18th March 2013 Beirut, Lebanon
The Courage to Coexist?
Last Friday, I was lucky to attend the launch of the National Charter for Education on Living Together in Lebanon, which provides pupils with the knowledge and attitudes needed to live together in a diverse society. It was the first public milestone in the work that the Education Ministry, the Council for Educational Research and Development, and a remarkable NGO called Adyan are undertaking to ensure Lebanese education reinforces national identity and religious diversity. A first step towards a genuinely shared understanding of what unites Lebanon, rather than what divides. We supported the project in a small way through our Arab Partnership work.
In rooms elsewhere in Lebanon, people were squabbling over election laws or planning sectarian stunts. Some were preparing the shameful attack on Sheikhs last night, rightly condemned by all Lebanon’s parties.
But in that room on Friday it was heartening to see and hear leaders of all religious groups coming together to underline their belief in the idea of Lebanon. It reminded me of similar movements and moments in Rwanda, South Africa and Northern Ireland, driven by individuals and communities. I once met an inspirational Northern Irish woman working on reconciliation, and asked her why she was so committed. She replied, ‘because sectarianism killed my father’. I asked the same question of the man working with her on the project. Without missing a beat, he responded, ‘because I was the sectarian who killed her father’.
Unlike most countries, the fundamental question facing Lebanon is not how the economy or politics are managed, but – more profoundly – do you have the courage to coexist? Because coexistence isn’t the easy option. Far from it. It takes vision, patience and resilience. It is the work of generations: in a reverse of the usual Excellency-heavy event, the charter was handed not to leaders but to representatives of Lebanon’s youth. This is their aspiration, and their battle.
I disagree with those that say that the most important splits in Lebanon are between M14 and M8, or Sunni and Shia, or Christian and Muslim, or West or East. The real dividing line is in fact between the sectarians and the coexisters. Between those who identify themselves by what sets their religion apart; and those who believe that the fundamental message of the religions that originated in this corner of the world is more simple: Love Your Neighbour.
As the regional situation becomes more worrying, that battle line is drawn more starkly than ever. People are anxious, wary, frightened, and more open to manipulation. Alastair Campbell famously once said ‘we don’t do God’. Neither should an embassy, nor take sides on the internal political disputes of the day. But I see no need for impartiality on Lebanon’s strength in diversity. We stand with the people in that room on Friday who sent out such a powerful message: yes, we do have the courage to coexist.
The Courage to Coexist? – Tom Fletcher
All very interesting and true.
Where there is a will there will be a way forward. As the Ambassador mentioned we experienced our own 30 years of troubles, hatred, sectarianism, terrorism etc. It takes generations to go forward and changing the mind sets of those who don’t want to coexist. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try and persevere with finding a way forward, It’s all too easy to just give in. Lebanon was once great and can be great again. It has beauty and such a great mix of culture and people.
Hearts and Minds are key and those on the fringes of coexistence must be won over.
How could any of this be better stated? It cou’dnlt.
Just the insight required to help make a success of South Africa too… Sadly, we only experienced a ‘moment’ & there’s still much to be done! Courage to co-exist indeed!
Coexisting is the only way forward if Lebanon is ever going to find lasting peace. However, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration.
M14 are backed up by KSA and the west and M8 by Iran. There is stark contrast here between Sunni supporters and Shia supporters, and christians split in between. If the political structure is as such, how does coexisting work? given that many would be ‘coexisters’ cannot leave their support for either or one of these political camps.
Let me try to be more clear; and I will give an example. A friend of mine is marrying into a certain family that support a certain party; one of their family members is a political member in this party; he will one day, out of courtesy vote for this person, otherwise he will be frowned upon. When he votes and shows his support, he will be able to receive benefits that range from favors to receiving building plans , licenses etc..
This happens across the entire country, you vote for me, a cousin, a friend, friend of a friend etc.. and you are backed up. So. when you vote or support a certain person you are expected to support their ideologies, religious beliefs etc…
People are so hooked and tied to people of politics and support individuals to gain benefit, whether financial or otherwise, how do you solve this complex issue and get people to say and believe in what they truly want to!
I think the problem does start at the political level; each and every party in Lebanon is sectarian at heart, some show it more than others; and those who speak of coexistence and a Lebanon for all, only do so as they know this is the only way, whether they are happy with it or not.
The politice needs to change; more credible politics, less corruption and politicians who really look out for Lebanon’s interest.
Nothing good like living in ‘harmony’. One should learn to go into dialogue to settle dispute. Just like Alastair said ‘we don’t do God’. We human beings like to put ourselves into trouble by turning ourselves into widows, widowers, orphans, disables, etc. These things to consider
“The courage to coexist” ?
Is it really a question of courage??? Or a question of desire, intention and will ???
I truly wonder ????
The Lebanese society is maybe one of the most complexed societies in the world with its multitude of religious groupings. Sectarianism was intentionally chosen to enable the political sharing of power !!!! (Wont try to argue if it was a good or bad idea cause it by itself could be a long debate!!!)
But that specific complexity of our society can either be considered a blessing or a curse: a “blessing” for those who do believe that diversity is a source of richness and a “curse” for those who consider it a threat to their own existence. And that is the main difference between the coexisters and the sectarians !!!!
“Sectarianism” is defined by a “narrow minded adherence to a particular belief, sect, party or idiom that lead to prejudice, malice and ill-will” towards the “Others” that are different. Difference becomes a source of threat and fear that generate hatred, discrimination and bigotry. You either think, breath, act like them or you do not have the right to exist !!!
“Coexistence” on the other hand is the ability to exist peacefully, independently and separately at the same time and place despite ones different ideologies or beliefs. Difference becomes a source of richness and a precious resource with the right to be respected. Coexistence is based on dialogue which is the key to mutual acceptance, understanding of one another and respect. Everyone keep his/her identity, beliefs and values but we find common grounds to live side by side and seek a certain balance between our existence.
Knowing this, I totally agree with you, Dear Sir, when you say that the most important split in Lebanon isn’t about M14 & M8 or between different religions. It is in fact between 2 different perceptions, 2 different beliefs towards “difference”. Cause in all parties, idioms and sides we find sectarians and coexisters !!!!
And that is the main issue !!!! The main conflict that not only threatens Lebanon but it is spread all over the world !!!! Leaders need to acknowledge this before it is too late…
Hello,
I agree with this in every way. We need people to calm down in this country and stop defending their sects in the name of their religion while noone is even pious or a true believer. How ironic! People do love one another in a neighborhood as long as their political leaders don’t quarrel. But why should they follow anyone in the first place? I’m personally fed up with all the aggressiveness and bias television reporting. It feels like we’re just waiting for a tiny spark for a new war to blow up. I wish you can really help us dear ambassador .
Best Regards,
Vivian Tawk