Gibran Bassil on the cover of STARS illustrated magazine, New York, forthcoming issue

By Marjorie Lerner

A Lebanese controversial figure, but steadfast and unyielding. A man with a sharp mind, adored by some while criticized by others. The media have been following his news very closely, and a number of them highly targeted him in the Lebanese protests in November 2019. And at every turn, he is bombarded by polarizing political comments and explicit words. His supporters always express their solidarity for him though he is accused of corruption by his opponents and was sanctioned by the United States over "systemic corruption" and ties with the Shia movement Hezbollah under Executive Order E.O. 13818. These claims are denied by him and seen as part of a ‘wider character assassination plot’. The man who was once called ‘sleepless’ still gets by on a few hours’ sleep but manages to look so peaceful and calm. He is more alert than ever before, and always a step ahead of his political opponents who seem to spring out of nowhere and everywhere every time he holds a press conference. Despite the intensity of the sacrifice on him and his family, he is willing to fight for his cause till the end as he says it in clear-cut words, “My love for my country feeds me with new energy.”