"The National Bloc": A government run by “mafia-militia cartel” is unable to protect Lebanon's sovereignty and borders

As usual, the "deficit government" is perplexed about the imminent visit of the U.S envoy in charge of the maritime border demarcation file, after it has recently failed to no avail in the response to the Kuwaiti initiative.

The "deficit government" that is hostage to narrow political calculations is incapable of adopting a unified position regarding foreign policy and the demarcation of maritime borders. The ruling caste in power and governing parties are busy squabbling over the tragedy of handling the negotiations, and the only situation in which they mend their ways is in putting personal over national interests.

A militia is undoubtedly not capable of tackling the country’s diplomatic relations with the Arab neighbors and the international community, since it is dominated by a destructive, transnational, authoritarian project. Nor is it able to protect the Lebanese sovereign control of its borders and wealth, so the Lebanese border issue has become a bargaining item at the regional negotiation table. Nor is the financial political mafia - that is busy saving itself and begging for international aid - ready to defend the country’s sovereignty. Nor is it able to save the country and conduct negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and donors, while it is evading responsibility and accountability, and buying more time to make the people bear the brunt of the collapse. Not only this, but also it insists on squandering the rest of dollar reserves and what remains of Lebanon's credibility among donor countries. In its latest report, the World Bank accused Lebanon's ruling class of orchestrating one of the world's worst national economic depressions due to their exploitative grip on resources and “destructive policy” practiced over the years.

With all due respect to all attempts aimed at reviving Lebanon, the only initiative that can change the reality springs from within the Lebanese people themselves. It is only through the ballot box in the upcoming parliamentary elections that the mafia-militia cartel will be held accountable. It is the only chance to end the entrenched political and economic patronage system.

The real initiative is in adopting a unifying political program that focuses on building a sovereign, just and strong state, a state capable of forging diplomatic international relations that serve the interests of the people first, a state liberated from the grip of sectarian parties and their external patrons.

What is required today of any Lebanese government is to formulate a foreign policy that restores the confidence, and respects the international community and the Arab neighbors through:

• Implementing the demarcation of land and sea borders in a manner that guarantees Lebanese sovereignty, preserves the natural resources, and amends Decree 6433 to maintain Lebanon's right to line 29, according to which Lebanon would get 2,290 square km instead of 860 square km.
• Lifting the “political cover” in all external military and security interference committed by any Lebanese parties, specifically "Hezbollah", which constitutes a violation of the constitution and state sovereignty and incurs a great harm to the interests of Lebanese residents and expatriates.
• Adopting the highest standards of transparency in the banking sector, managing border crossings, and enhancing regional security cooperation in terms of combating organized crime.
• Restoring confidence in Lebanon's ability to achieve an economic recovery, starting with the discharge of the Central Bank Governor, which would pave the way for effective negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, conducting the "forensic financial audit", restructuring of the debt and the financial sector.
• Strengthening the Lebanese diplomacy and foreign policy by laying down a clear political position, and undertaking a much-needed comprehensive restructuring of the diplomatic corps in accordance with the applied laws to ensure its independence from partisan interests and sectarian nepotism.
• Building the capabilities of the Lebanese Army and diversifying its sources of armament to ensure its ability to defend the borders and the country’s sovereignty and to exercise authority over all of Lebanese territory.

The viable solution lies in liberating state institutions and foreign policy from external, sectarian and factional dependencies.