Lebanon’s politicians have become obsolete. As chaos and economic depression envelop the country, the country’s parliament has failed for the 10th time to elect a new president. Moreover, the Lebanese people also appear to have forgotten that the current prime minister is only a caretaker. Yet again a void has been created within Lebanese institutional roles. However, this vacuum, which has been predicted since the last parliamentary elections, has not changed the daily lives of Lebanese. They continue to suffer with or without the presidency being filled. The only constant is the Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri. This position was not filled by a caretaker. There is no doubt that Hezbollah, Iran’s armed proxy, is creating these vacuums and blocking attempts to solve the issue. This aligns with the Iranian approach of dangling political opportunities in front of Western countries, such as France, making everyone forget that filling this void with political leaders aligned with Tehran will be anything but a win for Lebanon. Quite the opposite, it will be another step toward broader domination by the Tehran regime, one that would serve its purposes, while giving the West the appearance of a diplomatic victory. The truth needs to be told loud and clear. Lebanon is under occupation by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the country’s politicians are all but redundant. This occupation, an extension of Iran’s infiltration of the Assad regime, has been empowered by Lebanon’s confessional power structure. The delicate balance and consensus needed between political rivals invites conflict, raw deal-making and corruption. Corruption is not only an official being bribed for an illegal service, but starts with the destruction of values that make a state sovereign. There is no place for the Iranian theocracy in Lebanon. No matter how hard Tehran tries, the Lebanese will reject it. Khaled Abou Zahr Today, there is growing concern that international powers, such as France and the US, are looking to push forward an Iranian solution in Lebanon simply because it is the easiest way to move forward. This approach stems from the supposedly pragmatic view that Hezbollah controls the country and any attempts to change the situation will lead to violence. However, claims that the group is entrenched within the social and political fabric of the country are a lie. Hezbollah is a parasite clinging to Lebanon. And, so, legitimizing it would allow only for a shallow “headline victory.” It would also please the Iranian regime, which would be legitimized regionally in a time when it is being challenged domestically. No one believes that Hezbollah could split from the regime simply because it is a part of it. Recalling its role in Syria and Iraq will help to end any confusion. So why impose this type of occupation on Lebanese when the same is rejected for Ukrainians? There is no place for the Iranian theocracy in Lebanon. No matter how hard Tehran tries, the Lebanese will reject it. Iran and its proxy will not be able to impose their will on all Lebanese. Today, the Shiite community is in the same situation as all the others, yet it suffers even more under the oppression of Hezbollah. The community is the cornerstone when it comes to returning Lebanon to stability and freeing the country of Iranian oppression. Yet, they are locked in and prisoners of the political calculation that as a community without Hezbollah they might lose power and representation. This applies to every other community, no matter how weak. They seek to preserve what they have in status. And so, better the devil you know applies to all. This is why there is a need for a popular movement for change. This change, although essential, cannot only be about a new political system. Indeed, calling for decentralization or federalism is not a solution, but only a conduit to preserve the country. Lebanese need to claim their country and build on strong values that can empower its citizens and, finally, bring stability and happiness. Unfortunately, every time the Lebanese dream, it becomes a nightmare with Hezbollah. Yet, despite this, they need to prepare for a better future and begin building it, no matter how futile this exercise might seem today. Stranger things have happened. The reality is that with this disappearing state, obsolete politicians, and despite Hezbollah’s ruthless violence and centralized power, the country is already drifting toward decentralization when, in fact, federalism brings a better solution. The Lebanese instinct for survival is pushing for more real power at a community level. One thing is certain: even if the state dies or is completely hijacked, Lebanese communities will adapt, keep on living, and even find ways to thrive. Action for change is needed now — before it is too late. This is exactly why France and the US, which ultimately wish the best for the Lebanese, should not be duped by the Iranian regime. If they want to support Lebanon, they should avoid putting their efforts into bringing about a consensus to elect an obsolete president or name a prime minister. Instead, they should call for an international conference to begin building a new political system for the country. That would support a clear plan toward a new constitution guaranteeing the same rights and duties to all, and freeing them from the Iranian regime’s hegemony. Lebanese need to fight for this formula. Khaled Abou Zahr is CEO of Eurabia, a media and tech company. He is also the editor of Al-Watan Al-Arabi.