Meaning: This quote is attributed to Walid Jumblatt, a prominent Lebanese politician and leader of the Progressive Socialist Party. The quote refers to the violence and burnings that occurred in Lebanon and implicates Syrian soldiers and workers dressed in civilian clothes as the perpetrators of these actions. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is necessary to delve into the context of the Lebanese Civil War and the complex relationship between Lebanon and Syria during that time.

The Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 to 1990, was a multifaceted conflict involving various religious, political, and sectarian groups within Lebanon. The war was marked by widespread violence, including massacres, bombings, and assassinations, and it had a significant impact on the social, political, and economic landscape of Lebanon.

During the civil war, Lebanon became a battleground for regional powers, with Syria playing a prominent role in the conflict. The Syrian government, under the leadership of Hafez al-Assad, provided support to certain factions within Lebanon and intervened militarily in the country. This involvement had far-reaching implications for the dynamics of the war and the internal politics of Lebanon.

Walid Jumblatt, as a key figure in Lebanese politics, was deeply involved in the events of the civil war and was a vocal critic of the Syrian presence in Lebanon. His quote implicating Syrian soldiers and workers in the violence and burnings reflects the widespread belief among many Lebanese at the time that the Syrian government and its proxies were involved in destabilizing and perpetuating the conflict within Lebanon.

The use of "dressed in civilian clothes" in the quote is particularly significant, as it speaks to the covert and deceptive tactics employed by the alleged perpetrators. This tactic of blending in with the civilian population added an additional layer of complexity to the already chaotic and volatile situation in Lebanon during the civil war.

Jumblatt's accusation against Syrian soldiers and workers dressed in civilian clothes underscores the deep-seated mistrust and animosity that existed between Lebanon and Syria during that period. It also sheds light on the complexities of the power dynamics and the multifaceted nature of the conflict, where external actors played a decisive role in shaping the course of events within Lebanon.

The quote also serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities of attributing responsibility for acts of violence and aggression during times of conflict. It underscores the difficulty of discerning the true perpetrators in a situation where alliances, loyalties, and identities were often obscured and manipulated for strategic purposes.

In conclusion, Walid Jumblatt's quote about the violence and burnings in Lebanon during the civil war provides insight into the complex and contentious relationship between Lebanon and Syria at that time. It reflects the deep-seated suspicions and accusations directed at the Syrian government and its proxies for their role in perpetuating the conflict within Lebanon. The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate and often treacherous dynamics of conflict and the challenges of assigning accountability in such tumultuous and volatile environments.