كيفية إنهاء الحرب في لبنان
ايلي عون/08 تشرين الأول/2024
(تمت ترجمة المقال من الإنجليزية إلى العربية بواسطة غوجل)
How to End the War in Lebanon
Elie Aoun/October 08/2024
It is possible to achieve a sustainable peace by implementing certain fundamental principles found in the constitutions of, and the treaties signed by, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.
Firstly, Article 152 of the Iranian Constitution states that “the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based upon the rejection of all forms of domination, both the exertion of it and submission to it.” On this basis, Iran must renounce and abandon its exertion of its domination policy towards Lebanon – by disbanding Hizballah, removing all the missiles and weaponry that it has funneled into Lebanon, along with the withdrawal of its military and security personnel from the country. Iran should also abandon its “exertion of domination” in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, etc.
Iran’s Constitution claims that it “has cleansed itself of the dust and impurities” and “purged itself of foreign ideological influences.” In the same manner, we in Lebanon desire to cleanse the nation from the dust and impurities of Iran’s ideology.
Iran’s Constitution (Article 3(5)) calls for “the prevention of foreign influence.” In the same manner, we in Lebanon desire the prevention of Iranian influence.
Iran’s Constitution (Article 146) forbids “the establishment of any kind of foreign military base in Iran.” In the same manner, we in Lebanon forbid the establishment of any kind of Iranian military base in Lebanon through Hizballah.
If Iran’s objective is to revive the “Persian Empire,” the Iranian regime must remember that in the Treaty of Zuhab or Treaty of Qasr-e Shirin (May 17, 1639), the Persian Empire had irrevocably ceded Mesopotamia (Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, etc.) to the Ottoman Empire. Lebanon is not part of the Persian Empire.
Secondly, the Defense and Security Agreement between Lebanon and Syria (May 22, 1991) states that both States shall take the necessary measures to prevent any activity or organization that may cause prejudice to the other country. Each State shall undertake not to give shelter for, facilitate the passage of, or provide protection for individuals and organizations operating against the security of the other state. Similar language is found in Article 3 of the so-called “Treaty of Brotherhood, Cooperation, and Coordination.”
Although we have some reservations on the Agreement and Treaty, the Syrian government should prohibit the passage (through its territory) of any Iranian weaponry or any militant groups or military personnel (Iranian or otherwise) into Lebanon. Furthermore, Syria must control (from its side of the border) all militant activities alongside the Lebanese-Syrian border.
Thirdly, the Israel-Lebanon Armistice Agreement (March 23, 1949) states that “No aggressive action by the armed forces – land, sea or air – of either Party shall be undertaken, planned, or threatened against the people or the armed forces of the other.” “The right of each Party to its security and freedom from fear of attack by the armed forces of the other shall be fully respected.”
Fourthly, the first line of the Lebanese constitution states that “Lebanon is a sovereign, free, and independent country.” All Lebanese have the obligation to safeguard that sovereignty, freedom (with responsibility), and independence. “Sovereignty” refers to a state’s preeminent authority within its borders, the state’s right to bar outsiders, and to determine its own relations with the rest of the world.
Based on statements made by Hizballah and Iranian officials, Hizballah was pronounced as “an extension of Iran in Lebanon.” As such, the group must be disbanded militarily (since it is a military tool of Iran) and must be disbanded politically (since its political agenda is to overthrow the Lebanese republic and render it into a dummy province of Iran).
Any Lebanese is free to pursue political activity. However, freedom comes with responsibility. No one is free to overthrow governmental institutions, transform the country into a battle-zone, and pursue strategies contrary to the well-being of the population.
Disbanding a militant group with foreign allegiance, such as Hizballah, is the bedrock of sovereignty. The leadership of that group has misled their followers and destroyed the nation. Iran should order Hizballah to disband, or whoever is left in that group must assume responsibility and take a unilateral decision to do so.
All Lebanese must adhere to the principles that protect them – instead of following misguided policies that endanger the people. All parties (foreign and domestic) involved in Lebanese affairs must abandon short-term “interests” and pursue enforcement of long-term “principles” as the most efficient way to end the current war, prevent future wars, and secure a genuine peace.
Unfortunately, the current Lebanese political class is focused on “interests” and not equipped to constructively face the challenges. They must recognize this fact and immediately appoint to governmental positions qualified Lebanese to handle the situation.
The Lebanese are primarily responsible for what is taking place on their soil and must demand the implementation of defined principles. In the meantime time, the leadership of Hizballah, Amal Movement, and the Higher Shiite Council must assume responsibility for all the costs related to the humanitarian consequences of the war and acquire funding from whatever sources they deem appropriate, including their own, to financially support the Lebanese refugees throughout the country. Such leadership cannot pursue destructive policies for many decades and then place the effects of those policies on other communities to resolve them.