OpiniOn OpiniOn inTERnATiOnAL Now is the time to let trusted pm-desigNate Lebanon s build a stable, third parties visits prosperous, help lebaNoN blast sites, toleraNt Herve de Charette vows recovery centenary Page 4 Looking back at events and forces lebaNoN Page 10 Bahaa Hariri that have shaped the nation’s destiny Page 3

TUESDAY, September 1, 2020 since 1975 Muharram 13, 1442 www.arabnews.com

100years later, what is left of the Lebanese state? Special coverage: Pages 3- 7

NEW BEGINNING CREATIVITY Film fest gets underway Historic flight: US-Israeli with celebration delegation arrives in Abu Dhabi of regional talent

“While this is a historic flight, we meetings of joint teams on a range Mohammed Al-Hamadi. AFP Abu Dhabi Aseel Bashraheel Jeddah hope that it will start an even more of issues ahead of the signing of Later in the day there will be A US-Israeli delegation led by historic journey in the cooperation agreements in the The sixth Saudi Film Festival will five screenings which will include White House adviser Jared and beyond,” Kushner, who is US civil and economic spheres.” on Tuesday go live with a 6-day “Breath” by Razan Al-Sagheer, and Kushner arrived on Monday in Abu President Donald Trump’s son-in- The visit will also include virtual celebration of regionally “The Red Circle” by Abdul Aziz Al- Dhabi, on the historic first commer- law and a key architect of his Middle a meeting between Kushner, produced movies. Sarhan. cial flight from Tel Aviv to mark the East policy, said before boarding. Ben-Shabbat and UAE National Bringing together Saudi talents Nominations fall under the cat- normalization of ties between the “The future does not have to be Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun and creatives, the event aims to sup- egories of best feature film, docu- Jewish state and the UAE. predetermined by the past. This is bin Zayed, it said. port emerging filmmakers and pro- mentary, student movie, and un- The word “peace” was written a very hopeful time.” President Trump’s national mote movie culture in the Kingdom. executed scenario. in , English and Hebrew on The landmark direct flight by security adviser, Robert O’Brien, Due to the coronavirus disease The winner of the best film the cockpit of the El Al flight that Israel’s national carrier, numbered who is part of the delegation, said (COVID-19) pandemic, the annual award will receive a prize of landed at the VIP terminal in the LY971 in a nod to the UAE’s interna- earlier in Jerusalem that more flick fest will this year see films SR40,000 ($10,665), with the UAE capital where US flags flew tional dialing code, is due to return Arab and Muslim countries were screened via YouTube, reaching a runner-up getting SR20,000 and alongside the Star of David banner. on Tuesday with the number 972, likely to follow the UAE in normal- larger audience. SR10,000 going to the producer of matching Israel’s dialing code. izing relations with Israel. Following the opening ceremo- the audience’s favorite movie. The agreement to normalize ties Jared Kushner Israel’s Health Ministry had late ny at 6 p.m., the first day will in- Similar rewards will be handed was announced by Trump on Aug. on Sunday updated its list of “green clude selected nominated movies, out for best documentaries and 2 Riyals • Vol. XLV 13, making the UAE the first Gulf broad range of areas. countries” with low coronavirus a symposium on the future of Sau- student films, while first place in No. 271 • 16 pages country and only the third Arab The talks in Abu Dhabi aim infection rates to include the UAE di filmmaking at 8 p.m., and then a the best long scenario section will 36 > nation to establish relations with to boost cooperation between and eight other countries. second group of showings. bag SR30,000 and second spot Israel. the two regional economic The change meant the Israeli The first batch of films will take in SR20,000, with the best short sce- Israeli National Security Adviser powerhouses in areas including officials and journalists traveling to six features, including “And When nario winner receiving SR15,000 Meir Ben-Shabbat, who was also aviation, tourism, trade, health, Abu Dhabi would be exempted from Do I Sleep?” by Husam Al-Sayed, and the runner-up SR10,000. on the flight to the UAE, said “our energy and security. a 14-day quarantine upon return. “Coexistence” by Haya Al-Suhail, Applications for the festival goal is to achieve a joint working An Israeli government statement “Remember Me” by Mohammed closed on Aug. 8 with 384 submis- 9 771319 833009 plan to advance relations in a very said there would be “working Detailed report Page 9 Hammad, and “The Village” by sions (105 films and 279 scripts). ARAB NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2020 3

centenary

Spotlightspecial coverage

FRANCE AND LEBANON The mandate’s mixed blessing Multiple crises confront a nation founded on a sectarian system that is now being blamed for its deep divisions

came to an agreement on their Ephrem Kossaify New York City National Pact, a lot of what the It was amidst the ruins French had introduced during of the Aug. 4 Beirut port the mandate became custom. For explosion, surrounded example, the president is Chris- by traumatized citizens tian, the prime minister is Sunni who seemed comforted by and the speaker of the parliament his presence, that French Shia.” President Emmanuel Lebanese poet Henri Zoghaib, Macron found himself in who has advocated for a secular the surreal position of state in the country for years, having to announce that he believes “ in religion would return on Sept. 1 to is good, for every religion has its commemorate the creation sects. But sectarianism in the state of Greater Lebanon. is a disaster. “The French Revolution began Macron’s interaction with regular way before 1789 when the nobility Lebanese on that day has invited and the clergy were tyrannizing re-examination of the past society. When the revolution hundred years, during which matured and the Bastille was , despite all misgivings, was stormed, the clergy were put always called “the tender mother”. in their place, and politicians in What separates the events that theirs. The people became the led to the creation of the modern source of power. The people were Lebanese state and those that the ‘word of God.’ Only when the had brought the French leader to same happens in Lebanon, will Beirut, is much more than just the we be delivered from this monster passage of 100 years. called sectarianism.” As his ship crossed the Atlantic Young makes a key distinction on its way to in 1919, US Presi- between sectarianism as it had dent Woodrow Wilson was armed by an unwavering vision for a new world order in the aftermath of the First World War: Affairs between the Maronites lost nations would be conducted in the power. the Sunnis lost open, on the basis of sovereignty, self-determination and the repudi- power. now Hezbollah ation of military force to settle and the Shia. We shall dispute. see where they’re going. The victorious Allies gathered at the Paris Peace Conference to set been prior to the 1975 Lebanese the terms for the defeated Central civil war, and the version that was Powers. A question was on every- to then emerge after the conflict one’s mind: What to do with the ended. pieces left of the , “When the war ended in 1990, the “sick man,” and every other you had a new order established empire that collapsed? by the Syrians and the Saudis, who Back then, in the US, there was came to a kind of consensus over heavy opposition to colonialism. Lebanon, that became known as The US would never join the the Taif Accord, and that eventu- fight to help maintain and expand ally brought the nomination of European empires. Instead, there Rafik Hariri as a prime minister,” would be mandates given to The proclamation of Greater Lebanon: Gen. (center) flanked by Maronite patriarch, Msgr Hoyek, and Gov. Negib bey Abussuan. Getty Images he said. small, well-run countries, perhaps “Today, we have a dominant Scandinavian countries, Wilson military force called Hezbollah thought, that would not have the vision. France had invested so A locust wave decimated the “But I have heard no mention of was thriving long before Greater that is not allowing for the ambition or resources to turn the much in and Lebanon during mountain crops and resulted in an apology for actions the French Lebanon. In the preceding system, consolidation of a sovereign state. protectorates into colonies. the previous century that it insisted famine which, compounded by the took in Lebanon 100 years ago, known as Mutasarifiya, sectarian Tensions will continue until this “But of course, as soon as Wilson on creating a “friendly” entity that Allies’ blockade of Beirut’s coast, even as the League of Nations institutions had already emerged issue is resolved. And on top of it, got to Paris, there was no way would anchor the French presence killed tens of thousands. Emotions, awarded them the mandate. in an attempt to create a balance Hezbollah is an armed group that the prime ministers of France in the Middle East. then, were running high on the “When ended, among communities. is not loyal to Lebanon. It is loyal to or Britain were going to let him The new entity had to be a safe first day of September 1920. the French came with sacks of “What the French mandate a foreign power.” do that,” said historian Elizabeth haven for the Maronite Christian “Macron reappeared on the grain and declared themselves did, however, was anchor that Young said, in conclusion: “Our Thompson, author of “How the minority for whom High Commis- explosion site to extend sympathy the saviors of the poor Lebanese. sectarianism, continuing a pattern agenda is always tied to someone West Stole Democracy from the sioner Gen. Henri Gouraud, a and promises of help, almost Then, they installed a sectarian that was prevalent under the outside of Lebanon. Every commu- .” passionate Catholic, felt warmly. exactly 100 years later,” Thompson regime: Access to political office Ottomans,” said Michael Young, nity has been weakened by it. Paris and London were negoti- Fears were exacerbated by the said. “Macron is to be lauded: In and representation was defined author of “The Ghosts of Martyrs The Maronites lost power. The ating their own new order for the sight of Armenian counterparts 2017 in Algeria, called colonialism along the lines of what religion you Square” and a senior editor at Sunnis lost power. Now Hezbollah Middle East, and it could not have dying during the genocide perpe- a crime against humanity, and belong to. Carnegie Middle East Center. and the Shia. We will see where been more anathema to Wilson’s trated by the Turks. urged France to apologize. Then again, sectarian politics “When, in 1943, the Lebanese they’re going.”

Now is the time to build a stable, prosperous, tolerant Lebanon BAHAA HARiRi

s Lebanon marks its 100th themselves, the ruling regime of warlords turning the lights back on to guiding Lebanon be cleaned up, with factional interests replaced anniversary, the crisis engulfing and militias are biding their time to reassert through wholesale constitutional reform. by meritocracy. it is forcing all Lebanese to reflect themselves. The most immediate task will be to rebuild Most importantly for Lebanon’s future, the on what we need to do to put us This is unacceptable. The same system Beirut and secure an emergency deal with interim government should oversee a process on the path to becoming a stable, controlled by the same people will only yield the International Monetary Fund to restore of constitutional reform. The process can Aprosperous, tolerant nation. the same results, and these results have forced public finances. We are desperate for the take its mandate from the peace agreement Lebanon was founded after the collapse of our country to its knees. international community to provide financial that ended Lebanon’s civil war, which called the Ottoman Empire and a brutal famine that Where do we go from here? We must start and development assistance with transparent for such constitutional reform but remains killed half the population of Mount Lebanon. with an empowered and revolutionary interim and accountable delivery to ensure it reaches unfulfilled by the warlords who have come to What followed was a major inflection point and government. Interim governments are often the people who need it. dominate the country. a total revision of government. only entrusted to collect garbage from the International partners such as French By agreeing on a new, non-confessional Today, Lebanon faces a massive economic streets, but we need one that can remove all President Emmanuel Macron will be critical constitution that protects minorities and and humanitarian crisis. Our system is broken. the garbage that litters our country’s political allies for this, and we will need their long-term enshrines the rights and freedoms of the We are now at another major inflection system. engagement to support us through the Lebanese people, the Lebanon that we love will point that needs a response as radical and Vested interests will seek to undermine an process. The interim government must then return. This Lebanon can be a neutral country all-encompassing as the one 100 years ago. interim government by suggesting that it does methodically purge the system of the vested in the region, maintaining good relations with The tragic explosion in the on not have a mandate for radical reform. What interests and corrupt officials that have all our Arab neighbors and welcoming citizens Aug. 4 was a symptom of the terrible disease more clear and present mandate is needed than strangled Lebanon to date. and investment. afflicting Lebanese society. The parasitic elites the young people marching in the streets or the Militias such as Hezbollah are a clear and We are at a critical juncture in our history. were repeatedly warned about the danger families sitting in ruined homes? present danger to the country and must We have the chance now to change the lingering in the waterfront warehouse, yet they A new interim leadership of talented, be disarmed and dismantled, freeing the direction of Lebanon’s future. We must seize abandoned ordinary people. dedicated and independent experts must government from the poisonous “state within a this chance and create hope that Lebanon’s Bahaa Hariri is the eldest By prolonging the process of government receive local and international backing to son of former Lebanese state.” All institutions — the judiciary, security next 100 years will be more peaceful and formation and blaming everyone but pursue a radical agenda that stretches from Prime Minister Rafik Hariri services and even the port authorities — must prosperous than its first. 4 ARAB NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Greater Lebanon Centenary

OPINION Let trusted third parties help International partners can assist the people of Lebanon rebuild and reform their country, and make the right decisions

HERVE DE CHARETTE

s French President Emmanuel We understand the despair of the Lebanese, Such a project may be unrealistic. As things This requires a dual architecture: First, the Macron visits Beirut for the second many of whom believe that Lebanon does not stand, there is little hope that the political major powers must encourage and support the time in weeks, the situation in have the means to get by on its own. But rather forces involved can go down this road together. proposed approach, and then the countries Lebanon is painful. The collapse than giving in to pessimism, I believe it is Rather, one imagines a gradual drift of the of the region will have to be involved in of the banking system has possible to draw up a project and implement it. country towards a kind of “Somaliaization,” the development of the project, which will Aruined many, and poverty and corruption are It should include three main elements: which could be the prelude to a new civil war. necessarily have to take into account the widespread. • First of all, a new economic and financial Yet there will be no possible future for diversity of their concerns. The explosion on Aug. 4 in the Port of Beirut order, capable of restoring confidence, Lebanon without confronting this terrible It is not about putting Lebanon under completed the disaster by bringing down developed with the assistance of the equation with the three unknown variables trusteeship; that would not be an adequate much of the capital’s public infrastructure and International Monetary Fund and including the mentioned earlier: Economic and financial for solution. Rather, it is a mediation, brokered crippling public services. People are desperate. necessary safeguards against corruption. one, political and institutional for another, and outside Lebanon but at the service of the This situation is unprecedented in Lebanese • Next, new political institutions, with a finally security. Lebanon will probably not be Lebanese, so as to help the local political forces history, even compared with the civil war. new method of voting for the election of able to do it alone, but that is the challenge. find the right compromises that will allow This bleak picture hides a worse reality, parliamentarians where confessionalism is It was not wrong of our Foreign Minister Lebanon to restart on a new basis, and which which can be summarized in three points: no longer the main reference. The legitimate Jean-Yves Le Drian to tell the Lebanese: “Help should also be recognized, even guaranteed, by • Financial stability, on which Lebanon’s attachment of the Lebanese people to the us help you.” But the present situation is the main countries of the region. prosperity was based, is a distant memory. diversity of their religions can be recognized such that recovery from the crisis can only Now and before, Lebanon can count on the • The country is deeply torn between clans and expressed in another way in the new Herve de Charette served as be successfully achieved with the help of the support of France. We should welcome the and rivalries — religious, economic or political. constitution. a French minister three times: international community. Lebanon will need bold and courageous initiatives already taken The institutions have lost their legitimacy, and Finally, all militias, including Hezbollah, will In 1986-1988, 1993-1995, the political backing and friendly support of by Macron. Our country is thus in the best • and 1995-1997 as minister of in actual fact the state exists no more. have to be integrated into the armed forces, foreign affairs. He was mayor external partners who could be described as position to conduct the international mediation Lebanon is a defenseless prey in the Middle reconfigured for this purpose if necessary, in of Saint-Florent-le-Vieil from “trusted third parties.” In other words, let the that I suggest. In a precedent, in 1996 France • 1989 to 2014, and MP for East, not to mention the 2.5 million foreigners order to restore and guarantee the unity of Maine-et-Loire between trusted third parties help the Lebanese make showed its capacity for initiative in Lebanon in taking refuge on its soil. Lebanon. 1988 and 2012. the right decisions. very difficult conditions. Why not in 2020?

TURKEY GREATER LEBANON ACTUAL LEBANON

(Sanjak of The State of Greater POPULATION Lebanon is divided into Alexandretta) Lebanon was declared on governorates (mohafazah),

1 September 1920, which districts (caza) and municipalities AKKAR State of became the Lebanese Akkar 2003 Alawite Republic in May 1926, and is Lebanese territory is State 6,855.713 Tripoli the predecessor of modern administratively divided Lebanon 2019 into three levels : Greater Miniyeh- Lebanon State of Hermel First level : Danniyeh NORTH Beirute Zgharta Eight governorates 2003 1993 Maronites: 199,181 (mohafazah) MANDATORY Koura IRAQ Sunnis: 124,786 Bsharri Jabal Al- State Bsharri Second level : 1954 Batrun Shiites: 104,947 710,562 Twenty-five Greek Orthodox:81,409 MANDATORY PALESTINE 1921 districts Jbeil Jbeil (qada’a, caza) 1954 BAALBEK-HERMEL Baalbek Druze: 43,633 2003 Mandate for Syria and the Greek Catholic: 42,462 Lebanon. States created during RELIGIONS OF LEBANON Third level : the French mandate Keserwan Protestants: 4,215 (2017) The municipalities (baladia) Other: 8,436 State of Greater Islam 61% MOUNT Lebanon Matn Foreigners: 20,250 LEBANON (1920–1926) Christianity 33.7% BEIRUT Beirut Emigrants: 130,784 1861 Baabda Druze 5.2% BEQAA Lebanese Republic Zahleh Other religions 1% In 2003, the number of (1926–1946) Aley governorates increased from six to eight, with the creation of HISTORICAL ERA REFUGEES IN LEBANON Lebanese Baalbek-Hermel (2019) Muslims Governorate and Akkar State created: Governorate 1 September 1920 Palestinian 61.1% refugees 476,033 Rashaya Constitution: Jezzine 1954 23 May 1926 Sidon Independence Syrian 910,586 declared: refugee 22 November 1943 Hasbaya Withdrawal Nabatieh 1954 33.7% 1954 of French LEBANON HAS BY FAR THE MOST (2020) forces: REFUGEES PER 1,000 POPULATION Lebanese SOUTH 17 April 1946 Tyre 156 (2020) Christians NABATIETH 72 SECTS OF ISLAM IN LEBANON 1954 Bint Jbeil 45 (2020) 29 26 26 25 23 Bint Jbeil 20 19 1954 Sunni Muslims 30.6% Lebanon Jordan Turkey Chad Uganda Sudan Sweden South Malta Djibouti Shia Muslims Sudan 30.5% SOURCES: CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (CIA) / STATIST / UNHCR / LIBANDATA.ORG TIMELINE 1920 1943 1948 1958 1975 1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2011 2019 2020

Lebanon falls Lebanon gains The Arab-Is- A religious and Lebanon’s civil Lebanon’s Israel Prime Minister Hezbollah- Clashes erupt Hezbollah Syria’s civil war Lebanon’s Explosion at under French its indepen- raeli conflict political civil war begins, civil war ends withdraws Rafic Hariri is Israel war between takes over begins, with October Beirut's port mandate dence begins, Nakba war erupts in both Syria and with the from killed in a huge kicks off in Islamist militia West Beirut instances Revolution after 2,700 tons occurs and the country Israel occupy implementa- Southern car bomb in July, but ends Fateh Al-Islam and clashes spilling over begins as of ammonium Palestinian between parts of the tion of the Taif Lebanon Beirut in August and the with Future across the mass protests nitrate is refugees Maronites and country Agreement following a UN Lebanese Movement border into take place carelessly stored becoming Muslims but is Security Armed Forces militiamen Lebanon nationwide causes arrive to quickly halted Council in Nahr denouncing widespread Lebanon following a US resolution Al-Bared corruption and devastation intervention of refugee camp sectarianism Commander of the French Army in the , 5,000 marines in Tripoli General Henri Gouraud attending the Proclamation of the State of Greater Lebanon in Beirut

INTERVIEW the date of Sept. 1 certainly had a a country of coexistence is no dimension. For Paris, we must the reforms undertaken by his “sentimental” dimension related longer enough. Today everything save this country, a model of coex- government. Despite the chill cast to “the importance of the creation is politicized. Structural and com- istence and of unity in diversity.” by this statement, Macron was ‘France can prevent of this entity” that became the prehensive political, economic, However, the strategic impor- the first international leader to go modern Lebanon. and financial reforms are needed tance of Beirut and its stability to the bedside of Beirut after the Lebanon from sinking, if On the other hand, the Greater and must be initiated. Time is our should not be understated. massive explosion of Aug. 4 that Lebanon proclamation centenary sworn enemy.” “This stability is important, damaged nearly half of the city. comes at a time when Leba- According to Hitti, a govern- not only for the Middle East, but So, was Paris in a position to Lebanese do their part’ non must be prevented ment must be immedi- also for the entire Mediterranean. prevent Beirut from sinking? from “sinking like the ately formed, with a Lebanon’s deep stability is impor- It was, but Hitti said: “We must Titanic.” plan of action and a tant for obvious strategic reasons. fulfil our duty. I am very much ership of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s He added: “A con- roadmap with a clear In case you need reminding, this counting on the role of France. Lelia Mezher Beirut widow, Eleanor. frontation with the agenda. “Political ac- former head of Lebanese diplo- This country is a friend, and a Lebanon finally saw the light on This golden age has now become current authorities tors must be transpar- macy (Hitti) resigned as minister friend is someone who tells you Nov. 22, 1945, almost 25 years after a memory. Lebanon in 2020 is is more than neces- ent and held account- of foreign affairs in the wake of the truth as it is. During my tenure the declaration of Greater Leba- nothing less than a failed state, sary today. You have to able.” an awkward statement made by as minister, I was very open to non by Gen. Henri Gouraud. a country that, according to show will and foresight. What about France’s then Prime Minister Hassan Diab, criticism. France can play a sup- That same year, it became a Nassif Youssef Hitti, a Lebanese These elements are essential role in Lebanon, as French in response to remarks made by porting role, only if we shoulder founding member of the UN. diplomat, academic and former in a country where nearly 52 per- President Emmanuel Macron French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves our responsibilities.” In 1947, one of its most brilliant minister of foreign affairs and cent of the population lives below visits Lebanon for the second time Le Drian.” How did Hitti perceive Lebanon politicians, Charles Malek, helped emigrants, “is the least regionally the poverty threshold and where, in less than two months? Is not Le Drian, during a visit to Beirut, in 2021? He called for “a new social draft the Universal Declaration of and internationally influential and instead of social uplift, there is the French intervention mainly had harshly criticized Lebanese contract, a drastic reform of the Human Rights, alongside Rene the most influenced by foreign now social decline. driven by the historical link that officials for their inaction. In political system, which could put Cassin, Peng Chung Chang, and powers.” “We must have the mindset exists between the two countries? response, Diab claimed that Le an end to sectarian logic and the John Humphrey, under the lead- Hitti told Arab News en Francais and go for it. To say that we are “There is certainly a sentimental Drian “lacks information” about reign of tribal leaders.” ARAB NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2020 5 Greater Lebanon Centenary

FRANCE-LEBANON TIES ‘Because it is you, because it is us’ The two countries share an enduring bond — as French leader Emmanuel Macron’s tribute shows

French Antonio Munioz Paris President The symbolism could not Emmanuel Macron tours a have been stronger. On shell-shocked Sept. 1, 1920, French Beirut in the Gen. Henri Gouraud, wake of the representing the French devastating port blast in mandate authority, the capital. AFP proclaimed the State of Greater Lebanon from the in Beirut. On that day, Lebanon set out on its path toward independence, which it gained — for better or worse — 23 years later, on Nov. 22, 1943. Lebanon and was committed to at the center of relations between One hundred years later, as ensuring its protection. these two entities, especially its French President Emmanuel However, it was the capitula- port, which was largely destroyed Macron inspected the devas- tion agreements between the in the Aug. 4 blast. tation caused by the massive Ottoman empire under Suleiman When the Count of Pertuis was explosion of Aug. 4, 2020 at the the Magnificent and the European granted the concession for the Beirut port, Lebanese people, powers, including France, ruled modernization of the port, he expressing their anger at the by Francois I, that paved the way opened Beirut to the world. The incompetence of the Lebanon’s for France in the 14th century city began to develop, mainly authorities, called for the country to forge deeper relations with thanks to the silk trade between to be placed under “French the Lebanese, with the aim of Lyon and the Lebanese mountains. mandate for the coming 10 years.” defending the empire’s minorities, It was the installation of mainly The French leader promised especially Christians. French-speaking religious to return on Sept. 1 for the cente- In 1860, after the massacres of missions in the 19th century, and nary celebrations of the creation Christians in Mount Lebanon, the the creation of schools and Saint A French patrol, part of a multinational peacekeeping force, outside the southern Lebanese village of Al-Tiri in 2006. AFP of Lebanon. Joseph’s University that made Meanwhile, Paris stepped up its Beirut and Mount Lebanon what that has been established simul- for their country’s support for It is a friendship that has been efforts to support those affected they are today. taneously on religious, cultural, Lebanon, such as during the 1983 marked by Chirac’s unwavering by the explosion, and to urge France is almost the Lebanon thus became the center economic and political levels. Drakkar building attack, blamed support for Lebanon, especially Lebanese leaders to begin much- only power that has of a strategic vision for France, France’s political support to on Hezbollah and Iran, which after the assassination of Rafik needed reforms to deal with the always worked for the which saw it as the flagship of the Lebanon has been immeasurable, killed 58 French paratroopers. Hariri in 2005. France has always serious economic and financial Beirut-Damascus-Bagdad axis in especially during the 1975-1990 The assassination by the Syrians been present in the most difficult crisis facing the country. stability, security and the face of the British-controlled war. Paris has repeatedly sent of Ambassador Louis Delamare in times to lend a helping hand. It is French Foreign Minister Jean- sovereignty of Lebanon. Haifa-Amman-Bagdad axis. envoys to negotiate cease-fires and 1981 is another case in point. also the country that has the most Yves Le Drian’s July 8 cri de coeur The establishment by the French to unblock political crises. The In addition, France has been leverage as it tries to talk with all aimed at the Lebanese authorities French, under Napoleon III, inter- of the railway that connected July 2007 meeting at the Chateau present in UNIFIL forces since 1978 parties, while other countries, — “Help us help you, dammit!” — vened militarily to restore order. Beirut to Mount Lebanon, on de La Celle-Saint-Cloud to initiate and remains one of its principal especially regional ones, take more reflected growing concern in Paris This allowed the creation, on a the one hand, and Damascus to a dialogue between different contributors. radical positions. over the very future of Lebanon. political level, of the Mutasarri- Baghdad on the other, ended up Lebanese political forces is a case On the financial front, as the Paris is virtually the only power Relations between the two fate, an administrative authority giving Beirut a new dimension by in point. linchpin of the support group for that has always worked for the countries go back much further that ushered in a period of stability shaping it economically, politically The road map recently presented Lebanon, France has always been unity, stability and sovereignty than the historic date in 1920, which until the First World War. and culturally. by President Macron is the latest a mobilizing force for donors. of Lebanon. A special friend- only consecrated ties that were With the end of the Ottoman France was thus actively present, example of this approach. In recent years, various confer- ship connects the two countries, several hundreds of years old. One empire at the beginning of the 20th long before the mandate instituted France’s presence in the UN ences had been organized to help beyond strategic and economic can trace the beginning of France’s century, Lebanon was put under by the League of Nations in April and multinational forces formed Lebanon, notably Paris I, II and interests — a friendship epito- links with Lebanon to St. Louis, the French mandate. Since then, Paris 1920. The proclamation of Greater several times to intervene in III under the leadership of former mized by President Macron’s words 13th-century monarch who recog- has always played a privileged role Lebanon was the crowning Lebanon can hardly be glossed President Jacques Chirac, as well as in Beirut on Aug. 6: “Because it’s nized the Maronite nation in Mount in the land of the cedars. Beirut was achievement of a relationship over. French soldiers paid dearly the CEDRE conference in 2018. you, because it’s us.”

INTERVIEW Lebanon can draw strength from the life of The connections forged by the wartime leader remain important, says former French finance minister Herve Gaymard

lived in Lebanon for two years, Herve Gaymard, was a speech (in 1931) he gave at 1958, the summer crisis (the Algiers believe that de Gaulle is ancient Randa Takieddine Paris between 1929 and 1931, and that president of Saint Joseph’s University. putsch) began in July, and everyone history but that would be a Tuesday marks the centenary it was an important time in his the Charles “It was no small matter for an in Lebanon remembers it.” mistake. Several of the general’s de Gaulle of the proclamation of Greater life, said Gaymard, who is also Foundation. officer who was not of high rank De Gaulle became the first sayings are lessons for eternity.” Lebanon. For Herve Gaymard, president of the Savoie depart- Supplied — de Gaulle was then almost president of the Fifth Republic He highlighted three examples president of the Charles de Gaulle mental council and a former a junior officer — to hold this in January 1959 and remained in of lessons from de Gaulle that Foundation, it is an opportunity finance minister. astonishing conference with the power until April 1969. During remain as important today as they to reflect not only on the history “Not only did he visit Lebanon Lebanese youth himself,” he said. this time “he forged close ties with ever were during his time. of Franco-Lebanese relations, but and Syria, he also went to British “This was the general’s first the Middle East, and Lebanon in “The first lesson applies just also on the time de Gaulle spent in Palestine,” he added. “At that Lebanese exposure. particular,” said Gaymard. as well to Lebanon as it does to Lebanon and the connections he time he already had the issue of “The second, obviously much “To us Gaullists, Lebanon is France: Never despair. You should forged with the country Jewish communities and Palestin- more tragic (event), was the obviously of extreme importance. never give up or let yourself be “Like all French people, we are ians at heart. He also visited what 1941 war (between de Gaulle’s This is the reason why the Charles affected or depressed by events, very attached to Lebanon,” Gaymard was known as ‘Gezire,’ or ‘Upper Free French Forces and) the de Gaulle Foundation supports the however painful they may be.” told Arab News en Francais. “We Mesopotamia,’ since we know that Vichy troops, a fratricidal war project to establish a Charles de The second lesson is to be aware have always been closely linked he went to the northeast of Syria between the French, which the Gaulle Institute in Lebanon.” of your own strengths and how to to its history, especially since the when the demarcation between elites and the Lebanese people Regarding the situation in make the most of them. 19th century, after the massacres Turkey and Syria took place. undoubtedly followed with Lebanon, he has “no judgment to “It is true that you are nothing of 1860 (Mount Lebanon Civil War) British Mesopotamia later became great interest and sadness. pass, especially since I love this alone but when you have faith in and the creation of the Mutasar- Iraq. These two years were of great “De Gaulle’s third Lebanese country and its people.” your body and soul, you can move rifate in which Napoleon III was importance to de Gaulle.” moment was as president of the De Gaulle died 50 years ago, and mountains,” he said. very involved. … For us Gaullists, Three events during de Gaulle’s Republic, or rather as the last some might think that his ideas are The third lesson is the impor- this (period) obviously has a very life stand out as illustrating his president of the Fourth Republic. relics of the past. They are wrong, tance of unity, Gaymard said, special resonance.” personal connection to Lebanon, Indeed, when he returned to Gaymard believes. “because any country divided It is well known that de Gaulle according to Gaymard. The first power at the beginning of June “One might be tempted to against itself will perish.” 6 ARAB NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Beirut was the link between East and West, and this is depicted in its Greater Lebanon Centenary architecture since the French Mandate. Fadlo Dagher - Lebanese architect

BEIRUT Where the streets still have French statesmen’s names

according to the records of the French high commissioner contributed to reducing the journalist who was elected twice was renamed after former Prime Najia Houssari Beirut Sharia court in Beirut. in Syria and Cilicia and army fatality rate of puerperal fever, to head the French government. Minister Rashid Karami following After the French entered Lebanon The French mandate, however, commander on the eastern side. and he prepared vaccines against His first term was between 1906 his assassination in 1987, the name in 1920 after the declaration of the changed the names after Gouraud declared the State of rabies and anthrax. He was also and 1909, while his second was Verdun has remained popular. State of Greater Lebanon, they modifying the city’s architec- Greater Lebanon from the porch known for inventing a method for during the critical period 1917-1920 Rue Verdun was so named in reconfigured the capital Beirut to ture. Twenty-meter streets were of the Pine Residence in Beirut, pasteurizing milk, named for him. at the conclusion of the First World honor of the victims of the Battle of conform to the new political order. paved to connect the capital’s and adopted the French military The street adjacent to Beirut War. One of the leading architects Verdun, which took place during Among the most visible transfor- neighborhoods and make life strategy known as “battle of Municipality, Rue Weygand, bears of the Treaty of Versailles, he was the First World War. mations was the introduction of easier. And while the neighbor- annihilation.” Gen. Gouraud, who the name of , nicknamed the “Father of Victory” Foch Street, or Marshal Ferdi- identity cards for residents, a move hoods preserved the names of the a high-ranking officer in the and “the Tiger”. nand Foch Street, is in the that sought to establish a Lebanese families that lived in them, such as Although the street Mandate-era French Army. He was Avenue Charles de Gaulle (1890- commercial heart of Beirut. Foch entity separated from other Arab Al-Barbir, Zaroub Saba and Zaroub was renamed ... in 1997, the second high military commis- 1970) is the waterfront road of was a supreme Allied general in states. In 1921, the French authori- Al-Arawi, the mandate left its mark sioner appointed by France to rule Beirut and named after the most the First World War, and the street ties conducted the first census of on modern streets by naming them the name Verdun has Syria and Lebanon, from April 1923 prominent French figure during was named after him following the the population, and on the basis after French generals and high remained popular. to Nov. 29, 1924. Weygand, who the the Second World War. De Allied victory over Germany. of this the Lebanese were granted commissioners. saw action in both world wars, Gaulle lived in Lebanon for two Monnot Street, located on the a new identity card in place of Although Lebanon won its led the French forces in the famous died in 1965. years (1929-1931), and went on to eastern side of Beirut’s central Ottoman tickets. The census was independence in 1943, some , lived on this Rue is located serve as president of France. district, hosts painters and creative boycotted by those who refused to prominent streets in Beirut still street in Beirut. in Beirut’s Badaro residential Rue Verdun is one of the most events, and holds concerts and separate from Syria. bear the names of French generals A parallel street, Rue Pasteur, area. Catroux was a general in high-end, lively residential streets plays in its famous theater, which The streets of Beirut, under from the two world wars. was named after the famous the French Army (1877-1969), a in Beirut. It has luxury retail stores, is named after Father Ambroise Ottoman rule for more than four Rue Gouraud is a residential and French scientist Louis Pasteur. diplomat who served in both world beauty and hair salons, and several Monnot, the head of the Jesuit centuries, were referred to as commercial street in Gemmayzeh It is also a commercial street wars, and an adviser in the Legion cafes. In the center of the street is mission to Lebanon in the late 19th haraat (alleyways), named after in the Achrafieh district of Beirut. and features shops of Lebanese of Honor. the Lycée Franco-Libanais school. century. Father Monnot contrib- the families that inhabited them, It is one of the trendiest thorough- innovators. Pasteur, born in 1822, Rue Clemenceau, located in The French St. Joseph School was uted to the establishing schools leaders, princes, or even sects. The fares, full of fine restaurants, was a chemist and one of the Ras Beirut, is named after Prime situated on this street before it and printing presses, so Lebanon city’s markets were named after French cafes and jazz bars. most important figures in medical Minister Georges Clemenceau moved to a new location outside could become a cultural and intel- the professions found in them, Gen. Henri Gouraud was the microbiology. His discoveries (1841-1929), a statesman, doctor and the capital. Although this street lectual center in the Near East.

BEIRUT STREETS WITH FRENCH CONNECTIONS

Foch Street

1 Rue Weygand 4 Rue Gouraud 2

Rue Pasteur

5 Rue Clemenceau 5 Monnot Street Avenue Charles De Gaulle

Rue Verdun

Rue Georges Catroux 3

4

1 2 3

ARCHITECTURE Greater Lebanon’s fading landmarks Centennial of modern state marked by diminished collective memory of its historic urban legacy

wall bearing many gates, which The houses were constructed Spears, Al-Kantari, all the way to shift from single-family homes to Najia Houssari Beirut closed early each day. The names by professionals — designers and the Sursock area in Achrafieh. multi-story buildings for commer- Lebanon is celebrating of these gates, — such as Bab Idriss construction workers educated in “Beirut was the link between cial investment, Dagher explained. its centennial as a and Bab Al-Burj — still resonate, Europe and the US. Italian archi- East and West, and this is depicted “With the introduction of modern state with a though they no longer stand. tects were hired to design places in its architecture since the French cement, buildings became five fading recollection of the “Beirut did not start to develop such as the Sursock Palace, located mandate, which introduced new stories high, with each floor landmarks that stood a until the end of the third decade on the eponymous street bearing stylistic elements without relin- divided into two apartments, while hundred years ago. of the 20th century, when the the name of the aristocratic family. quishing Islamic characteristics,” the ground floors were left for West began showing an interest With the large number of new architect Fadlo Dagher said. “This shops,” he said. The exception is the Residence des in cities on the eastern shores of arrivals, Beirut saw its port boom. blend of modern and Islamic Lebanon’s independence in 1943 Pins (Pine Residence), the seat of the Mediterranean Sea, including In 1920, with the declaration of elements is best expressed in the led to further growth. The city the French ambassador in Beirut, Alexandria, Haifa, Mersin and Greater Lebanon and the begin- adopted modern, vertical architec- which witnessed the establish- other Ottoman ports,” said archi- ning of the French mandate era, ture and international style. This ment of Greater Lebanon on Sept. tect Rahif Fayad. Beirut’s port Sursock Palace, a typical example of colonialists introduced wide lead to uneven development. 1, 1920 which has stood steadfast quickly grew and saw the rise of a mandate-period design. Supplied streets, modern transportation — Beirut was the link With the explosion that shook against subsequent turmoil. new mercantile class. such as tramways and cars — and a between East and West, the city on Aug. 4, the Lebanese Other urban markers of that “The city’s population boomed them from the seasons. Houses new lifestyle. They tried to fashion discovered how fragile and easily era either became extinct from and had to expand beyond its walls consisted of one or two floors public places in the heart of histor- and this is depicted in damaged their city was. According natural factors and social develop- to neighboring areas, which led to surrounded by a garden, often ical Beirut, but some clashed with its architecture since to a survey by specialized commit- ment or were destroyed during the it becoming a modern, open city,” overlooking the sea. its ancient churches and mosques. the French mandate. tees, 360 heritage buildings dating . Whatever was Fayad explained. The façades consisted of three Colonialists also introduced back to the period between 1860 preserved perished in the explo- Most buildings during that arches, with a red-sloped brick Haussmannian architecture, architecture of the Beirut Munici- and 1930 were partially or fully sion at the Port of Beirut less than a period were constructed with roof. The style was widespread in which entailed dividing the façade pality building, which reflects both damaged by the explosion. month before the centennial. sandstone excavated from Beirut Beirut and other nearby coastal of a building to be adopted into Ottoman and French architecture. “The restoration of these build- The houses of Beirut’s neighbor- sand rocks. These old stones can cities, and served specific social contiguous buildings, forming the “This building was designed ings, with their wooden ceilings, hoods tell the stories of various still be seen in Spears Street, the needs. The inner courtyard, face of whole streets. This design by the Greek-Lebanese engineer renowned decorations, marble epochs. During the first two wall of the American University of known as “Al-Dar” (living room) is best featured in Maarad, Foch, Youssef Aftimus (1866-1952), who balconies and carved windows, decades of the 20th century, it was Beirut, and old houses still resisting was covered and surrounded by Allenby and Wegan Streets. began its construction during the primarily requires a political a modest city of 10,000 people modernity and destruction. bedrooms, a kitchen, and a dining This design can also be seen in Ottoman era and finished it during decision to preserve the archi- with a small, natural port. The stones were covered with room. These were typical for areas relatively distant from the the French mandate.” tectural memory of the city,” The city was surrounded by a limestone or cement to protect Beirut’s rising mercantile class. historical heart of Beirut, including The mandate period witnessed a Dagher said. ARAB NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2020 7 Greater Lebanon Centenary

MANDATE PETITION Francophilia or a sign of despair? Young Lebanese divided over merits of petition calling for re-implementation of the French mandate

In Beirut, The explosion on Aug. 4 and its Tarek Ali Ahmad London General aftermath was a wake-up call for Gouraud, When the League of Nations civil-society groups across the accompanied issued a decree on Aug. 31, by General country, he added. 1920 for the creation of Goybet, passes “While politicians and the estab- Greater Lebanon under a before a lishment have been completely French mandate, the Arab double row of complacent and inactive since infantrymen population was reeling (1920). Alamy (Macron’s) last visit, it is as if the from years of despair under last visit did not happen, and they Ottoman rule, a famine that have made absolutely no progress had left at least 200,000 in the formation of a new govern- dead and the fallout from ment. In contrast, civil-society World War I. groups have been quite actively trying to get their act together. A century after the proclamation They have been trying to form a of the State of Greater Lebanon, wide coalition,” said Bitar, who in a petition calling for the French 2017 cofounded Kulluna Irada, a mandate (originally called the civic organization advocating for Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon) political reform in Lebanon. to be re-implemented for a period However, the goal of a united of 10 years has attracted more than front to tackle the ruling elite’s 60,000 signatures. grip on power has proved notori- It was launched around the time ously elusive, with different French President Emmanuel factions and civil-society groups Macron visited Beirut on Aug. refusing to agree or compromise 6, two days after 2,750 tons on some points, including social of ammonium nitrate stored and economic issues, early legis- carelessly in a warehouse at lative elections and the disarma- the city’s port for several years ment of Hezbollah. exploded and damaged large “The mutual demand today, sections of the city. At least 181 the demand that is agreed upon people died, more than 6,000 by most opposition groups, is were injured and an estimated a temporary government that 300,000 were left homeless. would have legislative preroga- The cause of the disaster, tives,” said Bitar. “This is not according to most citizens, was something new to Lebanon; government negligence and between the 1950s and the 1980s, rampant corruption. It coincided Lebanon had seven governments with an unprecedented financial that had legislative prerogatives, crisis and the deadly coronavirus The time and many people feel that today pandemic. It is no surprise that has come to this would be an absolute neces- many Lebanese have lost all confi- sity to prevent the current political dence in the establishment. completely parties from continuing to control “I sadly came to the realiza- rethink what the government does, as they tion that Lebanon, the way it is the way did under the (Prime Minister now with the government that Lebanon is Hassan) Diab government.” we have, cannot run any more governed, Diab’s government resigned as an independent country,” said less than a week after the explo- Marita Yaghi, a 25-year-old doctor politically sion in Beirut but remains in place and researcher. “Not because we and econ- in a caretaker capacity. Presi- don’t have the capabilities, not omically dent Michel Aoun announced on because we don’t have the people, Karim Emile Bitar Thursday that binding consulta- but because the people who are Director of the tions will take place on Monday to Institute of Political already in the government are just Science at Saint decide on a new prime minister, so attached to their positions. Joseph University in the run-up to another visit by “The mandate would be there Macron next week. for 10 years, 1,000 per cent tempo- Below: The online petition calling He added that if such a hypothet- country’s freedoms and, at the end of its value. A UN World Food Analysts believe the last-minute rary, just to be able to help out with for the French mandate to be ical arrangement served a strategic of the day, a mandate is just coloni- Programme survey found that scrambling is unlikely to bring the transition to an independent re-implemented for a period of or military purpose that exploited zation in disguise,” said Sara Abi nearly half of Lebanese people about any genuine change and 10 years has attracted more than Lebanese-led government.” 60,000 signatures. Lebanon, he would oppose it. Raad, a 25-year-old doctor. questioned are worried they will that it will be business as usual Adam Ouayda, a 22-year-old While many among the Jeffrey Chalhoub, 22, agreed, not have enough to eat. for the government. That is what student of law at Saint younger generation in saying: “Implementing the French “I think this petition is merely happened when Saad Hariri’s Joseph University in Lebanon agree with Yaghi mandate would not necessarily a sign of despair — the Lebanese cabinet resigned three weeks after Beirut, said: “If the about the political elite’s ameliorate Lebanon’s crises, but populace are so desperate, so the October protests began and mandate serves the determination to cling will add to our inability to govern angry and so mad at the current was replaced by Diab’s Hezbollah- purpose of guiding to the perks of power, and develop ourselves free from political system and at their ruling backed government. essential reforms that not all believe the outside influence.” elites,” said Karim Emile Bitar, “Today, Lebanon’s entire will allow the Lebanese solution to the problem Lebanon’s students and youth director of the Institute of Political system needs an overhaul,” said state to move toward is a temporary French have been a pivotal part of the Science at Saint Joseph University. Bitar. “There is a new generation becoming a more mandate. nationwide protests that began “They are so fed up with the of Lebanese that is demanding modern state, without “I do not think on Oct. 17 last year, calling for an mobsters that have been governing radical change, and the time has creating a form of colonization in the end to sectarianism and corrup- them for the past 30 years, that come to completely rethink the economic dependency 21st century should tion. Decades of government this idea — which is, frankly, way Lebanon is governed, politi- or control over Lebanon, be considered as a mismanagement and negligence completely ridiculous and unreal- cally and economically.” I would be more inclined valid option because have culminated in the country’s istic — began floating around and to support it.” it cancels a lot of the currency losing about 80 percent attracting signatures.” Twitter: @Tarek_AliAhmad

INTERVIEW On Feb. 14, 2005, I was in my car surrounding French besides Lebanon in its reforms, to ment, also becomes stronger. to transfer to the national army, when President Chirac called me, President Emmanuel lead the international community The region and the country despite the demands of the inter- saying: “Rafik Hariri has just been Macron’s visit to alongside Lebanon. need a strong Lebanon. That is national community. ‘France assassinated. You have to come Lebanon in the wake of We want to work to make Leba- our endgame. France has no This is therefore a real issue; back immediately so that we can the Aug. 4 explosion and non stronger, more stable, more other ambition and does not dic- this party, which is Lebanese and is for a have a meeting to assess the situ- again for the centennial prosperous, so that capitals and tate anything in Lebanon; it only which, at the same time, pledges ation and you can go to Beirut to of Greater Lebanon: investments can return to Leba- urges its leaders to assume allegiance to a foreign state. This pay tribute to him and his family.” We must keep in mind that the non, reforms take place, and the their responsibilities.” is an unacceptable situation. strong and I remember this trauma for time of the French mandate, of country, in its regional environ- Hezbollah, like other parties, must Lebanon. A champion of Lebanese colonization, is behind us. The How the problem contribute to Lebanon’s reforms, sovereign sovereignty had been assassinated time now is one of solidarity and posed by Hezbollah leading to a strong state with its and France felt deeply connected common interests. It is a fact that can be resolved: rightful place in it. to Lebanon at that moment. We France has a historical past with Hezbollah is part of the Lebanese Hezbollah is a trump card in the Lebanon’ supported the creation of the Spe- Lebanon that gives the Franco- landscape. It has elected officials hands of Iran, a country that desta- cial Tribunal for Lebanon. Lebanese relationship something and the support of a demographidemographi- bilizes the surrounding states via What is important is that the very singular, very special and cally growing population. The its religious communities in order tribunal continues to work on the unique. whole point is to find a balance to defend itself. It is important for Randa Takieddine Paris assassination attempts of (for- This history is based on the fact from these facts. It is also imporimpor- France to continue talking to Iran. Maurice Gourdault-Montagne mer Lebanese minister) Marwan that France has accompanied LebLeb-- tant to understand who this party It is not by isolating Tehran that served as ambassador to the Hamadeh and (former Lebanese anon in its independence and that, is working for. we will weaken its allies, namely UK, Germany, China and Japan deputy prime minister) Elias Murr. for France, Lebanon must remain It is a Lebanese party, whose Hezbollah. So, we want to con- between 1998-2017. He spoke ex- It is through this tenacity and a model of balance, openness, leader, Hassan Nasrallah, says tinue talks with Iran because that clusively to Arab News en Français stubbornness to bring about tolerance and democracy. that it defends the Lebanese country has a place in the region, on a range of topics. justice that we will achieve the de- There obviously are ex- state. At the same time, not at any cost, rather within the sired goals. I think those targeted ternal challenges. What we paradoxically, Hezbol- framework of balances that must On the verdict of the have understood that. want, and this is the aim lah continues to stock be defined through dialogue, and Special International of President Macron’s up on weapons that it conferences where everyone has Tribunal for Lebanon: On the criticism second visit, is to stand systematically refuses their place.