Why the
Lebanese should be grateful to America?
By Elie Khawand
Director for Policy and Public Relations
September 1, 2007.
It is bewildering to witness the continuous
ranting against the United States by some
Lebanese politicians whose quest for
liberation from the 29 years old occupation
was achieved by the presence of the US
military in Iraq and by the clear and
unequivocal stand of the US against the
Syrian regime. As in Iraq, also in Lebanon
the shy voices of gratitude are greatly
muffled by the continuous and unjustified
hurling of accusations against the US.
Immanuel Kant said: “Ingratitude is the
essence of vileness.” Are the Lebanese vile
or are they merely confused by the deception
of their leaders or simply misguided by the
undeserved global antagonistic attitudes
towards America?
It seems that the US is unfairly viewed
through the distorted lenses of a chorus of
critics, from self proclaimed foes such as
Hugo Chavez to the virulent enemies of
humanity, the Islamic extremists, along with
the tyrannical regimes who support them.
This is only aggravated by the disparaging
attitude of the left inside the US. Also,
most of the US’s media with its liberal
agenda adds to the misconceptions about the
evilness of our nation. Every failure is
blamed on America. This self flagellation
has emboldened our enemies and discouraged
our allies.
The Lebanese should know that the presence
of the US soldiers in Iraq has sent shivers
down the spine of the Syrian regime. The
Syrian regime’s fears of a fate similar to
Iraq’s baathists led to the almost eventless
withdrawal of its army out of Lebanon in
April of 2005. The Lebanese should openly
disavow those leaders who have joined the
chorus of US bashers after enjoying the US
support in their struggle for independence.
They should refuse to be unduly bunched with
those who proclaim their animosity towards
America.
It is our duty to portray to our native
Lebanon the true image of America. The
America we have known in our daily lives as
well through our political activism.
Principled and generous, America is humble
in its greatness and modest in its glory. It
is a nation that is the most honorable foe
and the most merciful victor. Despite all
the unjustified criticism and the lack of
appreciation Americans remain benevolent
towards the vanquished and able to extend a
helping hand even to their enemies. The
same principles and values that raised
America to its power and prominence are
what is needed to save Lebanon.
America has handed the Lebanese the torch of
freedom to light their way to liberty. They
should not use it instead, as some Iraqis
did, to burn their country. All freedom
loving people, especially the Lebanese, owe
a deep expression of gratitude to the
American people. The defamation of America
coming from those injudicious inside and
outside its borders and from its barbaric
and virulent enemies around the world must
be confronted by expressions of deep
gratitude and a proud proclamation of
solidarity so America shall remain a guiding
beacon for all humanity. All freedom loving
Lebanese should fearlessly brandish their
natural alliance with the US in the face of
all their foes.
The United States considers the fight for
the freedom of Lebanon as a crucial battle
in its war against Terror. Extracting
Lebanon from the claws of Syria and Iran is
perceived as a priority for the
stabilization of the Middle East and for
world peace. Remembering that this fight
might be important for the US but it is
momentous for Lebanon, the Lebanese should
openly express their gratitude to America
and its people for their unwavering support.
"Gratitude is the sign of noble souls."
