Meaning: The quote "Syrian influence has not ended yet. It is going to be a very long path." by Walid Jumblatt, a prominent Lebanese politician, reflects the enduring impact of Syrian involvement in Lebanese politics and society. To understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the historical and political context surrounding the Syrian influence in Lebanon and Jumblatt's role in shaping the country's complex dynamics.

Lebanon has been deeply intertwined with Syrian affairs for decades, particularly during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) and the subsequent period of Syrian military presence in the country. Syria's intervention in Lebanon was characterized by a complex web of political, military, and economic influence, which had profound implications for Lebanon's sovereignty and internal dynamics. During this time, Syrian forces exerted a significant degree of control over Lebanese politics and security, shaping the country's political landscape and perpetuating a climate of instability.

Walid Jumblatt, as the leader of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) and scion of the influential Druze political dynasty, has played a central role in Lebanon's political landscape. Throughout his career, Jumblatt has been a vocal critic of Syrian interference in Lebanese affairs, often advocating for the withdrawal of Syrian forces and the restoration of Lebanon's autonomy. His stance against Syrian influence has made him a key figure in the struggle for Lebanese independence and sovereignty.

The quote alludes to the enduring nature of Syrian influence in Lebanon, suggesting that its impact persists despite the formal withdrawal of Syrian forces in 2005. This assertion underscores the lingering effects of decades of Syrian involvement in Lebanese politics, as well as the challenges that Lebanon continues to face in fully extricating itself from external interference.

In the aftermath of the Syrian withdrawal, Lebanon has grappled with the legacy of Syrian influence, including the pervasive presence of Syrian-backed political factions, the enduring influence of Syrian-aligned figures, and the complex network of alliances and loyalties that continue to shape the country's political landscape. This has contributed to ongoing political tensions and power struggles within Lebanon, perpetuating a climate of uncertainty and fragility.

Furthermore, the quote implies that disentangling Lebanon from the vestiges of Syrian influence is a protracted and arduous process. It acknowledges the formidable obstacles that Lebanon must navigate in order to assert its sovereignty and chart an independent course free from external manipulation. Jumblatt's acknowledgment of the "very long path" ahead speaks to the enduring challenges that Lebanon faces in overcoming the legacy of Syrian intervention and consolidating its own political agency.

Ultimately, Walid Jumblatt's quote encapsulates the complex and protracted nature of Lebanon's struggle to transcend the enduring impact of Syrian influence. It serves as a poignant reminder of the historical injustices and ongoing obstacles that Lebanon confronts as it seeks to assert its autonomy and forge a path toward stability and self-determination. Jumblatt's words echo the sentiments of many Lebanese who aspire for a future free from external interference, where the country can chart its own destiny on its own terms.