Saint Of Sarba (between Turmoil And Development Fouad Chehab)

By (author) Michel Koubrssi
In commemoration of the 20th July anniversary, the Lebanese parade the streets to rejoice and hail President Shihab's return to power, urging him similarly to renew his term in 1964. In the village of Soug el Gharb, for instance, one banner manifests their sentiments, as follows: Our Father in Sarba, in imitation to Jesus' prayer on the Mountain, to denote their dependence on him for their daily bread; while a priest portrays his achievement of national unity as Saint-president. Fuad Shihab is often referred to as saint, hermit, master, savior, Great Silencer, Good Shepherd, and the unknown with both his austere and pious characters, among other nouns and adjectives to denote his aloofness in political life, although he prefers to be called mon général. According to Bassem el Jisr, his miracle rests on three pillars: honesty, impartiality, and modesty; while his legacy is well-known as the builder president of a modern and equitable nation. The book scrutinizes President Fuad Shihab's term in office from 1958 to 1964. It examines and compares numerically and analytically his achievements and visions. It emphasizes on the colossal researches and developmental projects to ameliorate the country and attain national unity. It verifies his policies and strategies amidst the regional tension with the Syrian coup d'état, Israel's diversion of the Jordan River, Johnson's Plan, and the consequent Arab League's summits to ferment gradually Lebanon toward more violence. In short, President Shihab is the right person at the wrong circumstances.