With a global soccer celebration, an exceptional artistic scene, and a wide audience, Qatar celebrated the opening of the World Cup on its soil, hosting participating nations from around the world. The sporting spectacle that emerged yesterday is one of the most beautiful in the history of the Arab world, surpassing any descriptions that imagination could limit with its national and Arab meanings and implications.
In contrast to Qatar's advancements on all fronts, Lebanon is experiencing a significant regression, having once been the beacon of the Middle East and a hub for global events in the Arab region. This regression is manifested in the constitutional and political vacuum resulting from irresponsible governance, along with an unprecedented economic and financial crisis.
During this time, the country stands on the threshold of the 79th anniversary of independence amid emptiness and paralysis. Ironically, decisions remain seized by regional interests, isolating Lebanon from its Arab and international surroundings, while waiting for the expected electoral milestones to be achieved.
It is evident that the matter of the presidential election has not yet matured, particularly as certain political factions handle the weight of responsibility lightly, viewing it through a narrow lens of their political interests. The delay in addressing this matter only opens the door to deepening economic and social crises, and more dangerously, security crises.
In any case, Lebanon, like the rest of the world, has entered a "World Cup" ceasefire, followed by a holiday break, hoping for some form of "holiday gift" awaiting the Lebanese at that time.
