What is happening in Beirut today is reminiscent of the events of the Prague Spring in 1968, when for a short moment the citizens of then Czechoslovakia hoped to break the chains of oppression imposed on them by a long Soviet occupation. Prague found its freedom for a few short months, until in August 1968 Soviet tanks rolled into the city crushing the resistance and with it all hopes of political independence and freedom. It was more than two decades later before the Velvet Revolution gave the Czechs their freedom.

Today Beirut is dangerously close to experiencing its own version of a Prague Spring. What was commonly referred to as the Cedar Revolution, a popular non-violent movement which forced the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon after almost three decades, is in the process of being trampled upon.

Should Lebanon be allowed to face the same fate in 2008 as Prague did in 1968, the consequences would be disastrous for anyone who dared to voice their aspiration for a truly free and democratic Lebanon.

The Lebanese opposition clearly demonstrated its disregard for a free press when it ransacked the studios of Future Television and the offices of Al-Mustaqbal newspaper, the media group supporting the government.

Aside from verbal condemnation, the international community in 1968 proved ineffective in preventing the tragic events in Czechoslovakia. Some 40 years later the same injustices are about to be committed and the international community is proving to be just as ineffective.

Lebanon stands alone in the face of a serious threat to its independence. What the Lebanese people need to realize, regardless of their religious beliefs or political affiliations, is that their future as a free and united nation is ultimately in their own hands.

Ultimately, those who believe they can reverse the course of a free society need only look at history for guidance.