First, I want to clarify that the title of this article is inspired by a controversial book authored by retired Brigadier General Fouad Aoun. Released without a designated publisher or date toward the end of President Amine Gemayel’s term (1982-1988), the book aimed to promote the idea of “Michel Aoun or no one.” It provided a justification for the assault on the Lebanese Forces (LF) at that time and sought to dismantle all sources of strength and life in the “liberated areas,” ultimately culminating in Michel Aoun’s escape to the French Embassy at dawn on October 13.
I chose this title not out of admiration for the book, but solely because I believe in the title itself – nothing more.
The army is the solution, as experience has shown. In recent years, while crises have unfolded, the army command has remained steadfast, continuing to carry out its responsibilities without fail. It has taken on additional duties, including maintaining internal security – especially during the October 17 uprising – assessing the damage from the port explosion and providing assistance, as well as extinguishing fires in both the forests and the intense spirits of the nation.
The army is the solution because its commander-in-chief has insulated the military from political entanglements. It has neither participated in political disputes nor been used as a barricade by any party or leader. He has not allowed anyone to interfere in its affairs, nor has the army refrained from protecting demonstrators or anyone expressing an opinion.
The army is the solution because its commander-in-chief, even if nominated for the presidency of the Republic, resolutely refrained from discussing the matter – even with his closest associates. He has never bribed an MP with favors, nor has he yielded to any unjust political demands. He has not appointed anyone under political influence, nor has he granted promotions to appease anyone.
The recent campaign against the army commander has been driven by irate and incensed voices within a subservient newspaper. In a climate where accusations of collaboration are hurled indiscriminately – reminiscent of the commodification of integrity – the commander-in-chief has been unjustly accused of being under the American ambassador’s influence. These allegations originate from journalists and writers in a newspaper known for being controlled and guided by the Hezbollah-led obstructionist axis, which has dragged Lebanon to its current state of devastation.
What is even more concerning than these ridiculous accusations is the newspaper’s insinuation about the army’s fragmentation. It is an implicit encouragement for a mutiny by Shiite members of the military, much like the division that occurred on February 6, 1984. Such a move would divide the country and reignite a civil war. Such a scenario may be contemplated by some factions as a way to compensate for their historical losses, their futile “unity of fronts,” and the long string of unfulfilled promises of divine victories that brought nothing but disillusionment over the years.
What the bad-mouthing Ibrahim al-Amin, the source of the threat, either fails to acknowledge or deliberately ignores is that the Shiite officers and soldiers in the Lebanese Army are truly “the most honorable individuals.” Many have made profound sacrifices, even to the point of martyrdom, and their blood is undeniably more vibrant than the spiteful ink of his pen.
General Joseph Aoun may one day ascend to the presidency – an honor he unquestionably deserves, regardless of whether it happens. However, what truly matters is that he has adeptly navigated the military institution through its most arduous challenges, safeguarding it even in the face of relentless and malicious campaigns against him.
We won’t repeat the famous saying about dogs barking while the caravan moves on, nor proclaim, “Oh mountain, you cannot be shaken,” for the army and its commander rise above populism and flattery. Instead, we will simply state: today, more than ever, the army is the solution and the only guarantee for what remains of this country.
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