Jumblatt: There Is Nothing to Fear, and No Weapon Will Remain Outside the State

Lebanese Forces party leader Suleiman Frangieh stated that Lebanon has entered a new political era from which there is no return, and that events are clearly moving toward the establishment of the state and the restoration of its decision-making power and sovereignty. He affirmed that the country’s current developments are not a passing phase but the outcome of a long struggle and unwavering commitment, adding that although the next phase is less dangerous than previous ones, it still demands daily organized effort, advanced political awareness, and constant readiness at the party, organizational, and electoral levels.

Frangieh made these remarks during a meeting at the party’s headquarters in Maarab with a delegation from the Lebanese Forces diaspora, attended by Assistant Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Emad Wakim, Assistant Secretary for Administration Rafeeq Shahine, several regional coordinators, center heads in the diaspora, and the Executive Committee of the Assistant Secretariat for Diaspora Affairs. During the meeting, Frangieh handed over a membership card to journalist Hager Kneito, while the Assistant Secretary for Diaspora Affairs distributed membership cards to several new members in the diaspora to be delivered by center heads and coordinators to their respective recipients in their countries of residence.

Frangieh stressed that what the Lebanese Forces have achieved today was not due to a temporary political circumstance or a shift in power balances, but rather the result of their consistent adherence, over decades, to a clear and stable political project aligned with reality and the course of history—refusing compromise or shifting positions based on circumstances. He said: "If we examine the situation between yesterday and today, it doesn’t take much scrutiny to see that truth cannot be defeated. In the Lebanese Forces, men, women, and youth never stopped for a moment; they remained persistent, driven by faith as strong as mountains. That is why we have reached where we are. Every day, I discover one or more instances proving that somewhere, a Lebanese Forces member is quietly working without our knowledge, and the cumulative efforts of individual after individual, girl after girl, are what built the strength represented by the Lebanese Forces today."

He added: "We have a clear political project, our political platform aligns with reality and also with the direction of history, because history has a direction and does not move arbitrarily. A Syrian force or an Iranian force represented by the 'Party' may come and attempt to alter facts for a year, two years, or even five years—but in the end, they depart, while facts remain. This is exactly what happened with us."

Frangieh noted that the party had overcome its most difficult period in history, having endured prolonged attempts at erasure and persecution. He emphasized that although today’s challenges are less dangerous, they carry equal responsibility and demand sustained action. He said: "Today, we stand on the other side of our work—not implying we’ve entered a phase of rest, absolutely not. The hardest part was when we struggled merely to survive. What more could you want than for the entire party to be dissolved, for two or three Lebanese Forces members unable to meet without being arrested? All of that is behind us. Therefore, I say the most difficult chapter of our political life has ended, but what remains is relatively easier—and do not underestimate it."

He continued by recalling key milestones the party faced: "When confronting Hafez al-Assad and his regime, the Iranian Islamic Revolution represented by the 'Party,' and earlier the Palestinian resistance, which was stronger than the 'Party' multiple times and enjoyed broad international and Arab recognition, any subsequent challenge becomes significantly easier. Thus, I say the hardest part of our political journey has passed, but we must not underestimate what lies ahead."

Frangieh asserted that the Lebanese Forces have won their main bet—the steadfastness on their cause—but this does not mean the battle is over. New challenges require the same effort and willpower. He said: "We have won our primary bet, so do not think history will reverse. Matters either stay as they are or move forward—there is no going backward. But on the other hand, we face other bets we must also win. They are easier than the one we’ve already won, yet they demand immense work."

Frangieh then turned to the responsibilities of Lebanese Forces members in the coming phase, stating that the party is now a trust entrusted to all its members, and preserving it requires organized, continuous daily work—not just slogans. He said: "The Lebanese Forces is a trust in your hands, the most precious thing we possess today, because it enables us to do everything we do. What does it mean to be a trust? It means returning every day to work on this vast and monumental project called the Lebanese Forces.

He added: "The story begins with small meetings here and small meetings there. From these small gatherings, great strength is born. Do not underestimate small details—they create major achievements. From the small meetings you hold to the grand celebrations we all share, this party is formed and solidified as a real political force."

Frangieh addressed the nature of the Lebanese Forces’ political discourse, emphasizing its clarity and refusal to bow to power calculations or short-term interests—unlike other political forces that keep their positions vague to protect their positions or ambitions. He said: "Our political platform is progressive because there is nothing we fear, and nothing we need to calculate. Many leave their positions ambiguous because they’re thinking about who will become president, prime minister, minister, or deputy. You can listen to them speak for three hours and still not understand their true stance. But we have nothing to lose—we’ve lived our entire lives without parliamentary seats or ministries, yet we accomplished everything we did. Therefore, we calculate only for principle."Analysis of Politics

Frangieh recalled the beginnings of resistance, noting that the experience endured by the Lebanese Forces under the worst conditions laid the foundation for its current political approach—bold in taking stances and refusing to compromise. He pointed out that the party has never based its choices on immediate gains or losses. He said: "I remember the first days of resistance, and some present in the hall recall them. Those were among the finest days, because all we had were our clothes, our rifles, and our faith. We had nothing to fear, so we moved from front to front carrying our faith and convictions, asking only that God protect us and be pleased with us. This is what brought us here. Today, in politics, we continue in the same way—never calculating who approves or disapproves, because our political platform will always remain progressive and at the forefront. There is nothing we fear, nor anything we desire."

He stressed that preserving the party means more than resting on past achievements—it requires continuous development and strengthening across all arenas. He highlighted that each Lebanese Forces member’s responsibility starts with the smallest daily activities and extends to the largest national objectives. He said: "It’s beautiful to gather, meet, and discuss. I’m deeply happy when I meet groups of Lebanese Forces members and supporters. But what matters most is what happens after they leave this hall. Always remember that you carry a trust named the Lebanese Forces. Whoever can do something big should do it. Whoever cannot, at least dedicate part of their time to regular activities—these are what built the Lebanese Forces. The Lebanese Forces are essential for Lebanon, not just for me personally."

He emphasized that the upcoming phase demands constant organizational and electoral preparedness, rejecting the notion that elections are far off, since early preparation shapes results. He said: "It’s not enough to preserve the Lebanese Forces as they are, as if we’re regressing. We must constantly strive to develop it further. Don’t assume parliamentary elections are still distant—no one knows when we’ll reach them, and they might occur earlier than expected. Even if the scheduled date remains unchanged, a blink of an eye could find us facing them. Therefore, we must remain fully mobilized—on political outreach, delegates, list preparation, and everything needed to win our electoral battle."Wars and Conflicts

He noted that the challenge is no longer convincing Lebanese citizens of the Lebanese Forces’ political project, but transforming public support into effective electoral presence. He said: "Our standing in public opinion has reached an advanced stage. Our political platform is widely accepted. But the issue now hinges on the effectiveness of our organizational and electoral presence. Someone may be less visible in public opinion but more effective electorally, winning seats comparable to ours. Therefore, we must act as if elections are tomorrow, not wait until they’re near before starting to run."

Frangieh turned to the crisis of political awareness in Lebanon, arguing it remains one of the biggest challenges in building the state, despite recent shifts in public opinion. He pointed out that many Lebanese fail to connect their electoral choices with their own future and the nation’s future, instead viewing deputies as personal representatives, relatives, or friends—not partners in national decision-making. He said: "There is a serious problem at the level of political awareness. True, public opinion has changed, and some have gained while others have lost based on their actions. Yet many people still fail to link the deputy they vote for with their own future. They believe they’re choosing a friend, relative, or someone who helps them personally. But every deputy influences the general situation. If people learn how to choose a deputy who impacts the general situation, we will have taken a major step forward."

He added: "People are not aware enough that their fate is in their own hands. Lebanon is the only country in the Middle East with genuine democracy. Therefore, people’s fate is in their hands. If we can make them realize this, they won’t wait four years to complain about missing roads, water, or electricity, because they’ll know their electoral choices shape this reality. That’s why you must work hard to connect these dots."

In assessing Lebanon’s political developments, Frangieh stressed that the trajectory of events is now clear, and all temporary fluctuations or attempts to derail the path will not alter Lebanon’s overall direction toward restoring state authority. He said: "Do not think there’s a chance events will revert. You may witness ups and downs today, but ultimately history does not go backward—especially in Lebanon, where numerous factors ensure this direction remains firm."

He added that he is convinced Lebanon is gradually moving toward consolidating state sovereignty and extending its authority across all its territory, though this may take time due to the nature of the current phase. He said: "My immediate conclusion is that Lebanon will not go backward, and the direction will not change. We are moving in this direction, and no weapon will remain outside the state. This has become a matter of time for me, but we must continue, wait, and pass through this phase. It’s not difficult, but heavy. We may pass through stages of war or peace, progress or stagnation, but going backward is no longer possible. In the end, we will reach the destination we are heading toward."

Frangieh argued that what has been achieved so far was not the result of a single political effort, but the fruit of generations of Lebanese Forces members who preserved the cause over decades. He urged building upon these achievements without resting on them, as the next phase demands the same commitment and effort. He said: "Your struggle and that of countless young men and women over fifty years have greatly contributed to where we are today. I don’t say it alone brought us here, but it helped immensely. So you have every right to rest on past achievements, but simultaneously, we must prepare for the future."

Frangieh concluded by affirming that the time for rest has not yet come, and what is required is continuing the journey begun by successive generations defending Lebanon. He stressed that everything achieved so far should serve as motivation for greater work, not an excuse for complacency. He said: "I am very happy to see you all, but we cannot rest even for a moment. We may take a brief break—a minute or two, a day or two—but then we must return to our responsibilities and continue the path we began fifty years ago. In truth, this path didn’t start fifty years ago; our ancestors and forefathers began it a thousand years ago, bringing us here. Our duty today is to complete it and hand it down faithfully to those who come after us, if God wills."

The meeting began with the Lebanese national anthem and the Lebanese Forces party anthem, followed by a speech from Assistant Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Emad Wakim, welcoming the delegation, congratulating them on the Feast of the Epiphany, and affirming that Maarab remains a symbol of steadfastness and belief in Lebanon. He emphasized that the diaspora is a natural extension of the Lebanese Forces’ mission within Lebanon. He said: "My sisters and brothers, from Maarab—where principles are never compromised, sacrifices are never forgotten, and the flame of freedom never dies—we warmly welcome you. Welcome to your home, among your family, in the place that has been and will remain a symbol of resilience, struggle, and belief in Lebanon."

Wakim noted that Lebanese Forces members in the diaspora, though geographically distant from their homeland, have remained loyal to their cause and carried their message worldwide, forming a vanguard in defending Lebanon. He said: "You have come from every corner of the earth, yet in truth, you have never left the homeland. You carry Lebanon in your hearts, the Lebanese Forces’ cause in your souls, and have turned the diaspora into a frontline defense for freedom, sovereignty, and dignity."

He stressed that the delegation’s presence in Maarab transcends mere organizational significance, symbolizing a renewal of the pledge to the party and to Lebanon. He added: "Your presence today in Maarab is not just a visit—it is a renewal of the pledge to remain at the heart of the Lebanese Forces, because what unites you goes beyond distance and geography. It is faith in the state of Lebanon, the sovereignty of Lebanon, and the free human of Lebanon."

Wakim emphasized that the children of the diaspora are partners in every national struggle, the voice of Lebanon in the world, and a real force enhancing the party’s presence through faith, dedication, and commitment. He noted that Maarab is not just a location, but "an idea, a history, and a commitment—a home for every Lebanese who believes Lebanon is worth fighting for, no matter the cost."

He concluded: "Let this gathering be a moment where we renew our pledge to Lebanon, our pledge to our martyrs, and our pledge to one another—to remain steadfast in our position, strong in our commitment, and certain that the future belongs to those with unwavering resolve. And that all this struggle will, in due time, lay the foundation for building the state we dream of—the state to which you will return to build its future. Welcome once again to Maarab, welcome to your home, and welcome to every comrade who today affirms that the pulse of the diaspora is the pulse of the Lebanese Forces, and that the Lebanese Forces have always been and will remain the pulse of Lebanon. Long live the Lebanese Forces diaspora, long live the Lebanese Forces, and long live Lebanon."