Regardless of how powerful they may become, rulers need to use their sense of hearing. Aversion to listening to the people’s voice inevitably alienates the governed sooner or later, no matter how convinced they are of the ideology or how robust their partisan affiliation is. When those in positions of power do not listen to their subjects, supporters, or even opponents, when their police prohibit criticism and skepticism or ban their subjects from raising their voices, this creates only a surface image of cohesion shattered once one looks a little deeper.
Although the “Shiite duo” (Amal Movement and Hezbollah) have the tools to contain the critics in their strongholds, it cannot continue to deny what life is like for the residents or to ignore their grievances. The situation has become untenable, as those in power cannot confront the pains borne by residents of their areas with haughtiness and hubris, nor can they turn a deaf ear to those advising them out of friendship. These are blatant attempts to silence opposition among its supporters and hinder its spread, as demonstrated by flagrantly forcing anyone who dared criticize his leaders or their governance to make public apologies.
One could succeed in forging reality, presenting an image of cohesion, and compelling absolute support for him and his policies. However, given the severity of living conditions across the country, and the total denial of its authorities, is leading it to outright subjugation of the people and even the rulers’ base, which has sacrificed a lot in the past. Nonetheless, they are now being met with the denial of their right even to criticize and are being silenced by force as their rulers assault their person, sect, and homeland.
If the matter genuinely does not concern them - that is, the Duo - the question becomes whether anyone has spoken to them frankly about the economic crisis and mismanagement that have exposed their limitations, that it has become obvious that they lack the merit and capacity needed to replace the state, and that their initiatives and programs have failed to meet the needs of their base. Indeed, despite all the clamorous slogans and promises they made, opposition is expanding, albeit slowly, and they are increasingly resorting to terrorizing locals as a result. After accusing some independent voices of treachery, they are publicly humiliating any dissension that comes from their ranks.
The videos of individuals forcibly making public apologies for their criticism of an official’s practices or the leadership of the “Duo,” in which they individuals declare their total allegiance to their approach and role in protecting the faith and the homeland, remind us of the Soviet era. There, only one individual, one party, one book, one newspaper and one color, were permitted. It seems that the “Duo” has not learned from history, and Imam Ali (peace be upon him) tells us that “The arrogant do not learn.”
If brewing discontent among its base and the teachings of Imam Ali do not concern the “Duo,” there remains a more difficult and pressing question: When will the “Duo” realize that in a society an ideologically and religiously pluralistic society like Lebanon, imposing one way of being is impossible. The fact is that regardless of how dominant partisanship may be in all religious institutions, eliminating their diversity is not possible. Thus, it would be better to address the statement issued by the Higher Islamic Shiite Council, which no longer resembles its founders (Imam Al-Sadr and Imam Shams al-Din).
The statement issued against a group of clerics opposed to the politics and ideology of the “Duo” is nothing but a testament to confusion rattling this religious institution, whose role has been undermined and whose independence has been totally nullified. The young cleric, Samer Ghanoui, spoke truth to power in his response to the decisions of the Religious Reporting Authority, saying that “This statement is another testament to my innocence of corruption.” As for Yasser Audi’s response, it also showed great courage: “Yes, I deviate from extremist Shiite doctrine. I am a deviant who opposes the politicians and their behavior, and if they want my turban, they can have it.”
And so, while the scale of support for the “Duo” among the members of its sect is undeniable, it could be the sect is just as afraid of the “Duo” as it is keen on safeguarding it.
