Monday, 01-07-02

24 years ago, Imam Moussa Al Sadr, a charismatic leader was taken away from his family and loved ones. His official trip to Libya on August 31, 1978, has brought the relationship of the majority of Lebanese (Muslim Shi'ite) and the State of Libya to a near confrontation. Demonstrations and official requests were sent to the Libyan leader Muommar Gaddafii to release the Imam but to no avail.

Imam Al Sadr, a social reformer, a scholar, a unifier, an example of religious tolerance, especially between the monolithic faiths were the causes behind his disappearance according to his sister Rabab.

Imam Al Sadr in the seventies and early sixties, with his revolutionary ideas and idealistic approach to the ill with the Lebanese society challenged the corrupt establishment in the Arab World. These monarchs and tyrants were threatened of his influence and of course the awakening of the Muslim Shi'ite in Lebanon.

In the mid-50's, the Imam returned to Lebanon. The majority (Muslim Shi'ite) of Lebanese were deprived of everything within the state (Lebanon). They had no adequate representation in government, their cities, towns and villages were neglected by the Lebanese government. The Imam hard work and dedication to the cause of helping the underrepresented Lebanese (regardless of their sect) made him a national leader, loved and respected by all sects of Lebanon. He preached at Christian Churches and Mosques alike. His persona, his humble power and his charisma caught the eyes of his enemy. They kidnapped him during the prime of his given. In his disappearance, the Arab world lost a dear son and a unifying factor. However, the seed of his hard work blossomed and the deprived in the Lebanese society were able eventually to get some of their deserved rights under the Lebanese constitution.

All we hope at this juncture before the Arab League Summit (March 27-29/2002) in Lebanon is that the Libyan leader be courageous and release Imam Al Sadr. Gaddafii has a duty of telling the truth about the fate of Imam Al Sadr and his two companions. It is about time for Gaddafii to come clean.

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