Mr. Hariri probably knows that if he had joined the Understanding since its inception and addressed any concerns he had through amendments, then he and Lebanon would have been in a better position. Today, he is being faced with a similar choice.

If Mr. Hariri, respectfully, wants ?to get smart very quickly? ? as he was quoted as saying in another past interview ? then he must do what he could have done before: join hands with General Aoun to protect sovereignty, independence, and freedom, and to embrace solutions based on Lebanese-Lebanese Understandings. Lebanon would have been better if that was done beforehand, and Lebanon will certainly be better if that is done in the next few hours prior to the presidential election.

Certainly, there are risks in being courageous, ?unconventional?, and doing what is right. However, the risks are far less than continuing on a faulty path of endless confrontation that is detrimental to everyone.

No one knows this lesson more than Samir Geagea ? and it is this lesson that will ultimately unify more parliamentarians with General Aoun.

With regard to Hezbollah, Mr. Hariri stated in his interview that ?we have nothing against Hezbollah. We need to have dialogue with that party, but according to March 14 principles.? A dialogue has already been formulated in the FPM-Hezbollah Understanding, which ? from the beginning ? both sides have implied that (1) it is open for all Lebanese to join; and (2) if there is a word, a sentence, a paragraph that requires modification, both sides are open to discussing it. Instead of speaking in general terms against the Understanding, it would be more beneficial for everyone to be more specific. What ?principles? does the Understanding contradict, how does it contradict them, and what specific terms are unacceptable in it?

If an adequate electoral law was in place to ensure equitable representation and/or if the eleven contested seats were properly adjudicated by the Constitutional Council, then either or both situations would make it obvious that under proper constitutional, electoral, and legitimate means General Aoun would rightfully become the next president. Under proper constitutional channels, and in line with present support, the parliamentary consensus would have been on him.

Every Lebanese citizen has a right to run for president, and no one should be denied the right from doing so or from being considered. However, the presidency must be given to the person who has earned it constitutionally, legitimately, and deservingly. Any attempt to deny that right would amount to another chapter in persecuting the political representatives of the Christians and simultaneously all Lebanese. From past experience, by seeking to ?eliminate? the ?strongest link?, the perpetrators inevitably intend to ?eliminate? all other links.