Washington – BeirutPost
The Lebanese Christians stand at a crossroads in history, grappling with internal and external challenges that have long-term implications for their survival and influence in Lebanon. Despite seismic changes in Syria and the waning regional influence of Hezbollah, Christian leaders in Lebanon seem unable to grasp the evolving dynamics of the region. Instead of addressing the substantive issues shaping their future, many of these leaders remain ensnared in egocentric pursuits of power and personal gain
- Reasserting the Notion of the State
This leadership vacuum has dire consequences. When the individual becomes larger than the cause, both the cause and the individual are doomed to fail. The Christian leadership must recalibrate their focus, prioritize collective welfare over personal agendas, and embrace a vision that transcends narrow interests. Here are the pressing issues and actions they must address:
Lebanon’s statehood has been consistently undermined by groups advocating for either sub-state entities or ultra-state ideologies
The interests of the Shia community, represented by Hezbollah’s militia, and those of the Sunnis, historically represented by the PLO, reflect a focus on localized, community based, power structures rather than on national unity
Pan-Arab nationalism, championed by Baathist parties and Nasserism, alongside the pan-Shia identity propagated by Wilayat al-Faqih, further erode the concept of a cohesive Lebanese state
The symbolism of the Ayatollah’s and Jolani’s images in the streets of Lebanon underscores how both Sunni and Shia factions prioritize loyalties that transcend Lebanon’s borders. These dynamics undermine the country’s sovereignty and further marginalize Christians, who must advocate for a reimagined and resilient state structure
- Recognizing the Futility of the Current Parliamentary System
The Lebanese parliament is an ineffective vehicle for national transformation due to entrenched sectarian loyalties
Shia MPs are deeply influenced by sub-state ideologies aligned with Hezbollah and Amal, and by ultra-state ideology illustrated by the Islamic revolution in Iran
Sunni MPs place their hopes in the resurgence of political Islam, particularly in the context of changing power dynamics in Syria
Christian MPs remain divided and self-centered, failing to present a unified front to address national challenges
The speaker of parliament, Nabih Berri, an ardent proponent of Shia dominance, epitomizes the parliament’s inability to facilitate meaningful change. This institution, under its current structure and leadership, cannot lead Lebanon out of its crisis
- Embracing Revolutionary Change
The only viable path forward for Lebanese Christians is to reject the current efforts to elect a president by this parliament and under the prevailing dynamics, and to spearhead a ‘white revolution’ that opposes the status quo and demands systemic reform. This movement should take their cause to the streets and be built upon the following pillars
Dissolve Parliament
The current parliament’s corrupt members, firmly entrenched in their sectarian and personal interests, lack vision and represent a significant obstacle to change
Establish an Interim Government: A transitional body should be tasked with organizing free and fair elections based on a ‘one person, one vote’ system, breaking away from the Syrian-Hezbollah-clientelism electoral system that led to the formation of the current parliament
Elect a New Parliamen
A reformed legislative body must reflect the will of the people, liberated from external influences
Convene a National Conference: Such a conference would aim to draft a new social contract that reflects Lebanon’s diverse fabric and aspirations for a united future
Advocate for a New Political System: This system should be capable of implementing and harnessing the new social contract, prioritizing the principles of decentralization, the rule of law, local economies and state governance, and the separation and balance of power
A Call to Action
For decades, Lebanese Christians have been at the mercy of shifting regional power dynamics and internal disunity. Today, they have an opportunity to reclaim control over their destiny and redefine their role in Lebanon’s future. To do so, they must move beyond the grip of self-serving leaders and unite under a shared vision of sovereignty, stability, equality, and prosperity
The road ahead will not be easy. However, by taking their cause to the streets and mobilizing for systemic reform, Lebanese Christians can chart a path toward a brighter future. This moment calls for courage, clarity, and commitment—qualities that, if embraced, can transform Lebanon into a beacon of hope and resilience in the region, not only for Christians, but for all Lebanese communities
