Syrian unity and Lebanese Anxieties[1]

The Lebanese experience anxiety regarding potential incorporation into Syria, as they fear losing their lands, privileges, and rights. They perceive Syria as a threatening force that desires their subjugation. Yet, the reasons for wanting independence from Syria remain unclear. Severing ties with Syria may exacerbate issues rather than resolve them.

The belief that Lebanese lands and rights would somehow vanish upon unification with Syria is misguided. Instead, they would gain increased territory, stretching from Suez to Anatolia and from the Syrian Desert to the Mediterranean. As part of a larger, powerful entity, the world would take notice and respect them.

In this current age, empires seek to combine forces in order to maximize strength and influence. Conversely, some nations attempt to fracture into smaller states, even when they share common roots and backgrounds—often without true autonomy in decision-making processes. These smaller states are frequently beholden to their mandate or protectorate power like France, which controls Lebanon's decisions.

France's representative Gouraud proclaims that Lebanon can achieve great power through alliances with European nations like Austria. However, Lebanon would be better suited by cooperating with Syria as a single united entity. This alliance would result in substantial strength capable of usurping colonial ambitions.

Lebanese citizens should observe global political changes and ask essential questions: Why do they seek independence from their Syrian counterparts? What tangible benefits arise from this separation? The current approach has only weakened Lebanon, leaving inhabitants desperate enough to sell their land for passage elsewhere.

Rather than advocating for complete autonomy from Syria or limiting themselves to Lebanon alone, it is more beneficial for Lebanese individuals to work in tandem with their Syrian neighbors. Accepting a fraction of their shared homeland is illogical; both parties possess equal rights within the region. Demanding separation simply for its sake displays short-sightedness.

Undoubtedly, craving disunion from Syria remains unproductive for the Lebanese people. Responsibility for this error lies primarily with their leaders and representatives, who prioritize personal gains over the well-being of their nation.