By Dana Takieddine | Staff Writer
In light of the recent Lebanese-Israeli war, our country has been devastated by material losses, political instability, and national insecurity. While the idea of war is nothing new to Lebanon, this time, the stakes were higher than ever. The devastation, loss of life, and economic hardship demanded that Lebanese citizens engage in serious reflection about the country’s past, present, and, most importantly, its future. In this critical moment, there is one book that every Lebanese citizen should read: Nawaf Salam’s Lebanon: Between Past and Future. Salam’s book is outlined in a way that discusses the foundation of Lebanese sectarian divisions, the historical timeline of the civil war, and ends by describing a Third Republic we should work towards. Thus, Salam’s book offers an essential roadmap for understanding how Lebanon’s historical and political structures have shaped the country’s trajectory, offering a compelling vision for a Third Republic – one that moves beyond sectarianism and builds a functional, sovereign, and inclusive Lebanese state. With the Lebanese-Israeli war exposing the fragility of our national institutions and highlighting the urgent need for structural reform, Lebanon: Between Past and Future is more relevant now than ever before.
In its first part, the book offers a comprehensive view of Lebanese politics in a simplified and concise manner, perfect for a newcomer. Salam meticulously traces Lebanon’s history, explaining how colonial legacies, sectarian power-sharing agreements, and external interventions have shaped the Lebanese state. His analysis of the National Pact of 1943, the Ta’if Agreement of 1989, and their respective limitations provides critical insight into why Lebanon remains politically paralyzed and vulnerable to external conflicts. By reading his book, citizens can gain a deep understanding of the systematic issues deep rooted in our sectarian divides and past agreements. These systematic failures have left Lebanon in a state of weakness, unable to defend its borders or keep its internal politics democratic or functional. These weaknesses are especially shown through our current war, making it compulsory for Lebanese citizens to learn and understand their past to shape their future in the 2025 municipality and 2026 parliamentary elections.
One of the arguments put forth in Lebanon: Between Past and Future is that Lebanon’s sectarian political system is incapable of providing a framework for stability or progress. The present-day war has only reiterated the dangers of operating in a fragmented state run by factions pursuing their own interests that are often contrary to the national interest. Following the vision of a Third Republic, a Lebanon outside the sectarian quotas into which competent institutions are to be introduced, truly stands as an alternative. He further asserts that without reforming the system to prioritize national identity over sectarian loyalty, Lebanon will remain a playground for foreign interference and internal conflict. We now stand in one of the most perilous phases of recent history where it is imperative to reflect on how our divisions have eroded us and how we may put the pieces together to be a unified and sovereign Lebanon.
In the recent war with Israel, the Lebanese people seemed to be divided on how to address it. This raised questions about Lebanon’s sovereignty, which has been repeatedly undermined by its internal fragmentation and external pressure. Nawaf Salam answers questions about state sovereignty in his book by arguing that we need a state representative of all citizens, not one determined by sectarian leaders. This idea of his was made clear, for example, by not completely tying Shiite representation in the government to Shiite sectarian parties, which has been a heavily debated subject since the post-war period. With the escalation of confrontation with Israel, Lebanon proves to be a battlefield that cannot afford to be misused by regional and international powers. Salam’s work sets the stage for imagining a Lebanon that is genuinely sovereign and has a government capable of taking independent decisions in national interest.
Lebanon: Between Past and Future is not just about political reforms; it bears the pillars of economic recovery and prosperity for Lebanon. A new economic model is now urged by Salam, who states that this model needs to go beyond clientelism and corruption, emphasizing the importance of strong institutions, transparency, and policies that serve the whole instead of a narrow elite. With the war adding external pressure on Lebanon’s precarious financial situation, it becomes indispensable for citizens to engage with such thoughts and demand a new economic direction, giving priority to long-term stability over short-term political horse-trading.
This book is not just a layout of the past; it is a blueprint for the future led by our Prime Minister. It is a powerful vision of a civic society built on tolerance, democracy, and prosperity. This book is not just a dream we Lebanese can imagine, it is a practical guide for how we can transition from a dysfunctional state to a stable, democratic nation. In these desperate times, we cannot afford to be anything but politically literate. We must have a voice and express it through democratic and civil channels. Now is the time to understand how our Prime Minister plans to execute Lebanon’s future and build the foundations of a strong, sovereign state. Lebanon: Between Past and Future is more than just a book—it is a guide for all Lebanese who believe in a better future for their country.