Neutrality & Lebanon by Mohamad Chatah

The Beirut Banyan

From a panel that took place in late November 2013, with the presence of Switzerland and Austria’s then-ambassadors to Lebanon. Including some of my father’s last words on the fundamental need for neutrality, 1701’s necessity, what neutralization actually means and how it worked (albeit briefly) in the 1950s & 60s. We should have no role in regional war other than shielding ourselves from its rippling effects. There are ideological voices today ranging from frustrated academics with fringe access to politics to propaganda-fuelled journalists blinded by hate that are insisting our fate should remain tied to Gaza while making their case for Hezbollah. Ignore them.