Hostage Of Her Religion

If you think that Hezbollah and Amal represent all the Lebanese Shiaas, think again.

Nisrin Yaghi, A Shiite who supports a “free, just and independent Lebanon” writes in the Daily star that she is taken hostage by her religion:

Many Lebanese Shiites [..] are bewildered by the position taken by both parties “officially” representing them. It is unconceivable that, under the pretext of religious righteousness, hundreds of thousands of Lebanese are voluntarily obstructing the rebirth of a free, just and independent Lebanon.

She explains why she thinks this is the case:

I believe that most Shiites have fallen victims to the “Stockholm Syndrome.” The population is not being held at gunpoint, but rather a financial and educational blackmail that has taken place for the past 15 years. The people have grown accustomed to being fully dependent on their party for economic survival, and have thus completely lost the ability to decide for themselves.

She concludes:

Salvation has to come from outside this corrupt circle, which claims to represent all Shiites, as if God and divinity were enough to blindfold us and lead us like cattle to the alter to be slaughtered.

An independent Shiite force has to emerge, blended with independent free spirits of all sects. This is our only true salvation.

I call on all Lebanese to take a stand and make their voice heard. This country is tired of demonstrations and confrontations. So make your voices heard and organize workshops for people to speak their mind without intimidation.

And, for God’s sake, leave God out of it!

As anyone who reads Abu Kais (A fiery Shiite pro March14 blogger) knows, Nisreen is not an aberration. It remains to be seen whether the current events empower people like Nisreen or weaken them.