Our naive and simple minds have proven time and time again to be susceptible to transparent excuses. They shield us from accepting the facts on the ground and allow us to orbit in an imaginary reality instead—one that suits our ambitions and aspirations. Sometimes reality is so unacceptable, it needs to be absorbed and digested, repressed and denied, before we can carry on.
Jamal Khashoggi’s murder last month obliges us to stop and face the bitter reality. His death was so horrendous and flagrant that it awakened many from the illusions of their blinding virtues. In the interest-driven world that we live in, only greed, ego, ignorance, disrespect for human dignity, and disregard for integrity prevails. It is the interests of nations and greed, amplified by leaders’ superegos, that decide our fate.
This disruption to the global order makes clear how immature our political elite are in assessing the regional geopolitical situation and its impact on Lebanon. Their political failure is no different from their economic ignorance and disinterest. Their reliance on the promise of greater nations to ensure the stability of Lebanon does not specify what the definition of stability means and whom this stability serves. If this current status is the definition of stability, we do not want it. It only serves others’ interests, above our sovereignty. It does not permit for any progressive thinking about development and change.
To zoom in further, our naive entrepreneurs are exactly in the same rut. While living in their bubble, mimicking Silicon Valley, they expose their vulnerability to the greed and self-interest and entitlement that surrounds them. There is a worrying status-quo that is settling in—one that lacks accountability and a commitment to best practices.
Unless we open our eyes and deal with reality, we will remain a vulnerable, unsovereign nation, unable to protect entrepreneurial youth.
Wake up. Watch your back.
