As spectre of sectarian tensions loom, leaders must resume national dialogue

Regrettably, the southern Beirut bombing incident yesterday did not come as a surprise. We knew all along it was a matter of time before such cowardly attacks would target innocent civilians in Lebanon. Ever since the start of the Syrian crisis, the Lebanese people have become extremely polarised along the lines of pro-Syrian and anti-Syrian regime. And then came the defining moment of Hezbollah’s intervention in the Syria war, in the Qusayr battle against the rebels. That brought the war to Lebanon with the move of some Sidon extremists against the army in protest of Hezbollah’s intervention in Syria.

Unfortunately, it is easy for external players to exploit the religious diversity of Lebanon when passions run high, with one community perceiving another as an existential threat. Yesterday’s attack on southern Beirut is a result of such designs to ignite another sectarian conflict in the tiny country that went through a long and bloody civil war from 1957 to 1990 and two Israeli wars — in 1996 and 2006. Lebanese leaders and people realise that another conflict may mean the end of their country as we know it. Thus it is doubtful that a Lebanese group could be behind yesterday’s attack. And it was reassuring that almost all parties and politicians were united in condemning the attack and calling for unity. A swift and transparent investigation is needed to clarify who was behind the attack and help stem all speculations and rumours that could harm social peace. Lebanese leaders must resume the national dialogue to decide their country’s position towards the Syrian crisis in order to spare Lebanon unnecessary repercussions. Hezbollah must withdraw from Syria immediately and abide by the government’s policy of neutrality.

Finally, the political vacuum due to the resignation of the Najeeb Miqati cabinet and the inability to form a new one is allowing space to extremist forces to do what they do best — intimidate civilians, ignite conflicts and spread chaos