Latest Suburb Protection Trends
26 كانون الثاني 2014 20:46
Every day in Lebanon comes to us rife with stories of bombings, attacks, shoot outs and such; the sort of reality that does only get one on the verge of a nervous breakdown. The disintegration of the Lebanese sense of security does not only reflect the obvious lack of political responsibility, but also of foreign interference. This is the story of our lives, our daily lives and not some old coverage dating from a decade or two. :ifetimes have we spent trying to establish peace and stability, only to be toppled by the same dupes and jugglers of power that none other than the people … who incongruously and paradoxically, still cast their votes for just a few bucks. However, this is not our focus, for the Lebanese – as always – are the masters of entrepreneurship. A swift look at Beirut’s southern suburbs is sufficient to make known that a new means of security has been created to shield the Hezbollah-backed area from impending attacks.
Inept and tense as it is, the situation accompanying the Haret Hreik reconstruction process can be depicted as “exceptional”. Hezbollah members were deployed in the area, blocking roads, alleys, and every conceivable entrance to the devastated area. Another paradox jumps out – funny or tragic, maybe pathetic – there come security sources divulging to the itching media that such security measures were and will never be taken (ha!). Checkpoints, Hezbollah operatives, people in uniforms? … Probably a mirage or holograms rendering the advanced 3D imaging in our state of the art cinemas obsolete pieces of junk.
The uptick in bombings fomented the owners of various shops in said area to conceive new ways to protect themselves, their loved ones and more importantly their source of living. At first it might seem like a scene from an alien series, then again, the odd forms and colors seem to blend together and merge with the surrounding décor, a malaise sweeps over us as a wall of sand sacks reminiscent that those used during the war period, towers over us, decorated in such a way as to fit with the whole furnishings.
With roaming impunity and the lack of security, the locals’ resolution to protectevery aspect of their lives becomes legitimate, even mandatory. Measures have been taken and residents remain vigilant denying strangers to park and leave their cars. As for the military deployment of Hezbollah, well … it is only restricted to the party’s political and religious quarters, but still largely there, blocking roads during meetings and religious congregations.
This unparalleled burst of military activity seems to reassure the inhabitants of Beirut’s southern suburbs and is a sure way as to get everyone involved in shielding what they care for the most. Somber predictions prevail over our country’s future as the prospect of a new cabinet seems unsteady and hulled with schizophrenic pronouncements.