Patience Will Triumph

The best thing the government and the majority can do now is be cool and wait it out.

Let them play. They’ll get bored soon (Photo credit: Reuters)

Remember back in December 2006 when Hezbollah took to the streets with a large amount of people for the stated purpose of toppling Mr. Seniora’s government? The Prime Minister told the Lebanese back then to stay home and raise Lebanese flags, until they ultimately weathered that storm and Mr. Seniora arguably prevailed.

Today, pro government hot-heads are seeing red. How dare they invade our areas and block our roads! “They need to be taught a lesson!” They spurt. But like in 2006, March 14 fans could do much worse than relax for a few days. Not because they’re cowards, not because they’re powerless, but simply because it’s the best way to beat Hezbollah’s thugs.

You see, Hezbollah goons are not behaving rationally. They are angered by the perceived encroachment by the government on their divine right to the Airport’s security levers. But if March 14 allows the dust to settle, Hezbollah rioters will realize that they’re cutting their own noses to spite their faces. The roads they’re blocking are also used by their families and friends who also want to travel, trade and live normally.

Moreover, “shock and awe” is a deliberate tactic by Nassrallah for cowing the Lebanese. If we are neither shocked, nor awed, we will take away Hezbollah’s psychological advantage. If on the other hands March 14 fights fire with fire, they will help feed Hezbollah’s supporters’ sense of victimization and prolong their “resistance”. 

Leaders should be doing more to persuade their supporters that calm is the best weapon. Unfortunately, there are no signs of that.