2 a.m.. Long lines are filling the hallways of the only functional airport of the Land of the Cedars.. Women, men and children are enthusiastic, happy, smiling.. Life is abundant in that terminal that links Lebanon to the whole world.. But is this shine real? Are those smiles only temporary summer masks for a deep problem that can re-emerge and shake the country at any point? One thing is sure: the happiness of a succesful summer season - despite all its economic and moral benefits- cannot unfortnuately bridge any gaps between widely diverging views in the country: starting from the very name of our international airport, every social, economic or political item is a source of divides. Are those daily discusssions and harsh arguments worth it though? Why are some people still refusing to endorse the "Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport" label; did you hear any American ever complaining about the JFK airport in NYC or the Ronald Reagan airport in DC? Regardless of your opinion -or mine- about late Premier Rafic Hariri, the man gave Lebanon, worked for Lebanon and died in the harshest way possible in the heart of Lebanon's capital.. Deservedly or not, giving his name to the airport in memory of his martyrdom is not against anyone. Sadly enough, people continuously use that issue for useless attacks against the martyr leader and his followers. It is unacceptable to use the name of the airport in order to create biases, increase sectarian tensions or attempt to mark political points.. Few months ago, when Hezbollah and its allies were taking over Beirut, some enthusiastic March 8 supporters celebrated their "victory" and declared the airport as "Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's airport" through a Facebook group that is still maintained until today. The display picture of the group shows a Hezbollah militant on his motorbike at the airport, brandishing a Hezbollah flag, and the picture says "Al Matar tahta Akdamina - The airport under our feet". This group was launched when March 8 militiamen were attacking Beiruti homes, burning Future TV and forcefully imposing a blockade on all of Beirut's vital centers.
The military domination of Beirut was used by Hezbollah and their allies in order to strengthen Hezbollahland at the expense of the Lebanese government.
But hold on, keep this dark period away for now, and let us focus on the very active airport this summer.. Tourists, Lebanese immigrants: everyone is coming to Beirut this summer and everyone forgot about Hezbollah and their invasion.. Is it really everyone? Or..emmm what about those with killed family members or burned houses?
Hopefully the touristic season will bring back some of the much-needed morale to the Lebanese people.. Lebanon offers the best but Lebanon also deserves the best.. Even from far away now, I will still "Welcome you to the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut"!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
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4 comments:
You can't be serious mentioning a Facebook group as an illustration of a point you're making. These groups can be created by any kid with access to a Facebook account, it doesn't necessarily prove or mean anything. I'm not disproving the point you're making, I'm just arguing against the supporting evidence you're using
"did you hear any American ever complaining about the JFK airport in NYC or the Ronald Reagan airport in DC?"
hehehehehehehe. Like many people in and out of DC, I continue to call the DC airport "National". How did you miss the controversy over that airport re-naming? It was indeed a major issue, partly because Reagan was still alive at the time (which obviously isn't the case with Hariri or Kennedy).
The airport is only used at the sufferance of Hezbollah, is surrounded by Hezbollah, and is bossed by Hezbollah. It is Hezbollah's by right of conquest, so why shouldn't re-naming it "Nasrallah Airport" be utterly appropriate? It serves to make clear the current status quo and lessens confusion.
- Solomon2
Anonymous 1,
I totally agree with you about the "low level of evidence" that a Facebook group brings; nevertheless, a group that hosts few thousands of users, and that is created at a speific and delicate period, can help illustrate some of the thoughts/views of a given group of people. Unfortunately, what that group showed was a reflection of what you can hear in March 8 supporters' circles, but also in some [March 8] political ones.
Adiamondinsunlight,
I know that some democrats do not like the Reagan label and just stick to he National one; however, does it create a daily serious argument and a big source of hatred, divides and biases among people? Did anyone call the airport "Jimmy Carter" or "Bill Clinton" in order to increase such tensions? I guess not..
Anon 2,
There is some truth to some extent in what you wrote; however, the Beirut Rafic Hariri International airport is still an official Lebanese airport, managed by the Directorate General of civil aviation. Furthermore, it is recognized by foreign countries as well as by major international airline companies as the International airport of Lebanon - not Hezbollahland. Now, for issues relating to Hezbollah influence in the surroundings and to Hezbollah blockades and so on, well this is what pushed some people to ask for the rehabilitation and re-opening of the Kleiat airport in Akkar. But despite all that, under normal circumstances, The airport in Khalde is the airport of all the local and immigrant Lebanese: we all use it and in a way, we are proud to have it!
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