Espionage; the Lebanese way

A question was posed in my favorite blog, SyriaComment (I should pay dues since this blog, like few others, had initially spawned from SC!). In the light of the recent dominoes-like fall of the Israeli spies’ network in Lebanon, one commenter had wondered: what is the difference between spying for Israel and being an agent for Iran? (or something to that effect).

 

I shouldn’t ignore the sectarian implication of the question, though, one has to ask, why the question was put in the context of the political bickering in Lebanon? Like: Israeli spies vs. Iran’s agents? And why the question wasn’t, for instance:

 

What’s the difference between an Israeli spy and a Saudi agent in Lebanon?

 

You see, ladies and gentlemen, both questions are ridiculous and they both border on the disgusting. Equating a political faction that is allying itself with a regional player, with a spy who’s rendering services to an Enemy, is nothing short of stupid.

 

People seem to forget that Israel had invaded Lebanon not too long ago, killing thousands of Lebanese and Palestinian civilians in the process. That Israel is still an enemy of Arab states. No matter how you look at it. Of course, there have been various degrees of normalization and easing of relationships. But I assume the governments that have initiated these ties know what they are doing.

 

Here’s a good question: what’s the difference between an Arab regime that is cooperative with Israel (be it in economics, defense ..etc..), and an Arab citizen who’s working as a spy for Israel?

 

There is still a difference of course. But I hesitate to see it because of the hypocrisy of these regime that have opened up to Israel. While they maintain communications with the Zionist state, they don’t allow their citizens to interact comfortably with it in any way, shape or form. Take for instance the recent draft law in Egypt that proposes the revocation the citizenships of all Egyptians who’re married to Israelis. Or the endless questioning and debriefings of those who had travel to Israel. This kind of bewildering, half-assed approach to your former enemy is ridiculous. It’s like the regime wants the perks of being friendly to Israel, but will not allow its public to get past the enmity mentality. Don’t get me wrong here, though. I’m not advocating normalization with Israel. I’m just saying that regimes don’t have the right of persecuting the citizens who decided to visit or establish relationship with a country that is no longer an enemy to their own.

 

Back to the spies in Lebanon. It’s assumed that they have contributed, or tried to acquire, sensitive information on the intention of delivering all to Israel. In any job’s code of ethics, divulging a sensitive secret of the company you work for is a breach of trust that may cause termination and probably even a lawsuit. Now what if these information were delivered to your enemy, with the intent of using them to harm your own countrymen. This is, in my opinion, is one of the ultimate crimes. Second worst to pedophilia and serial slaying.

 

I’ve thought about the motivation behind these traitorous acts, too. I could only hope that the reasons these gentlemen fell into the of treason is their uncontrollable greed. I can’t imagine why would they conspire with Israel on mutual interest or ideological grounds. I just hope it’s not the case.

 

Finally, I must remind myself and you that all kinds of people are equally susceptible to treason. Lebanon is in a unique position of high exposure and massive vulnerability. And hence the numbers of spies are comparatively higher. Give me any other state where the security control of the central government is as feeble, and you will get the same result. Bottom line is: is not a Lebanese thing to be a spy. (like some would like to insinuate)

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