killing of eight others is an uncalculated adventure! This is what the wise said at the beginning of the conflict. But, God help wise men in our Arab world!
How will the hero of sound bites and the post-ceasefire leader react? How will those who accused us of defending Israel and America react? Truly, one can only say, God help me from the evil of my friends, as for my opponents, I can vouch for them.