Lebanon's Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai caused an uproar in Lebanon this week after he declared that Syrian President Bashar Assad should be given a chance to implement reforms, saying the "poor man cannot work miracles," during his trip to Paris. Later in the week, Rai compounded the controversy by making statements linking Hezbollah's arms to the defense of Lebanon and the return of Palestinian refugees to their homeland. His remarks sparked a wave of criticism and an ensuing debate on the position of the Maronite Church, traditionally known to be an archrival of the Syrian regime. Rai later retracted his statement, saying that it had been taken out of context and is currently rebuilding bridges with several Lebanese leaders. His comments, which won overwhelming praise from Hezbollah and its allies, may have an impact on his reception in Washington, D.C. in early October.

Rai's argument reportedly stemmed from the rationale that a civil war in Syria would harm Christians in the region. The fall of the regime, he argued, would empower the Muslim Brotherhood, which in turn would harm Christian communities in Lebanon and Syria, he claimed. Many reject this argument, saying that Syrian Christians (let alone Lebanese) have long lived side by side with Sunni Muslims and have no reason to justify their continued oppression by an authoritarian regime.

The March 14 coalition fiercely rejected Rai's statements, with Samir Geagea refusing to associate Lebanon's Christians with a totalitarian regime, and the Future Movement expressing its regret at the statement. Interestingly, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, who had been distancing himself from the Syrian-Hezbollah axis as of late, criticized Rai over his statements, saying the Islamist argument is being used as a "scarecrow" and that the fates of Lebanon and the region should not be linked to that of the Shebaa Farms. Hezbollah responded with a vicious attack on Jumblatt, and press reports claim that Damascus froze its ties with the Druze leader. It is  noteworthy that the Hezbollah-dominated cabinet is heavily dependent on Jumblatt's parliamentary bloc if it is to remain in power.

Pro-Syrian figures commended Rai's stance, arguing that it aims to protect Lebanon from divisions. The two Christian leaders Michel Aoun and long-time Syrian ally Sleiman Frangieh unequivocally defended Rai. Speaker of the House Nabih Berri and Shiite ally Hezbollah said that the Patriarch's remarks safeguard Lebanon from civil unrest and instability.

The political repercussions of Rai's remarks extended beyond Lebanon, raising questions on the kind of reception Patriarch Rai would get upon arriving in Washington DC in two weeks. An unnamed senior U.S. official reportedly told AnNahar daily that Rai's position is "unjustified and reckless." The same official added that the statements were detrimental to his repution. Rai was elected as Patriarch of the Maronite Church in March, replacing Cardinal Nasrallah P. Sfeir, whose views were close to the March 14 coalition.

France also took a public position on the Patriarch's comments, with its Ambassador to Lebanon Denis Pietton expressing"disappointment" and calling for another meeting with Rai.

It is the unfortunate reality of Lebanon utilize their pulpits to meddle in politics. The Christian Patriarch, the Sunni Mufti, the head of the Higher Shia Council and Druze Sheikh al-Akl voice political opinions that feed the sectarian divide rather than encourage national unity. And despite the increasing efforts of the civil society, Lebanon today remains a medieval land where the clergy and communal chiefs reign supreme.