Lebanon has always been invaded, but has never invaded any of its neighbors, and the country has paid a huge price because of Middle Eastern conflicts. But this should be no more. The Syrian Army has been occupying my country for 25 years to this day. There is a serious intellectual brain drain and exodus because of the Syrian hegemony. In the Lebanese government, many politicians are appointed to serve the Syrian presence, and the occupation has reached its fifth element.
Students go to jail if they protest in the name of their human rights.
Journalists undergo investigation if they raise the Syrian oppression issue. I wonder if I would be still allowed to visit my country after writing this column. The judiciary, legislative and executive branch are controlled and monopolized by Syrian officials. My country is shrinking and sinking. I am crying for help.