''Secular leaders behind killing..''
A brutal act in Beirut
By Mohammed A. R. Galadari
15 February 2005
DEAR readers, I feel so sad that Lebanon has again come to such a pass. There are no words strong enough to condemn the brutal act that took the lives of Rafik Al Hariri and several others in Beirut yesterday. At this juncture, I can only share the concern of all the Lebanese as to when they can get out of this cycle of violence and live in peace and harmony.
Hariri was a highly respected politician. His speech on the need for change in the Arab world, at the recent Arab Strategy Forum held in Dubai, was widely noticed. He laid eminent stress on political and economic reforms, which showed he understood the need for change. He was one leader who had the political maturity, wisdom and courage to speak out on issues of such sensitive nature, irrespective of the adverse reactions it might invite.
Lebanon's recent history is riddled with such acts. The civil war that lasted nearly two decades and ended in the Syria-Lebanon treaty of 1991 is fresh in our memories. Look at the iterations of the assassinations by faceless gangs. Who killed Elie Hobaika, a former Christian warlord once allied with Syria, is not clear yet. The same with the assassination of former president, Rene Mouawad, who was killed when his motorcade was blown up; or with the killing Druze leader Kamal Jumblat.
Hariri held strong views on Syria. He is credited with many smart steps in revamping the Lebanese economy that lay in shatters at the end of the civil war. He was pro-reform. The 12 years of his premiership, through various governments, have helped Lebanon in many ways, though points are raised often about his alleged inability to rein in corruption. He was a billionaire politician, having been a successful businessman who built up a massive business empire. His admirers say his business acumen helped improve Lebanon's economy. He spent his own money liberally on pubic causes. The eruption of sorrow in the streets of Beirut and elsewhere in Lebanon yesterday is indicative of the love that large sections of the Lebanese had for him.
The latest assassination could in all probability be a political act, especially as it comes at a time when international pressure is building up on Syria for withdrawal of its 14,000 troops from the Lebanese soil. Syrian President Bashar Al Assad described the killing as a "terrible criminal act". He says the Syrian government and people stand alongside brotherly Lebanon in this dangerous situation. Perhaps, the assassination must help hasten a political settlement over the issue of troops withdrawal. It would be in everybody's interest that Lebanon is left to itself and the foreign troops exit from the land at the earliest.
That Hariri has been expressing strong views against the presence of Syrian troops in Lebanon is to anyone's knowledge. Allegations are that anyone who criticises Syria is branded a Zionist collaborator. Yet, a brave few like Hariri and Jumblat have lead the way for their people to stand up and make their opinions known.
It is time the Lebanese felt reassured that they are fully in control of their destiny. As many believe Hariri has become a martyr for that cause, there is bound to be an intensification of international efforts to settle the Lebanon-Syria problem.
Readers' response may be forwarded to marg@khaleejtimes.com
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