When the blood flows, all other issues recede and priorities differ, as there’s nothing more precious than the human being.
And facing the pain of the wounded people or the sorrow of those who lost their loved ones, any other words become out of context.
For years our Arab world suffered occupation, terrorism and violence and wars, it seems as if we are out of this world, which has changed its priorities; actually, issues of peace, the environment and the comfortable life were the objectives sought by the world, while for us the independence, sovereignty, liberty and bread and freedom of expression are our highest goals.
How to write about the environment and our noses smell only the odors of blood?
The environment isn’t the event today, but because man is always the event and the goal, we have to write about whatever the priorities change or differ.
For years, blood spilt in Iraq and Syria, and before them, it was shed in Lebanon, and finally Russian blood was spilled in the land of Kinana (Egypt), and Lebanese blood is spilt in Burj el Barajneh and French blood in Paris.
All this bloodshed, destruction and horror raise questions about the priorities of humanity on one hand and the emergence of human needs as a victim, on the other, the freedom of man his human rights and his environment will pay the highest price today under the pretext that there is no stronger voice than that of the battle.
In Lebanon we ask; If the inhabitants of Ain el Sekke could overcome their pain the day after the suicide attack … They have picked up the bodies themselves, glass and destruction … They have brought life to their region insisting that the will to live is stronger. … So, when will the leaders of this country wipe the dust from their inability in removing the debris of their shredded policies that has revealed their futility? When will they decide that the one who adheres to the will of life has the right to have opportunities for life? Or the one who refused submission to terrorism deserves a country worthy of his endurance? It is shameful; that the inhabitants of the Bourj area removed all the traces of their suffering and their blood in 48 hours… While the State and its politicians fail to remove the garbage piled on the roads for several months!
The people insist on endurance and steadfastness while the leaders devote deficit day after day, “On this earth there is what makes life worth living” said Mahmoud Darwish one day… And in this country are those who deserve life… for this is no place for those who don’t believe that Lebanon is a country and not a “role”… Or a” Box office”… or even a “waiting room”…
Translated from Arabic, Suzanne Abou Said Daou
