The fall of the tyrannical regime in Damascus has unleashed decades of repressed anger – anger we’ve been holding on to for fifty years, as we endured Syria’s constant interference in Lebanese politics, along with the vile assaults that accompanied it at all levels.
The Assad regime, with its allies, worked tirelessly to thwart the formation of a legitimate state by manipulating appointments and controlling national resources. Yet, the Lebanese people failed to take the necessary steps to confront these actions and establish a true state.
These were straightforward reforms that, if correctly implemented, could have fundamentally shifted many crucial dynamics. We’re not talking about large-scale projects like improving electricity, telecommunications or state restructuring – these are more ambitious goals requiring significant funding.
Cleaning the airport wasn’t obstructed by the Syrians, nor did it require a hefty budget. However, it could have had a profound impact on Lebanon’s image and contributed to presenting Lebanon as a more pleasant destination.
The installation of solar-powered street lighting, carried out by private institutions and NGOs, didn’t require top-level decisions. Yet, it could have led to significant improvements in road safety and contributed to protecting people from accidents and theft.
The digitization of ministries and the move away from paper-based processes, accomplished through individual initiatives just months ago, required nothing more than a simple digital push. It wasn’t blocked by security authorities; rather, it was a decision that only needed a modest investment to simplify state measures, much like private institutions have done with effective apps. Can you imagine birth certificates still being handwritten? Doesn’t it undermine the image of a capable state, when it can’t even manage its records without relying on worn-out ledgers?
While the security authorities have indeed obstructed many efforts, the simplest initiatives to beautify and improve the country were still possible, and there is still time to act. The authorities have made significant mistakes, but we also share the responsibility for neglecting the idea of state improvement. Just as the election of Bashir Gemayel as president inspired citizens to reach work on time, respect the law and contribute to state-building, this should be the approach after the fall of those who obstructed the establishment of the state. Achieving this requires privatizing key sectors, fostering proactive initiatives and strengthening transparency across all levels.
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