The nation that was once dubbed the Switzerland of the Middle East once again finds herself at the mercy of its neighbour’s offensive invasion. Lebanon once welcomed displaced survivors of the Armenian Genocide with open arms which allowed my ancestors to eventually flourish and make a life for themselves. However, Lebanese refugees will soon require sanctuary, but will the global stage be listening?

As news reports gradually become a disturbing reality, people across the world express their sadness and outrage while others meekly sympathise and move on with the business of life. For some of us, another lifetime flashes in front of our lives when the Lebanese people were subject to offensive bombardments and abject misery, except we will not have another philantropist, another Rafik  Hariri to stand his ground and rejuvenate his beloved Beirut.

Hence, Israel destroys my country while the world sits idly by. Israel proceeds to destroy Lebanon again while the world’s only superpower, its number one ally stands by without any admonishments nor restraints. In fact, Condoleeza Rice gives Israel another week to continue the air raids. Am I hearing this right? She will sit by while countless innocent people perish for another week? Is the life of a Lebanese so worthless that the survival of this people cannot possibly be spared? How long till Israel completely destroys every single infrastructure in the country? How can the world stand by while airports, bridges, hospitals, and homes are turned into rubble yet again? 

When will Israel’s audacity wane and when will my beloved Lebanon cease to be used as everyone’s favourite battleground?