Latifa al-Husseiny
Photos by Issam Kobeissy

Al-Intiqad online newspaper interviewed Hizbullah Deputy Secretary General, His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem, where he expressed views on the different domestic and regional issues.
 
The following is the full interview:

Q: The Zionist-US movie "Innocence of Muslims" insulting Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him and His Household) has recently infuriated the Islamic and Arab world. What reason, do you believe, makes a certain side offend sanctities over and over again?

A: Well, the West has begun to suffer a real complex du e to its disability to tear the Islamic Community apart. Particularly, this situation has been on since the 1979 revolution of Imam Khomeini (Sacred is his secret).
Observing what is going on in the Islamic world and worldwide, we realize that the Islamic Awakening is spreading more and more; its outcomes are quite significant as to regaining the efficient presence of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), as well as the Islamic method.
Throughout the past 100 years, there have been attempts to prove claims that Islam is incapable of meeting every day's requirements. They've tried to do this through direct colonization or through undermining the Islamic thought since the end of World War I and the fall of the Ottoman State until the end of the twentieth century.
  Because they ended up failing, especially after the Islamic Revolution of Iran came to light, they came up with another way of confrontation, insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Holy Qur'an, and the Islamic sanctities. They thought they could bring about harm to the upright religion. They're dealing with Islam just like they dealt with Christianity earlier. This has been stated by one of the publishers of the French magazine "Charlie Hebdo"; he said, "We want to debase the Islamic sacredness just like we debased the Christian sacredness in Europe." They actually produced really bad movies and series ridiculing Prophet Essa (the Messiah; Peace be upon him).
We refuse to let them insult Prophet Essa (PBUH), Christianity, or any of the prophets (PBUT). These are but failing steps; they have only pushed people to further adhere to sanctities and to the Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (PBUH). These steps have as well enlivened thought on learning more about the Seal of the Prophets (PBUH) and adhering to him.
Thereon, the West and the US have presented themselves as enemies of thought, intellect, and the divine messages. They actually contradict their claims; the US and Europe devised the issue of refusing anti-Semitism and punishing whoever says a single word to refute the claimed "Holocaust" or to discuss whether it existed in the first place. In such cases, the US and Europe become ready to punish such refuters, claiming their governments defend personal freedom. But they let other religions get insulted.

Q: Some days ago, occupied al-Quds (Jerusalem) was again insulted; a number of Zionist settlers wrote slogans offending Prophet Essa (the Messiah; PBUH) on the doors of a friary of Franciscan friars on Mount az-Zaitoun. So what can Your Eminence say regarding these incidents?

A: In fact, a thorough scheme, primarily serving Zionism, seeks insulting prophets (PBUT) and divine messages. If we realize how the insulting sketches had started, who'd drafted the insult and produced and shot the movie insulting Prophet Mohammad (PBUH); also if we relate this to the insults occurring in sacred al-Quds (Jerusalem), we figure out the Zionists are beyond all of these acts, whether directly or indirectly. They control publishing companies, newspapers, and movie-making studios. It is clear the producers of the insulting movie, as well as the newspapers and magazines publishing caricatures insulting religions, are related to Zionism.

Q: What plan are you devising to launch more moves? What sides are you working in coordination with, now that Hizbullah Secretary General His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said condemnations would continue?

A: Well, Hizbullah believes a plan must be devised to counter the anti-Islam scheme, of which the insult against Messenger Mohammad (PBUH) is a part. So our recent demonstrations are not enough. As time goes by, it becomes evident that the scheme against the Muslim and Christian sanctities is serious, also that this scheme is being sustained.

Hereupon, Hizbullah has formed a committee whose role is to tackle the issue of confronting the insult against Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and sanctities. This committee is planning certain steps and contacting different Islamic sides to coordinate more steps with them. Besides, it is offering suggestions as to different activities to Hizbullah's command.

Such moves are going to be covered by media. Very recently, we've decided to call the embassies of the states where some media figures decided to publish insulting caricatures, as in the case of France and Germany. Delegations from Hizbullah are going to visit these embassies, present condemnation statements, and ask their states to put an end to such insults.

Q: Though demonstrations and public moves have spread in several Arab and Islamic capitals, no Arab summit had been organized to tackle this issue. So what do you say?

A: His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has called for the moves of the following sides: the Arabs, "the Non-Aligned Movement" (NAM), the United Nations Security Council (UNSC); more particularly "the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)" and the Arab League, which are primarily concerned with this issue.
We thank the Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour for the efforts he's made as to this issue; whereas the official Islamic and Arab moves have unfortunately been insufficient, even absent in certain cases. Some official sides have even called for refusing any moves, claiming that might arouse chaos and problems. But they could have depended on numerous procedures to get to the point while maintaining public security.Had the Arab states in relation with "Israel" moved to refuse further normalization, expel the "Israeli" ambassadors, or make any kind of protests, they could have made the right participation to stop the insult and fulfilled their duty. Unfortunately, they've been uninterested in this issue at all. We even believe some Arab and Islamic states have abided by the direct US request that they refuse any moves. 

Q: In "Lima Summit", President Michel Sleiman proposed an initiative based on issuing an international legislation which forbids insulting prophets (PBUT). How do you evaluate this step?

A: Actually, His Excellency has adhered to the refusal of the insult and the necessity of creating moves, which he earlier supported during a Cabinet session.
We're thankful to President Suleiman's good step. In fact, we consider any step against the offense scheme important, whether it is official or private.

Q: Hizbullah called UN and the UNSC to issue resolutions preventing insults against prophets (PBUT). Does this imply Hizbullah has begun to acknowledge international resolutions and the International Community after a long series of resolutions only serving the "Israeli" enemy?

A: Well, the UNSC is an international body, but I do not prefer to use the expression "International Community"; eventually, the UNSC is the side that issues official resolutions. We've criticized the SC over and over again because it is generally biased; its resolutions are issued according to the US interests.
Nevertheless, if we manage to make the SC make a stance refusing insult against sanctities, then that'll be good. And it won't mean that we acknowledge all SC resolutions, especially when we proclaim we are against the unjust SC resolutions.

If the SC issues a good resolution, then we'll say it's a convenient, rational resolution. In such a case, the controversy of us acknowledging the SC or not does not exist; the SC council is there, whether we acknowledge this or not. What we are actually doing is requesting that this present side do a positive act. And this might or might not happen. 

Anyway, we've assigned the task of creating ideas on this issue to international-law specialists. Then we can come up with the right procedures to change words into action.

Q: An Islamic-Christian meeting was held in Bkirki, Lebanon to slam insult against religions. How do you evaluate this spiritual summit?

A: "The Islamic-Christian Summit" did a good thing refusing the insult against Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). This is one of the contributions we support, and we call for more so that they become effective enough to put an end to the Western course insulting prophets (PBUT).

Q: In regard to the Lebanese affairs, how do you describe your relation with Bkirki today?

A: Hizbullah and Bkirki are maintaining great communication, particularly with the Maronite Patriarch His Beatitude Beshara Rai. A double-sided committee is actually holding meetings to discuss a number of issues.

We have many stances in common with Bkirki. And we expressed our welcome and received His Beatitude in Bekaa and the South. Besides, we proclaimed this cooperation served the Lebanese interest. All in all, Hizbullah's relation with Bkirki is good, and it might be developed.

Q: What about Hizbullah's relation with "Dar-al-Fatwa"? 

A: Our relation with "Dar-al-Fatwa" is good as well, especially when we have common concerns and targets. From time to time, we arrange meetings for delegations that visit Grand Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Rashid Qabbani. The Grand Mufti has actually made statements supporting the Resistance and Muslims, also stressing the necessity of confronting the campaign against Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Thus, we believe we have a common vision.

Q: Ok, what about Hizbullah's relation with President Sleiman and Premier Najib Mikati, particularly now that we hear Syria is reproaching the Lebanese government, also now that news leaked in Damascus mentions that only Hizbullah's participation in the Lebanese government prevented Syria from making different reactions?

A: Our relation with President Sleiman and Premier Mikati is normal; we're part of the government, so there are issues we tackle together. Besides, Hizbullah representatives are contacting and meeting each of Suleiman and Mikati in order to discuss the issues we have in common. We realize it is necessary that we discuss and tackle these issues together.

Q: Does this mean Hizbullah is okay with the way the Lebanese government is dealing with the Syrian crisis?

A: As to the Syrian crisis, the Lebanese government decided to dissociate itself from Syria's events. The performance of the political and security apparatuses actually reflects this.
Generally, we are convinced the government should act this way. But we deprecate the performance of March 14 camp, especially "the Future Party" that has involved Lebanon way too much in the Syrian crisis.
"The Future Party" has been trying to open the northern Lebanese borders wide and provide a secure environment for the armed men in Lebanon. Furthermore, "the Future Party" has greatly contributed to smuggling arms to Syria and to financing and supporting combatants in Syria. Thus, the involvement of March 14 has involved Lebanon in a serious problem. It is absolutely wrong to get Lebanon involved in the ongoing Syrian crisis, which might last long. The regional and international involvement in this crisis is quite complicated. Hereupon, it is best for the Syrian regime and people that none uses Lebanon as a platform, a crossing point, or an anti-Syria site which promotes international intervention and wrecks Syria.

Q: Let's move to the issue of elections. Do you really believe the joint parliamentary committees are only wasting time whereas they're supposed to study the electoral draft law and proposals?

The joint parliamentary committees' discussions were supposed to be based on a careful, logical analysis of the proposed electoral systems. On the contrary, some days ago the political parties spoke about everything but the electoral law during their meeting. Political stances were made instead, and some parties insisted on certain ideas, which were evidently failing.

Q: With respect to the electoral draft laws, March 14 camp is now focusing on the 50-district proposal. So what stance do you make?

A: If this proposal made by a Christian side is believed to gain equality for Christians, then this is not true; this actually brings about more harm than the 1960 electoral law and allows them only 18 MPs. Besides, if this proposal is thought to gain political majority, then we say majority must exist in accordance with the law and the constitution. So let them not show fake power by trying to impose a law which doesn't even meet the laws of constitution.

We consider that logic says the elections must be based upon what follows: giving chance for voters to express their choices and invest them through actual representation. And this can only happen through proportionality.
The parties confiscating opinions, bribing voters, or trying to strengthen certain political parties on behalf of others by exploiting electoral laws (which do not make MPs real representatives) are only going to ruin the whole thing.

Q: Are you with the proposal House Speaker Nabih Berri is declaring, which is supporting any Christian agreement that gains the electoral law?

A: Let us first see what the Christians have to say. Then we'll state a clear opinion as to the proposition made.

Q: It was said Hizbullah approved the proposal made by the Orthodox Gathering. Is this right?

A: It's early to speak about a blueprint other than the government's. We always support proportionality, particularly proportionality according to each electoral district. If there are other proposals, then we must discuss them after we finish discussing the government's draft law.

Of course this can happen only if we find things in common with the other political parties. Hence, it is best not to waste time examining the details of every proposal. We prefer to make way for reaching an agreement, so the discussions must be held quietly, away from media. 

Q: What information do you have as to the timing of the elections? Are they going to happen on time, or does the current parliament have a greater chance of getting extended?

A: Normally, we wish for the best. We're trying to make things work right and run the elections on time. But can anyone foretell what the future hides, what kind of regional developments might occur, and how they might affect Lebanon? None knows!

Q: Can we say the Syrian crisis will bring about certain consequences in Lebanon?

A: We're acting very normally. But only Allah - the Exalted in Might and Majesty - knows what the future hides.

Source: al-Intiqad, translated and edited by moqawama.org