Geagea Should Walk The Talk

The LF is not doing enough to change its image.

When the victorious Samir Geagea made that public speech in the Airport when he was released from prison, people were listening to a man speaking like a national leader. It was obvious that Mr. Geagea had made his strategic decision to move the party he leads to more moderate waters. Yesterday, the LF students, in their First Annual Conference, celebrated a “new Lebanon”, one where people are “free to express their opinions”. Mr. Ahmad Fatfat, a Sunni Haririst, was a star speaker of the show.

Yet doubts still remain about how much the LF is actually doing to improve its image. Take the issue of the crucifix shaped as a dagger (a symbol perceived by many to be offensive). In his first interview since he was released from prison Mr. Geagea

‘expressed his surprise and discontent at his party’s adoption of the “dagger cross”. Commenting on the crucifix ending in a dagger that has become synonymous with the Lebanese Forces party, Geagea said: “This is not our motto. Some of the youths who decided to bear it did so after the LF was disbanded. When I was released I was surprised to hear about the dagger-cross.”’

But if you look at the picture that his followers have unwittingly posted on his website to celebrate his birthday (shown above), it is clear that Mr. Geagea is cutting a cake that has the very symbol he pretended he didn’t know about.

But forget about the past, let’s talk about the future:

‘Geagea explained he has called upon party members not to display the dagger-cross, adding that “an internal memorandum has been issued on that matter.”’

If that is the case, then why is the symbol still prominently placed on the LF’s website?

I trust That Mr. Geagea’s motives are good. I even understand why he would politically need some time to move his base with him. But in his interview he seemed willing to take the first symbolic step; so please Mr. Geagea, start with your official website.

**Erratum**
It was brought to my attention that http://www.lebaneseforces.com is NOT the LF’s official website. Their official website is http://www.lebanese-forces.com.
Thanks Khaled and Anonymous