Walid Jumblatt, a significant Lebanese political figure, stresses the need for Arab unity against Israel’s aggressive policies that threaten regional stability. He highlights the challenges of rebuilding Lebanon post-conflict, as well as the complexity of Hezbollah’s role in society. Furthermore, he advocates for support of new leadership in Syria, emphasizing the necessity for international assistance in overcoming current crises.
Walid Jumblatt, a prominent figure in Lebanese politics and head of the Druze community, remains influential despite stepping back from leadership of the Progressive Socialist Party in 2023. His insights are particularly relevant amidst significant regional upheaval, including turmoil in Syria, rising tensions between Iran and the US, and a weakened Hezbollah. Jumblatt emphasizes that Israel’s actions threaten the stability of the Arab world, stating, “Israel has a free hand. It’s up to the Arabs to understand the dangerous policy of Israel that is planning to dislocate the whole of the Arab world.”
Having witnessed the transformations in the region over decades, Jumblatt remains concerned about Israel’s increasing military aggressiveness, which he claims endangers Lebanon. He notes that “the Israelis have allowed themselves to attack any place in Lebanon, any place in Syria, maybe any place in the Arab world if according to them it is supposed to be a danger to them.” Despite a ceasefire, Israel continues its military operations, undermining the peace agreement established.
Jumblatt believes the ceasefire embodies an “illusion” and that Lebanon’s military requires external support to effectively manage stability. He commends the Lebanese Army for its efforts, stressing that reconstruction of war-affected areas needs substantial international assistance. He asserts, “Who’s going to reconstruct the south and other areas affected by the war?” given the economic hardships lingering in Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict.
Highlighting the challenges of rebuilding, he remarks on the economic toll of the conflict, with a recent estimate indicating that Israel’s war on Lebanon has resulted in losses exceeding $14 billion. Jumblatt expresses concern over international aid being conditional upon economic reforms, arguing that humanitarian assistance should be prioritized independently of such conditions.
As Hezbollah faces significant challenges, especially following the death of its leader Hassan Nasrallah, Jumblatt acknowledges its integral role in Lebanese society despite urging a shift in tactics. He states,
In summary, Walid Jumblatt’s perspectives offer valuable insight into the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics and the precarious situation in Lebanon. His criticisms of Israel’s military approach, the need for international assistance in rebuilding Lebanon, and the importance of recognizing Hezbollah’s role are vital discussions in the current regional landscape. Furthermore, his support for the new Syrian leadership and a plea for their recognition underscore the intertwined nature of Lebanese and Syrian fates. Jumblatt’s call for a balanced policy in addressing Israel indicates the ongoing struggle for peace in a turbulent region.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
