THERE has never been a time when the president of any country gave precedence to the interest of a terrorist militia over his country’s interests.Even in countries with oneparty ruling system, the leaders would not dare to extol the militia at the expense of the national army, especially if that militia is listed as a terrorist organization and has caused destruction and economic and financial embargo, like what happened in Lebanon.The statement made by Lebanese President Michel Aoun during an interview with the Egyptian media a few days ago concerning the “Hezbollah weapon which protects Lebanon” continues to spark international reactions that extend beyond political stances to disciplinary sanctions against the entire Lebanese army and security agencies.This was after the recent meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon during which it hinted that it will not hold its conference in Lebanon, as the country, in the first place, needs all kinds of support in various aspects.Lebanon is in dire need for support especially due to the damages caused by the civil war as well as Iran’s ability to influence the political decision in that small country, deflate the military institution, sideline the role of other official security forces, and restore the self-security attitude adopted by Hezbollah in its regions of influence, whether in the southern part of Beirut or Baalbek Town or Beqaa Governorate.Today, Lebanon is under the threat of the lifting of international protection which prevented Israeli aggression on it. This threat became apparent after serious discussions were held by the International Support Group for Lebanon concerning withdrawal of the United Nations Emergency Force from the southern part of Lebanon, which is almost considered as a micro state of Hezbollah with all required components.Everyone knows that the situation in the south undermines Lebanon’s ability to abide by the UN Security Council resolution No. 1701, which prohibits spread of militia armies in the area and bars any hindrance to the activities of the UN Emergency Force.However, the party that dragged Lebanon to such a decision through the 2006 war dubbed as “If I had known” currently wants to repeat the scenario by dragging Israel into another war in order for Hassan Nasrallah to consider it as a divine victory and brag about it over the corpses of innocent civilians and rubbles of towns and villages.However, in reality, it will be a clear divine defeat for this wicked person who has drowned Lebanon in a series of crises and predicaments by executing Iran’s agendas. The statement made by the Lebanese President Michel Aoun was not a gaffe. No one assumes that it was a gaffe because the president was once a military commander and is well aware of the obstacles that prevent the development of the Lebanese military establishment and its ability to counter Israeli forces.In fact, his statement is a preliminary measure towards completely destroying the residual ability of Lebanon to attract international sympathy for this small country, and the efforts exerted to bring an end to the years of presidential vacuum experienced in that country.There is a common adage in Lebanon which is — “When countries disagree, hide your head”. This brings us to the question — Will the actions of President Michel Aoun for countering the international stance on Hezbollah protect Lebanon, or will he reiterate Nasrallah’s 2006 statement after attracting another Israel incursion of “If I had known that would happen, we would not have kidnapped the two Israeli soldiers” — the event that had led to the war.By Ahmed Al-Jarallah Editor-in-Chief, the Arab TimesEmail: [email protected] or [email protected]