February 14 and the Rebirth of Free Lebanon
By: Charles Jalkh (Freedom Fighter)
February 5/07

A black day in the history of Lebanon. A day when a prince of peace, a positive life force left the earth. Assassinated by the black hands of a prince of darkness dressed as an ophtomologist.

H.E. PM Rafik Hariri’s death energized the resurrection of Free Lebanon. The Phoenix did rise from the ashes. United, Christians, Druze, and Sunnis all rose on March 14 and ushered the Cedars Revolution. A peaceful uprising against the Stalinist Syrian occupation and its puppet regime triumphed. A new era of hope was born from the depth of pain. The hand of a Great Spirit lifted the Lebanese to Freedom.

Rafik Hariri’s martyrdom brought Life to Free Lebanon and united us under the Cedar regardless of religion, gender, age, color, or ethnic origin. A fragrant bouquet of humans brought together by their yearning for freedom and dignified life. On March 14, the Sahara was converted to prairies blooming with wild flowers.
We won that battle and a Spring of Beirut followed. Our long suppressed energies were released. We were still struggling economically but were finally free. There was a spirit of Joy and optimism abound. The press breathed and partied wild with Miss Liberty. Not one individual was harassed or arrested for his political opinion regardless of how extreme it may have been. The dance of democracy was euphoric. Many Lebanese returned home.

The economy grew at a rapid 6.7% pace. The balance of payment was massively positive. The fiscal deficit was shrinking as a percentage of GDP. The central bank reserves reached historical peaks and foreign investment poured in. The Beirut stock market, grossly undervalued, suddenly skyrocketed. The Saniora government consisting of the most educated ministers in Lebanon’s history ever, professionally and transparently conducted the affairs of the state and managed the economy with vision and precision despite ongoing Syrian sabotage. Its recent accomplishment in Paris III is another testament to this fact.

I wrote critically about PM Rafic Hariri in the nineties when I was painting in wide brushes blinded by my fierce opposition to the Syrian occupation. I then researched what is known about the man, and I could only find evidence of excellence and compassionate humanity. For over a decade, the Hariri foundation educated a generation of Lebanese in the best universities in Lebanon and around the world. An estimated 31,000 young Lebanese women and men of all confessions were given grants leading up to a Ph.D college level without any discrimination. (Estimated funding is over 1 billion US dollars). This noble investment in human enlightenment is yielding rich rewards for Lebanon and humanity. Rafik Hariri also rebuilt Beirut and Lebanon’s infrastructure against all odds (New Beirut Central District). He funded medical care and surgical operations for thousands Lebanese and his organizations provided humanitarian aid to the poor. One could learn many lessons from the life of the man and all the good he made during his presence on Earth.

In this solemn day, we join hands and hearts in prayer for the soul of Rafik Hariri and peace in our homeland. Let us Lebanese come together and commemorate a great Lebanese Patriot, a good man. Let us all, Christians, Druze, Sunnis, and Shiites, answer Walid Jumblat’s call and read the Fateha together on February 14 on Rafik Hariri’s tomb in Freedom Square.