Political assassinations are common in
Lebanon, prior to its notorious civil war. It didn't spare anyone from all sections of the Lebanese society, Muslims or Christians. The most spectacular one was that of the former PM Rafik Al Hariri whose death shook up the political landscape in
Lebanon. Among other things the military withdrawal of
Syria, although its political presence behind the scene.
Lebanon as a democratic country has failed to be a model for the Arab world in particular. Democracy means protection from prosecution and jail.
In Lebanon, prominent politicians have to be under big security from armed body guards.
The assassination of Pierre Gemayal means life is never safe there. Ballots are not an assurance to have a comfortable seat in power. Politicians can't rely on the state to protect them because the state itself doesn't have a unified national security force. Hezbollah is an example of the armed forces that are independent of the "central" government.
This political assassination can throw Lebanon in further political instability especially if key sections turn their back to one another- deepening their historic mistrust - and seek political allies outside their country. This will make the country remain in the grip of foreign political influences.
This assassination can’t serve as a lesson to any. Such Assassinations are recurrent events. Perhaps, it’s brave to be a politician in Lebanon. Because the first thing it means is that one should be ready to die and have really trusted friends inside and outside the political circles.
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