General Lahoud, the warrior

Beirut, 2007 Nov 24, Al-Manar

By Fatima al Moussawi 
 
General Emile Lahoud is the eleventh president of the Republic of Lebanon since independence. His name was adhered to resistance, purity and impartiality. He has struggled against corruption and as a result, got campaigned and boycotted, nevertheless, Lahoud maintained the constitution until the ever end of his term. No wonder if his pictures spread all over the country because he was ever since by the side of his people in peace as in war.

General Lahoud's main assets were his unshakable determination and reputation, and an illustrious history of dedication and service to his country. When the nation and the Army faced an unprecedented period which required exceptional efforts, General Lahoud was asked to carry out the national rescue mission. His qualifications were a determining factor that led to his nomination. He has never longed for personal recognition or favor.

Lahoud paid for his stances against the US administration, especially after the famous phone call conversation between him and the former US Secretary of State Madeleine AlBright. She demanded that Lebanon approves the Israeli withdrawal took place during 2000 provided that the Lebanese ambassador to the United Nations to declare this, while the Israeli enemy is still taking hold of more than 19 million square meters of our lands, detaining Lebanese people and stealing our water.

The Lebanese decision to extend Lahoud's presidential term to another three years was the last straw that broke the camel's back in his relation with the US administration which boycotted him and tried to isolate him. In their turn, the US tools in Lebanon have become cursers who campaigned against Lahoud perhaps he would be weakened or given up, but all these attempts failed and Lahoud remained the preserver of the constitution; resistance and lands, refusing settlement and division.

General Emile Lahoud was born in Beirut on January 12, 1936. He is the son of General Jamil Lahoud and Adrinée Badjakian. He comes from the town of Baabdat, in the Metn region. Since his youth, General Lahoud has been recognized for his patriotic sense of duty devoted to preserving and protecting the national unity for all the citizens.

From his early childhood, Emile Lahoud witnessed the events of Lebanon's independence. His father’s struggle for the independence of Lebanon was his first lesson. Lahoud’s father, whose name is synonymous with the creation of the Army and the quest for independence, taught him military discipline, which accepts no alternative to the national will. His father’s experience in politics taught General Emile Lahoud the values of loyalty and justice, enhancing his knowledge and stressing two features: The officer who devotes himself to his country; and the politician who works sincerely and justly. He, therefore, was able to see the dimensions of political issues and tried his best not to interfere in them.

General Lahoud unified the strategic goals of the Army by pointing out the real enemy and by stating the national path each one must follow: "Israel is the enemy which is occupying our land and threatening our stability".

Lahoud spent nine years in control as the Lebanese President working on implementing the oath. Despite the heavy load imposed on him, Lahoud remained the father, the husband and the son.