Syria’s Role in Lebanon

Re “Syria’s Control of Lebanon Grows as ‘Mask’ Comes Off,” Feb. 15: I regret that Lebanon was portrayed as a dumping ground for everything evil like “sectarian slaughter, kidnapping and assassinations.” An accurate assessment of a 17-year turmoil and a postwar situation deserves a more global and balanced approach.

The depiction of the turmoil as “the civil war” is also hasty and simplistic. The country was the scapegoat for the power struggle on its soil and the prioritizing of the region’s solutions. Scores of brothers and guests, friends and foes, used and abused its free system and the press, referred to in the article, to settle disputes and “advance” their causes. No wonder that the country, which harbors various religious communities, would blow up and experience unprecedented misery.

In a democratic society, particularly a very pluralistic one like ours, it is impossible to find idealistic, inexpensive and quick solutions. Yet the reconstruction process is instrumental for a complete recovery and a full sovereignty. Such a process is necessary for the dissipation of uncertainties and for a healthier and stronger Lebanon. It stems from our belief that a weak and shattered country is a heavy burden on its people, the Syrians and the international community.

An “imposed peace” may never survive if it is alien to the people’s will and their way of life. Peace and freedom are our only choice together as Lebanese, yet inconceivable without responsibility.

GEBRAN SOUFAN, Consul General of Lebanon, Los Angeles