In the Middle East, nations don't rest on stable grounds but rather on a simmering plate. In Lebanon, history pulses to the rhythm of successive crises, with security institutions acting as the last line of defense for the concept of the 'state.' Today marks the 81st anniversary of the founding of Lebanon's General Security Directorate, an occasion that transcends a mere calendrical event or ceremonial celebration. It is a testament to survival amidst an unrelenting regional and local storm.
For over eight decades, the General Security has been Lebanon's vigilant eye. Its role has never been limited to stamping passports at borders; it has consistently embodied the concept of political, social, and preventive security. Through decades of Middle Eastern wars and transformations, this agency has been directly in touch with every crisis afflicting the region: from cross-border intelligence activities to refugee and border issues, confronting terrorist networks, and dismantling espionage webs.
In recent years, Lebanon has faced one of its toughest modern challenges: an unprecedented economic collapse, teetering institutions, and immense pressures on its social structure. In such times, structures crumble unless led by those who understand that managing crises is not a walk in the park but a matter of risk management and existence affirmation.
This is where Major General Hasan Shuqeir's role in leading the institution through one of its most complex phases comes into play. He did not assume control of General Security during prosperous times, but amid a storm. For Major General Shuqeir, security is not merely a matter of enforcement or silent intelligence reports but about social stability, facilitating citizens' affairs, and maintaining institutional resilience despite limited resources.
Major General Shuqeir has succeeded in recalibrating the directorate's operations, emphasizing shielding the institution from the intricate political dynamics that often engulf the country. He focused on improving administrative and service performance at a time when citizens' transactions faced significant hurdles due to financial and organizational challenges. He restored the service's true meaning, proving that conscious security supports citizens in their daily struggles, not alienates them.
On the security and military front, under Major General Shuqeir's leadership, General Security continued its pivotal role as a safety valve. The agency's intelligence capabilities detect threats before they escalate, whether stemming from covert dealings, terrorist threats, or managing vast borders that have historically served as conduits for significant transformations. Shuqeir's management exhibited a high sense of national responsibility, especially in handling refugee files and border issues intertwined with regional and international situations.
A successful institution is one that can turn crises into opportunities for development. On its 81st anniversary, the Lebanese General Security, under the stewardship of its leadership and the determination of its officers and sergeants, demonstrates that it is more than just an executive body; it is a cornerstone of state resilience. As the country's economic capacities decline, the greatest reliance is on human resources and national will—elements that have never waned in this institution.
The Middle East is changing, maps are being redrawn, and threats take on new faces. But one constant remains in the Lebanese equation: the presence of bodies capable of preserving the nation’s entity and stability. The General Security, on its 81st anniversary, sends a silent yet powerful message that Lebanon, despite all its wounds, deserves protection, and its institutions harbor secrets of resilience with men who undertake the task with wisdom and quiet determination.
Salute to the Lebanese General Security on its anniversary, and to its leadership represented by Major General Hasan Shuqeir, and to all who stand in the shadows to keep Lebanon alive and hopeful.