Lebanese Vs. Syrian People

Please note this post is my personal opinion and not that of all the bloggers on this forum.

Recently a big topic in Lebanon is the relationship between the Syrian and Lebanese people. There seems to be a lot of hostility between the people as a result of all events the past year. I am now watching a show on New TV, Had Yesma3na (Someone listen to us), where they get regular people to talk. Today they got Syrians university students studying in Lebanon vs. Lebanese university students to discuss their point of views and opinions.

I understand how the Lebanese and Syrians have always been close to each other. I understand how the Syrians living in Lebanon have nothing to with politics but they should understand where the Lebanese come from. Most Syrians do not understand why the Lebanese have such hatred towards the Syrians, I think Lynn Maalouf said it best in her article "Between Two Peoples: Can My Syrian Side Share Lebanese Hopes?": (I strong recommend you read the entire article).

"On the way back to Beirut in George's taxi, I realized that the Syrian regime has been smart about one thing: For nearly two decades, it has done its dirtiest work in Lebanon. This at least partly explains the rift between the two peoples, the unshared resentment toward Assad's government."

Also, it surprised me that several Syrians believe that the Lebanese should have the same policies they do! It surprises me when several Syrians give their opinions on Lebanese politicians! These politicians should represent the Lebanese... only the Lebanese have the right to approve or disapprove politician actions.

Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of Syrian friends. I don't have issues with with the people but don't expect me to accept your political system, the Baath regime, to be implemented in Lebanon. If you are happy with what you have then good for you but don't interfere in our politics anymore.

Also, please understand, if the Syrians have left Lebanon it does not mean our problems are over. Lebanon has a whole list of issues that need to be resolved, the issues I can think on top of my head are:

1. The President.

* We still demand the President to resign.
* Who will replace the President.

2. The Palestenians.

* A major issue being discussed now... stripping the palestenians of all their weapons in Lebanon.

* Another issue is what to do with the palestenians? Continue to allow them to live in the camps in Lebanon? Make them Lebanese? Ask them to leave?

3. Hizbullah

* A huge issue in Lebanon. The Lebanese can't seem to agree on this topic.

4. Economy

* The living expenses in Lebanon continue to go up. Why? When the price for fuel when up in Lebanon, they claimed that some of the profit has to go to Syria... Syria is out now, so where is the profit going too?

We have a long path to go through in Lebanon. What we celebrated last year is that we have placed ourselves on the right path once again. Gaining our sovereignty is only the first step. We still have to fix up our internal issues and conflicts. We have to tip-toe through this process so that we do not ignite another civil war. We still need to find the truth about all the killings and bombings that have occurred throughout the past year, we need closure and we need to know that these crimes stop and not occur again. We still need to find the Lebanese missing people who have been taken away by Syrians. Are they dead or alive? In short, I think it's time Lebanon closes all it's doors and windows, does major spring cleaning, and then open up its windows to throw out the trash and let in some fresh air instead.

We just took a first step, a really small first step which is the largest step we have taken in 30 years.