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In recent decades, European politicians have been vocal about the fate of religious minorities in the Middle East and, more precisely, the Levant. There has indeed been cause for alarm and despair about their persecution and treatment as second-class citizens, especially in Iraq and Syria. Their dwindling numbers are worrisome. Europe’s history, which has been marked by horrific failures in its treatment of minorities, offers more valuable lessons than the statements of today’s politicians. The lesson is crystal clear: when minorities are excluded or lost, countries lose dynamism and opportunities for prosperity and growth.
There are many cases in European history, but I would like to focus on two that took place in France: the expulsion of the Jews and the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. These are two significant episodes in French history that brought about profound losses to the country.
Jews were expelled from France several times in the Middle Ages. The main episodes took place in 1306 under Philippe IV and 1394 under Charles VI, when their property was confiscated and their role in the economy eliminated. However, this deprived France of vibrant communities that excelled in trade, medicine and science and whose contributions could have enriched society in the long term. The French economy suffered from their loss and the country’s culture and knowledge were impoverished by their exclusion. The Jews’ return came during the Renaissance, which was a golden age for Europe.
Similarly, the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 by Louis XIV had disastrous consequences for France. This act forced hundreds of thousands of Protestants, known as Huguenots, into exile, taking with them their craft, commercial and industrial skills. France lost true craftsmen, such as watchmakers, printers, merchants and scientists, who had contributed to the country’s economic development. This decision contributed to the weakening of France’s long-term competitiveness.
When minorities are excluded or lost, countries lose dynamism and opportunities for prosperity and growth
Khaled Abou Zahr
Both events show how losing an important community that is contributing to the nation can impoverish a country. It is worth mentioning that the exile of the Huguenots greatly contributed to the rise of industry in England and the Netherlands, to the detriment of France.
Although the context differs, the loss of Muslims in Spain with the Reconquista led to a decline in the country’s knowledge of medicine, philosophy and astronomy. With that in mind, we should be wary of voices in the Levant region that portray minorities as outsiders. They are, in fact, an integral part of the Levant’s DNA. Many families that originate in the Levant have branches that span across various religions, underscoring how deeply interconnected we all are.
The reality is that the armed conflicts of recent decades have been the main reason for this loss. Religious minorities are often targeted, as we saw with Daesh’s treatment of the Yazidi and Christian communities in Iraq and Syria. In the end, the targeting of a single community brings despair and chaos to the entire country and even the region. We share the same DNA and are intertwined, so splitting apart is disastrous for all. Yet, beyond conflict, can we still live together?
Today, the Gulf countries show us how cultural and religious diversity can be a strength when managed well. These states have welcomed populations of diverse origins that now coexist and contribute to vibrant economies. This diversity has enabled the Gulf states to become global hubs of trade, finance and culture. Yet, there is a key element for this to succeed, which is order and respect of the other, aligned with vision. The Gulf countries have preserved their identity and values, while allowing others to live in security, putting mutual respect and abiding by the law above all.
The Gulf countries show us how cultural and religious diversity can be a strength when managed well
Khaled Abou Zahr
So, how do we change the negative dynamic in the Levant? How do we use this example to rebuild better? Despite the volatile situation, Lebanon could be the start of this reemergence. Lebanon lived in an age of stability and prosperity in the late 1960s and early 1970s. How and why? I see a clear answer. There is no doubt that Lebanon would not be the same without the Maronites. It was their love for and commitment to the Cedar that spread to the rest of the population.
Lebanon lived its golden age and blessed times when Maronites made up half the population. With the civil war, today’s economic pressures and Hezbollah’s kidnapping of the country, their numbers have reduced greatly and so has the prosperity of the country. I will say, once and only once, that correlation indeed implies causation.
One thing is clear, Lebanon will not continue on its current path. This much is certain. Just as in investing, there is a price barrier or a resistance point, after which a stock either increases or plummets. If Lebanon crosses the next barrier, we are heading for a Somalia-style scenario, in which the borders with Syria will mean nothing. The awakening can only come if we bring back all the lost communities and allow for their protection.
Just as the protest slogan “all means all” was meant to rid the country of its entire political elite, we should push for “all means all” to allow for all minority communities to come back and live in peace, without fear. It starts with a vision, insulating Lebanon from neighboring events and protecting the borders. We all know what is necessary and need the capacity to execute it.
- Khaled Abou Zahr is the founder of SpaceQuest Ventures, a space-focused investment platform. He is CEO of EurabiaMedia and editor of Al-Watan Al-Arabi.