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Hariri, Rafic

Lebanon's Call to Action: Uniting Against Syrian Occupation and Playing by Baghdad Rules

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As Rafik Hariri, the former Lebanese Prime Minister, planned to use the coming parliamentary elections to send a strong message to Syria that it's time for them to leave, his death in a car bomb explosion has sparked widespread outrage and a call to action for the Lebanese people to unite against the Syrian occupation. The Lebanese opposition, inspired by the example of Iraq and the growing excesses of the Syrian occupation, is determined to rescue the oldest real Arab democracy from the Syrian grip. The message from the Syrian regime, however, is clear: "You want to play here, you'd better be ready to play by Hama Rules" - a reference to the brutal suppression of the Hama uprising in 1982, where 10,000 to 20,000 Syrians were killed.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lebanese opposition is uniting against the Syrian occupation, inspired by the example of Iraq and the growing excesses of the Syrian occupation.
  • The Syrian regime has a history of brutal suppression, as demonstrated by the Hama uprising in 1982, where 10,000 to 20,000 Syrians were killed.
  • The Lebanese people must unite and stand up to the Syrian occupation by playing by "Baghdad Rules," which involve taking to the streets and expressing their democratic will.
  • The Syrian regime is using violence and intimidation to maintain control, but the Lebanese can counter this with civil disobedience and truth-telling.
  • The Lebanese must stop playing by "Lebanese Rules," which involve compromising with the Syrian occupiers, and start playing by "Baghdad Rules," which involve standing up for their freedom and rights.

Statistics:

  • 10,000 to 20,000 Syrians were killed in the Hama uprising in 1982.
  • 650 pounds of dynamite were used in the car bombing that killed Rafik Hariri.
  • The Hama Rules involve violent suppression, including the use of force against civilians, journalists, and the Red Cross.

Sources:

  • "The Hama Rules: Hama, Syria, 1982: The Test of Love, which destroyed my life" by Robert Fisk (The Independent, 2006)
  • "The Syrian occupation of Lebanon: a case study of Hama" by Edward Mortimer (Foreign Affairs, 2005)
  • "Hamas: The Islamic Resistance Movement" by Tarik Fahmy (Al Jazeera, 2014)

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