 Since Syria's president appointed General Emil Lahoud and his government, Lebanon and its people have been exposed to a big lie. The "return of the state of law, freedom and democracy", is the title of this Syrian-imported lie. What is both devastating and sarcastic in the midst of this overwhelming façade, is that Mr. Lahoud, his Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials believe the lie and have started acting accordingly. They intentionally forgot who appointed them and believed their own lie, that the people of Lebanon elected them. These officials are suffering from an intentional selective amnesia, exactly like malingerers and pathological liars. They believed their own lies and the lies of their masters and on a daily basis, pose and brag with promises that they cannot fulfill. On 29/12/1998, General Lahoud told a Lebanese Press Federation delegation he received at the Baabda Palace: "There would be no Lebanon without public liberties and freedom of expression. I mean every word I say and whatever is published against me, the final judge will be my actions, and if I am able to prove that what is being published or said is wrong with actions, why should I care about what is said, especially if it is criticism on a personal level." (Daily Star newspaper 30/12/1998). General Lahoud vowed also in front of the same delegation that he will never, ever, sue any journalist during his term. While General Lahoud was making his vows at the Baabda Palace, Beirut's public prosecutor, Abdullah Bitar, accused Minister Brigadier Issam Abu Jamra of libel because of remarks he made about Lahoud in an article published in Al-Hayat newspaper. He referred the case to investigating magistrate Said Mirza and asked him to take the needed measures and issue an arrest warrant. Abu Jamra, who was a minister in General Aoun's military government between 1988-1989 has been living in exile, in France since 1990. Abu Jamra, who is well known for his patriotism, openness, honesty and courage, criticized Lahoud's national stance and reminded him that Assad appointed him after being an obedient army chief for nine years. He also reminded him of the bitter fact that he is just a puppet ruler, another Hrawi, who carries Syrian directions and orders. Abu Jamra asked, in his article who, from the puppet appointed officials, respects the constitution that they allege to safeguard. He wondered which constitution they are bragging about, the first or the second, and added that both of are just script, void of power, respect and legitimacy under the Syrian occupation. What crime had Abu Jamra had committed to be accused of libel? In fact, he did not break any Lebanese law and did not infringe on any official's rights including General Lahoud's. Abu Jamra used his constitutional right in expressing his views, pointing to atrocities inflicted on the country, unveiling the regime's bitter collaboration and exposing its Syrian subservience. Every word mentioned in Mr. Abu Jamra's article, "What humiliation and a waste of time" was simple fact that every Lebanese is fully aware of. He did not lie when he said Lahoud was appointed by the Syrian President, and was telling the truth when he stated that the MP's elected Lahoud not because of their free will, but because they were ordered to do so by Syria who appointed them. Suing Abu Jamra is akin to suing the majority of the Lebanese people in both occupied Lebanon and in Diaspora for the crime of basic honesty, courage and patriotism. Suing Mr. Abu Jamra, is suing all the Lebanese who are saying NO to Syria and to its appointed puppet officials in Lebanon. Suing Mr. Abu Jamra is suing all those who are saying loudly NO to Syria's hegemony and to its confiscation of sovereignty, independence, freedom and a free decision-making process. Suing Abu Jamra is in fact, an award and a Medal of Honor added to the many awards and medals granted him during his lengthy military service. Mr. Abu Jamra is a brave Lebanese citizen and a wise leader who cannot be intimidated by suing, threats, imprisonment or exile. He loved Lebanon, worshiped it's sacred soil and honored its democracy and multiculturalism. His duty is to say the truth and fight for liberation, and this is exactly what he did and what he will continue to do as long as he can breathe. By Suing Minister Abu Jamra, General Lahoud and his regime portrayed clearly their ugly reality, about which every Lebanese is now fully aware. General Lahoud's vows were challenged and scorned by the courage of Mr. Abu Jamra, the same day they were uttered. Mr. Lahoud's credibility to protect freedoms and erect the state of law was tested four times since his Syrian appointment as president, and all tests proved his positions to be baseless rhetoric. General Lahoud ordered the arrest of peaceful university students who were beaten and humiliated for distributing an article written by General Aoun addressing the lost human rights in Lebanon. He agreed that ex-president Mr. Amin Gemayel can return safely from his exile, and then he was forced by his masters to back off and break his promise. He received Mr. Dorry Chamoun at the presidential palace, and then ordered the media to blackout his visit. He vowed to protect freedom of expression and not to sue those who criticize him and sued Mr. Abu Jamra for expressing his opinion. Mr. Lahoud is not a free ruler, and he does not rule in accordance with the constitution, but in response to orders and directions (FARAMANS) from the occupier who appointed him. Unfortunately Mr. Lahoud and his new-old appointed regime imposed on the Lebanese by Syria since 1990 does not represent the will, ambition or aspirations of the Lebanese people. The crime for which the regime is suing Mr. Abu Jamra is the crime of every free Lebanese, fighting peacefully for freedom, independence, sovereignty and calling for the withdrawal of all foreign troops, Syrians, Israelis, Palestinians and others. If Mr. Abu Jamra is a criminal in the eyes of the regime for what he wrote, than all the Lebanese people are criminals. Mr. Abu Jamra's article scorched General Lahoud's vows with the light of truth and unveiled his credibility. God bless Mr. Abu Jamra who spoke the truth. God bless the students who carry the torch of liberation. God bless every Lebanese who believes in a free, liberated Lebanon, the sacred 10,452 square kilometers, and our 6000 years of history and civilization. Long Live Free Lebanon |