British Ambassador to Lebanon
31st July 2015 Beirut, Lebanon
So…Yalla, Bye
Dear Lebanon,
Sorry to write again. But I’m leaving your extraordinary country after four years. Unlike your politicians, I can’t extend my own term.
When I arrived, my first email said ‘welcome to Lebanon, your files have been corrupted’. It should have continued: never think you understand it, never think you can fix it, never think you can leave unscathed. I dreamt of Beirutopia and Leb 2020 , but lived the grim reality of the Syria war.
Bullets and botox. Dictators and divas. Warlords and wasta. Machiavellis and mafia. Guns, greed and God. Game of Thrones with RPGs. Human rights and hummus rights. Four marathons, 100 blogs, 10,000 tweets, 59 calls on Prime Ministers, 600+ long dinners, 52 graduation speeches, two #OneLebanon rock concerts, 43 grey hairs, a job swap with a domestic worker, a walk the length of the coast (Video). I got to fly a Red Arrow upside down, and a fly over Lebanon’s northern border to see how LAF is enforcing Lebanese sovereignty. I was even offered a free buttock lift – its value exceeded our £140 gift limit, so that daunting task is left undone.
Your politics are also daunting, for ambassadors as well as Lebanese citizens. When we think we’ve hit bottom, we hear a faint knocking sound below. Some oligarchs tell us they agree on change but can’t. They flatter and feed us. They needlessly overcomplicate issues with layers of conspiracy, creative fixes, intrigue. They undermine leaders working in the national interest. Then do nothing, and blame opponents/another sect/Sykes-Picot/Israel/Iran/Saudi (delete as applicable). They then ask us to move their cousin’s friend in front of people applying for a visa. It is Orwellian, infuriating and destructive of the Lebanese citizens they’re supposed to serve. But this frustration beats the alternative – given potential for mishap, terror or invasion, there is no substitute for unrelenting, maddening, political process.
Kahlil Gibran said ‘you have your Lebanon, I have mine’. When the Middle East was in flames, and its people caught between tyrants and terrorists, the Lebanon I will remember sent its soldiers to protect the borders; confronted daily frustrations to build businesses and to educate its children; and showed extraordinary generosity to outsiders, be they ambassadors or refugees. The Lebanon I will remember is not asking for help, but for oxygen. It is not arguing over the past, but over the future. It is not debating which countries hold it back, but how to move forward. It is not blaming the world, but embracing it. People will look back at what we have come through and ask how Lebanon survived? But we already know the answer: never underestimate the most resilient people on the planet. A people that has, for millennia, beaten the odds.
I hope you will also look back and say that the Brits helped you to hold your corner. Giving those soldiers the training and equipment to match their courage. Giving those pupils the books to match their aspiration. Giving those businesses the networks to match their ambition. Building international conspiracies for Lebanon, not against it. And above all, believing you would beat the odds. Four years: 100 times the financial support, ten times the military support, double the trade. We even helped Walid Joumblatt join Twitter.
What could the West have done differently? Many of you have a long list. We are at last feeling ourselves to a serious conversation with Iran, and a credible political process that leaves Syrians with more than the barrel bomber and the box office brutality of Da’esh. I hope President Obama can deliver his aim of a Palestinian state with security and dignity. I hope we can talk to our enemies as well as our friends – aka diplomacy. I hope we rediscover an international system that aspires to protect the most vulnerable: the problem with an ethical foreign policy was not the ambition but the execution, and Syria must not be RIP R2P. The driving quest of diplomacy is for imperfect ways to help people not kill each other. Let’s not give up on the idea that the Middle East can find security, justice and opportunity. I hope other countries reflect on what they could do differently too.
They say that Lebanon is a graveyard for idealism. Not mine. It has been a privilege to share this struggle with you. I believe you can defy the history, the geography, even the politics. You can build the country you deserve. Maybe even move from importing problems to exporting solutions. The transition from the civil war generation lies ahead, and will be tough. You can’t just party and pray over the cracks. But you can make it, if you have an idea of Lebanon to believe in. You need to be stronger than the forces pulling you apart. Fight for the idea of Lebanon, not over it.
And we need you to fight hard. Reading your history in a musty Oxford library over four years ago, I realised that if we cannot win the argument for tolerance and diversity in Lebanon, we will lose it everywhere. That’s why we’ve helped – it is in our national interest too. This is the frontline for a much bigger battle. The real dividing line is not between Christianity and Islam, Sunni and Shia, East and West. It is between people who believe in coexistence, and those who don’t.
So if the internet doesn’t work, build a new internet. If the power supply doesn’t work, build a new power supply. If the politics don’t work, build a new politics. If the economy is mired in corruption and garbage piles up, build a new economy. If Lebanon doesn’t work, build a new Lebanon. It is time to thrive, not just survive.
I worried I was too young for this job. I discovered I was too old. We experimented on Twitter – first tweet-up with a PM, with a diva, first RT of a Western diplomat by the President of Iran, online scraps with terrorists and satirists, #Leb2020 and much more. I hope it amplified our impact in an authentic, engaging and purposeful way. I have banged on about how digital will change diplomacy. Someone should write a book about how it will also change power, and how we can marshall it to confront the threats to our existence. Now there’s an idea.
You gave me Bekaa sunrises and Cedars sunsets. You gave me the adventure of my life, and plenty of reasons to fear for it. You gave me extraordinary friends, and you took some away. I loved your hopeless causes and hopeful hearts, shared your tearful depths and your breathless heights.
There are eight stages of life as an ambassador here. Seduction. Frustration. Exhilaration. Exhaustion. Disaffection. Infatuation. Addiction. Resignation. I knew them all, often simultaneously. I wouldn’t have swapped it for anywhere in the world. I and the brilliant embassy team are still buying shares in Lebanon 2020. I’m finishing my time as an Ambassador to Lebanon, but with your permission I’ll always be an ambassador for Lebanon.
Many of you ask me why I remain positive about this country. All I ever tried to do was hold a mirror up and show you how beautiful you really are. Shine on, you crazy diamond.
Please stay in touch.
3asha Lubnan
Yalla, bye
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I am speechless dear ambassador..im sorry that our politicians couldn’t find solutions to the country’s problems.u helped the leb army with cars and guns and u did what u had to do to this country!!thank you so much and sorry again!!Peace
Dear Tom,
You were not only an Ambassador, a very successful one, but also and most of all a fabric of positive vibes and energy.
If at all before leaving you can encourage and cause the FCO to maintain this fabric up and running in Lebanon… This is much needed.
God bless you.
My best, as ever!
CarlosAJ
What a humble beautiful soul and amazing diplomat but most of all exceptional human being. You have taught us a lesson of humility. Too bad you’re not a Maronite I would have campaigned for you to become a president cause you love this country more than any of those presidential candidates. Lebanon needs more people like you. Yalla bye and see you soon in higher positions Inchallah
I am sorry to say ms. Myra that you missed the spirit of the ambassador farewell note…what a shame…
In your opinion I have missed it. In mine, I believe that Mr Ambassador understood Lebanon way more than any other Lebanese politician. He definitely showed that he cares for this country more than they do
شكرًا, Merci, Thank you, they seem to small of words to show our appreciation for you and your country’s help for our beloved Lebanon…Hope will never die in the land of milk and honey.
No , I don’t think she has at all..
History shows that the leaders of Lebanon have nothing but their own interest at heart .
The politicians do not give a damn about Lebanon , otherwise their citizens wouldn’t be suffering to survive daily struggles ..
The sooner all Lebanese realise this , the sooner Lebanon can prosper ..
So YES Myra was right ..
I agree, Tom’s words are inspirational and real. I would question if a Lebanese person could speak of the country and its potential like this.
Presidency should not know race, color, gender or religion.
I loved what you said Zakie and I quote; “Presidency should not know race, color, gender or religion.”….. it should simply conotate love of ones country and not love of ones self, loyalty to ones country and not loyalty of ones self and above all committment to ones country and not of ones self. A Jordanian by nationality, having been a student at AUB, I am one of Lebanon’s Ambassadores and love it and love its people. My hat off to you….for being resilient, survivors and above all else…for being Lebanese!
Myra, Too bad you’re not smart enough to stop being sacrarian even after reading such a heart warming goodbye letter. You totally missed the point.
The word is sectarian if ever. Too bad u missed the point from my reply because being sectarian is the last thing on my mind.
Bravo Myra, well said, my thoughts exactly, I wish we had one lebanese politician who loved lebanon as purely and unbiasedly as Tom Fletcher. Sadly for all of us, all evolved and well intended lebanese stay as far away from politics as they can.
Mr. Ambassador
All the respect for you ..thousands of politicians…few of humans…..
ya reit 3na mtlak ….unfortunately person like you are so rare…. hope for you the best of life you certainly deserve…
Mr. Ambassador
All the respect for you ..thousands of politicians…few of humans…..
ya reit 3na mtlak ….unfortunately persons like you are so rare…. hope for you the best of life you certainly deserve…Proud we have you now as ambassador for Lebanon
“You have your Lebanon, I have mine” ! Shame on us not to find solutions to our problems while foreign ambassadors care about our country and its future more than we do ?! Cannot understand at all why people of Lebanon are still following their representatives instead that they would impose on their political representatives to follow the needs and demands of the public!!? Yalla bye, hope some Lebanese would be like you ambassador, good luck
You brought tears into my eyes.
Words can not describe the way I felt after reading your comments.!
I just hope that our politicians,after reading your article, would resign and leave with you to England to educate themselves on how to love and run a country like Lebanon.
Personally I would prefer if they stay there.
Dear Mr. Tom
You’ve been an extraordinary personality in my country, I’ve never met you in person but followed your tweets and news on TV. I’ve even highlighted your profile on Twitter so i receive your tweets as a breaking news on my phone.
What can we say in these hard days, where we are close to pessimism while Beirut is full of garbage literally. We are so sorry to give you this image in your last days in your mission, sometimes we don’t know where the problem started and who to blame, somtimes we blame ourselves.
I need to say thank you from an ordinary citizen. Not a political nor a star, a Lebanese expat who still passing by Lebanon at least a month, to visit family and have coffee or beer in Hamra.
Thank you and good luck in your next step and looking forward to meet you in person sometime.
You are a good example.
Yalla Bye
Hassan Kassem
Producer/Writer
Thanks Hassan, appreciated. Hang in there. Tom
Dear Ambassador
I don’t know you nor did I follow your tweets – see I’m from the generation of Lebanese who left Lebanon a long time ago to find greener pastures in the land of uncle sam- and I did. I never looked back- probably because of disgust in the political system but mainly because of fear and sorrow. I stumbled across your departing words and they left me speechless. Well said. Spoken like a true statesman and leader but mostly like a real human being full of hope and much needed optimism.
Wish you all the best in your career, which I’m sure will be as bright as your mind.
Maybe Tom your next stop should be Egypt. I believe Lebanon to be a Utopia compared to us. We are hopeless, and it’s not because of the politicians.
Dear Mr Fletcher,
I want to thank you so much for an excellent ‘farewell’ letter . Actually if there is any perfection on this side of heaven , this must be it !
My name is Dany and I live in Melbourne , Australia . It really hurts me to have people politicians like the ones we have running our country…
I hope you they all can learn from you how to appreciate and love Lebanon.
Thanks again.
Cheers
Dany
PS
In football I support Liverpool and England.
Mr Embassador
Your words touch the heart and should be kept dearly
Thank you
Dear Sir,
The problem in our country is greed,99% of our politicians are thieves , I hope that one of these days things will change.
Isaac
Mr Ambassador,
I guess you love our Lebanon most than the lebanese.
Thank you, Regards.
Thanks Michel. I think most Lebanese do too. But they’re sometimes shy to admit it.
Not shy , too proud and stubborn to unite as one .
It’s their pride and involvement of religion with politics that divides Lebanon and doesn’t allow it to prosper ..
Let’s all agree to pray in our own homes and worship whoever we want , but let’s also agree to have the mutual alliance and patriotism to ONE LEBANON regardless of faith . Not until then , will Lebanon be a stable prosperous nation ..
I cannot agree more. Lebanon will never move forward until it gets rid of two political killers at the root of every evil:
Confessionalism and Fiefdom.
All the rest is make-up, egocentrism and ignorance.
Exactly .. And your country is only as strong as your army ..
If Lebanon had a powerful army with no civil opponents , it wouldn’t be as threatened by or feel inferior to foreign forces ..
All Lebanese should pledge alliance to their army, regardless of faith .
The stronger the army , the safer the civilians ..
True patriotism means allowing every single civilian the same rights and privileges , regardless of their financial status .
That’s how a nation prospers ..
Les propos de l’ambassadeur Fletcher me remettent en memoire le langage que nous tenions et les reves de notre jeunesse entre 1970 et 74 que la guerre de 75 a fait eclater. Depuis notre generation n’arrive pas a construire la paix et le Liban que nous voulions. Quarante ans passés et “la chasse des élites”continue. Plus de flamme,révolté que nous étions,on se résout à l’état de fait sans même faire taire la caste de “mafiomediocriteur” les mafieux mediocres
??? 100%
Dear Your Excellency,
Maybe we need 100 more years to have an excellent ambassador like you, that loves our country and our people.
You were a great friend for Lebanon; You and your government helped the Lebanese Army Forces, moreover you build the UK-Lebanon Technology Hub to help making Lebanon the “World’s New Silicon Valley”.
Wishing you a great and brilliant future in the UK or abroad, hoping to see you soon in our country.
With full respect to all your achievements,
Raja George Younes
Thanks Raja. UK/Lebanon Tech Hub is doing extraordinary things. I encourage anyone who has given up to drop by and see.
Morningg dear ambasaador. I have been touched with ur words from deep inside. What a flabbergasting personality spreading positiv vibes despite all the negativity we’re surrounded with. Wantes tobask what is UK-Lebanon tech Hub
Dear Amal, the UK Lebanon Tech Hub is an initiative that is supportinf grow the knowledge economy and the tech sector in Lebanon. We provide expertise, experience and exposure to anyone in Lebanon who is involved or want to be part of this sector. Visit our website to learn more http://www.uklebhub.com
It is a privilege to have met you. Good luck on your new adventure and I am sure we shall meet again. Yalla bye ou Allah ma3ak
Couldn’t hold a tear in the eye while reading the article; saddened that you are leaving yet happy that you are on our side. I Wish you success wherever you may be and hope to meet you one day.
Thank you,
Charbel.
I felt exactly the same way Charbel. Very touching.
Thank you dear “Lebanese” Ambassador for this motivating letter, thank you for loving our country more than our politicians do, and thank you for the great speech you gave at BHS school’s graduation… God bless you and your loved ones and keep you safe in your political journey!
Respect!!!
Dear Tom
With the Love of Our God I want to thank you for all this years you spent serving Our Queen in Lebanon
I pray that God bless you and your family and if you are in London one day I would love to meet for a Lebanese Coffee
Much blessing
Jean-Louis
Wow ! That really says it all… you will be missed… The UK is lucky to have you back… your successor will have a big challenge… Good luck and thank you for everything you did during these 4 years. You left a big footprint not only for the BC or BOC’s community, but to all Lebanese.
Yalla bye !
Nadim
Your Excellency,
I had the pleasure to attend one of your speeches at AUB. I was so impressed that I started following you on social networks. I must say, you have brought us a breeze of fresh air as to how a civil servant serves his country. If I was a Brit, I would have been proud of your service, as a Lebanese I can only feel contempt of the honor to have had you in our midst.
Your ideals, professionalism and charming personality embody a standard I am yet to see in the realm of our politicians.
Wherever life may take you, and you deserve the highest levels, you will always be our friend and hold a special place in our hearts. A friend of Lebanon.
Good Luck Sir, and GOD Bless.
Fouad
You’re Excellency,
Your kind and challenging words should be “our” new doctrine to adopt and adapt. Indeed Lebanon grows on whoever lives in it, being it for a short visit or for a number of years. We all have our “ideas” of Lebanon, but the sad thing we do not have that idea in common. The people of this nation need to look forward to a time where we all work for ONE Lebanon that we and who ever lives here feel the magic of this nation.
You are truely an Ambassador par excellance to Lebanon.
All the best on your move and let me say that you will always be welcome back here. Many of us would receive you and your family with open hearts, arms and mind.
Every blessing
Edmond Khoury
Brilliant.
Thank you for all that you have for done for both Lebanon, as well as the UK. The Lebanese, as you have come to understand gracefully have a deep lust for living conspiracy theories. You’ve certainly helped bridg a gap that has been wide widening since Sykes-Picot. My only regret is I relocate to Lebanon as you are leaving. God bless you on your next assignment. You will be missed.
Very touching words…
Gd luck in your new post and i strongly hope to see you here again one day… feltman’s way this time
So..yalla bye..
Touching words that shows how shallow politicians are in Lebanon. If they are holding to the chairs, I guess it’s a nice solution to allow them take the chairs home.
I wish you the best Your Excellency. The best in a country where they appreciate people like you and accept working together to make a better world.
Best Regards,
Bechara.
Thank you, Ambassador. Thank you.
Mr. Ambassador, we need a new breed of leaders who embrace your passion and integrity. We are lucky to have had you as an ambassador to a country that I love and respect. We will survive but the cost has been very high.
Yes we need to build a new economy and a new country!
Loulwa
I’ve always followed your actions as ambassador and as a human being without knowing you personnaly. Lebanon is loosing a great friend and an unique ambassador. Hope you’ll come back for you are more Lebanese than our so called leaders and other country men. You’ll be missed dearly. Myrna
Your excellency,
I am struck by how well you captured the essence, spirit and nature of the Lebanese and even the Middle East culture. As a a Jordanian, so much of what was said in your article rang true for me. The way in which Lebanon is not not asking for help, but for oxygen, the dividing line is not between Christians and Muslims, but between people who believe in coexistence and those who don’t….to fight for an idea of Lebanon, not over it. You have simply hit the nail on the head embassador fletcher. If anyone deserves to write a book on the Middle East. It should be you. By Goerge You’ve got it…it is by far one of the most interesting and moving articles I’ve read in years!
Thank you
Yalla bye
I support your finesse WAFA NIMRI in capturing these unique visions expressed so deeply about our Lebanese spirit and soul by this Thomas More of the modern days, His excellency, Mr.Ambassador Tom Fletcher!
If only they can teach this speech in schools and homes.. Lebanon would become a better place! This is the spirit we all need to unite and to stand up against all odds!
Thank you for all your efforts, and most of all thank you for believing in Lebanon!
We’re all looking forward to Leb2020 and i’m sure when that day comes, we’ll be singing “wish you were here” dear ambassador!
Your excellency,
I am struck by how well you captured the essence, spirit and nature of the Lebanese and even the Middle East culture. As a a Jordanian, so much of what was said in your article rang true for me. The way in which Lebanon is not not asking for help, but for oxygen, the dividing line is not between Christians and Muslims, but between people who believe in coexistence and those who don’t….to fight for an idea of Lebanon, not over it. You have simply hit the nail on the head embassador fletcher. If anyone deserves to write a book on the Middle East. It should be you. By Goerge You’ve got it…it is by far one of the most interesting and moving articles I’ve read in years!
Yalla bye
Mrs Nimri,
I would like to hug you. Wish all our neighbours were so enlightened.
Regards et merci bcp,
Dear Your Excellency,
Your letter makes the best message for the new generation of Lebanon, as we hope they will make the new Lebanon. It is obvious that you loved Lebanon, and Lebanon loved you too.
I appreciate your offer, Your Excellency, to be an Ambassador for Lebanon. This means a lot knowing the power of the country you represent, that is the United Kingdom. To be the Ambassador for Lebanon will help us a lot. So, please be our Ambassador everywhere you go and for every possible cause: Peace, Military Support, Education, Economical, Agricultural, Medical, other. The most important cause we need you for would be to help our politicians learn how to migrate to the new millennium government leadership and management standards and adopt the processes of government strategic planning and performance management, to open up for public accountability with complete transparency with high sense of responsibility. This is our core problem, I am sure you know that. So, please be our Ambassador, if not for our government as we both know its current status, for the people of Lebanon. We need your help, and we are willing to help you in helping us, as we have to help ourselves as well.
You rightly said, the UK also needs Lebanon and I assume you meant for its role in the region representing a model of democracy (at good times), mixed religions, the power of education and services it offers. We, the people of Lebanon want it to be so. We need a young diplomat like you to understand the young Lebanese and their aspirations. Please, do not forget us. You may call on me, on us, on everyone to help you to get us all to the safe shores of Lebanon 2020.
I wish you good luck on your new mission. We will continue to follow your tweets.
Respectfully,
Iman Ousseyran
You merit an honorary citizenship, You Excellency.
Your Excellency – sorry for the typo.
I wish I had the chance to meet you in Lebanon unfortunately I didn’t have the privilige. I was very touched with your words they have lots of meanings and I wish we love our country as much as you loved it. Farewell, best of luck and please don’t give up on Lebanon.
Your excellency, you leave me speechless!!! Your writings go straight to the heart. Hope they head up to the minds of some obscure souls. Even if it seems weird that a stranger is sending you this comment, but this is to assure you of my highest respect and appreciation. Hope you keep the love of Lebanon in your inner heart. God bless you.
Godspeed Mr Ambassador.
Thank you for helping our men in green, our entrepreneurs, our vision and hope for a forward looking, self respecting country.
You’ve been a friend to our beloved land so may the Lebanon bug shine bright in your heart and bring you back to us.
Allah maak ya Edame