Lebanon’s young lawmaker faces fears of war spreading

Firas Hamdan is one of the youngest members of the Lebanese Parliament. The 37-year-old is from Hasbaya, about six miles from Lebanon’s southern border with Israel. Israeli attacks near the town occur daily as part of the ongoing war against Hezbollah. During the week, Hamdan works in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. But on weekends he returns home to meet voters. Gatherings these days are filled with stories of war around us. Just a year ago, Hezbollah fired rockets at Israeli positions across the border in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Israel responded with a war that killed more than 2,400 Lebanese and displaced more than 1 million. Hamdan was critical of Hezbollah’s initial actions but said Israel’s stated goal of eliminating Hezbollah was short-sighted. Hamdan’s political rise began five years ago when he participated in large-scale protests denouncing government corruption and threatening to destroy the country. Returning to Hasbaya is important to Hamdan. This exposes him to the reality of a region where history weighs heavily. Hamdan’s father, Ismail, a former army general, witnessed Israel’s multiple invasions and 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon, including Hasbaya. The Hamdans are now witnessing a new invasion by Israel. But for a young, up-and-coming politician. The question is how to address the most immediate concerns of our neighbors.