Press Release: ATFL Delegation Completes Its Visit to Lebanon

Washington, DC, April 8, 2022 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese heritage, led a ten day delegation to Lebanon headed by Amb. Ed Gabriel (Ret.), President of ATFL.

The purpose of the visit was to call attention to the worsening economic situation in the country and the need to urgently negotiate an International Monetary Fund (IMF) debt-relief package, as well as the importance of holding free, fair, and on-time elections.

In the presence of Dorothy Shea, the United States Ambassador to Lebanon, the delegation met with senior leadership in the current Lebanese government including President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. The delegation also met with the Deputy Prime Minister Saade Chami, Minister of Interior Bassam Mawlawi, Minister of Finance Youssef Khalil, Minister of Economy and Trade Amin Salam, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib.

To gain a fuller understanding of the security concerns in Lebanon, the delegation was briefed by General Joseph Aoun of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Brigadier General Maroun el Kobayati of the South Litani Sector of the LAF, and Head of Mission of the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Major General Aroldo Lázaro. Furthermore, the group visited with the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) Joanna Wronecka as well as the Deputy UNSCOL and Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator Najat Rochdi, in addition to other representatives of UN missions in Lebanon.

ATFL met with former and current parliamentarians, nascent and other political movements, civil society organizations, activists, Druze, Christian (Maronite Catholic and Greek Orthodox), and Muslim (Sunni and Shi’a) religious leaders, and members of the media in anticipation of the upcoming 2022 parliamentary elections.

“The situation in Lebanon is dire, caused by decades of political corruption that put individual interests ahead of the nation’s interest,” said ATFL President Ed Gabriel. “We urged the government to expeditiously negotiate an IMF debt-relief package without further delay and conduct free, fair, and on-time elections in order for Lebanese citizens to elect trusted leaders who will address reforms that meet the needs of the people.”

###

For additional information contact steven.howard@atfl.org

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

Press Release: ATFL Commends Members of Congress for Urging Biden Administration to Support Free, Fair, and On-Time Elections in Lebanon

Washington, DC, April 7, 2022 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, commends House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI), Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA), and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) for leading a letter co-signed by 20 of their colleagues to Secretary of State Antony Blinken that calls upon the Biden Administration to work with Lebanese officials to ensure that the May 15, 2022 parliamentary elections are free, fair, and on-time.

They wrote, “With dueling political and economic crises, the May parliamentary elections are the first opportunity the Lebanese people will have to cast their ballots since protests in the country began in 2019 after years of corruption and mismanagement. We concur with Ambassador Dorothy Shea that in holding elections on time, there is ‘no wiggle room,’ and that the failure to do so should result in swift condemnation for those responsible for any delay.”

The letter was co-signed by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Tom Cole (R-OK), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Jim Himes (D-CT), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Carol Miller (R-WV), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Jason Smith (R-OH), Dina Titus (D-NV), David Trone (D-MD), and Juan Vargas (D-CA).

ATFL has been meeting with Members of Congress and their staffs to discuss the need for US support leading up to the parliamentary elections.

“ATFL commends Chairman Meeks, Rep. Cicilline, Rep. Issa, Rep. LaHood, and all co-signatories for their bipartisan leadership in standing with the Lebanese people,” said ATFL President Ed Gabriel. “We encourage Secretary Blinken and the Biden Administration to prioritize support for free, fair, and on-time elections in Lebanon over this next month,” he added.

###

Full text of the letter can be found here

For additional information contact steven.howard@atfl.org

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

Press Release: ATFL Welcomes Staff-Level Agreement Between Lebanon and the IMF-Notes Challenges Ahead

Washington, DC, April 7, 2022 (ATFL) – Senior advisers and board members of the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, recently returned from a trip to Lebanon where they met with key government leaders to stress the need for an agreement with the IMF.

ATFL is pleased to learn that a Staff Agreement has been agreed to between the government of Lebanon and the IMF on April 7. We note the diligent efforts of the US Embassy in Beirut in support of the agreement and commend the work of the IMF and the Lebanese team, under the direction of Prime Minister Najib Mikati, which was led by Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh Al-Shami, and included Minister of Finance Youssef El Khalil and Minister of Trade and Economy Amin Salam.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Lebanese government commits to a “comprehensive, economic reform program” in five areas: rebuilding the economy, restoring financial sustainability, strengthening governance and transparency, removing impediments to job-creating growth, and increased social and reconstruction spending, initially targeting the electricity sector.

The IMF agreed to provide access to approximately $3 billion in concessionary financing “after the timely implementation of all prior actions and confirmation of international partners’ financial support.” In other words, only action by the Lebanese authorities on the agreed reforms will bring about the release of the funds, hopefully before the end of the year.

“We applaud the commitment by Lebanese authorities to undertake several critical reforms ahead of the IMF Board meeting,” said ATFL President Ed Gabriel. ”We have met regularly with the IMF and Lebanese negotiating team the past month to emphasize the urgency of completing an agreement and applaud this first and important step. Now the hard work begins as the Lebanese government and newly elected parliament ensures that an IMF reform package is fully implemented, prior to the release of any IMF funds,” he added.

###

For additional information contact steven.howard@atfl.org

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

Press Release: ATFL Commends the Biden Administration and Congress for Increasing US Assistance to Lebanon

Washington, DC, March 18, 2022 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, commends the Biden Administration and Congress for increasing US assistance to Lebanon.

On Tuesday, March 15, President Joe Biden signed the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations bill into law, which covers the US government budget from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022, and calls for $1.5 trillion in annual appropriations. The package includes $300 million in baseline Congressional support for Lebanon, including $160 million in security assistance and $112.5 million in economic and humanitarian assistance appropriated by Congress. This bill also includes economic assistance which will benefit deserving students at the American University of Beirut and Lebanese American University.

ATFL continues to strongly support the UN Livelihood Account, which will assist the humanitarian needs of soldiers and their families. President Biden requested $67 million for the Lebanese Armed forces (LAF) and $16.5 million for the Internal Security Forces (ISF) from Congress for this initiative. ATFL is working with Congress to ensure continued support for these vital needs of the security force members and their families.

There are further funding allocations contained in this Omnibus bill, and ATFL will continue to encourage the Biden Administration to draw down additional security and humanitarian assistance to support the LAF and the Lebanese people during these difficult times.

“ATFL has worked closely with the US Congress to ensure that our vital interests in Lebanon are met,” said ATFL President Ed Gabriel. “We thank them for their steadfast support of the Lebanese people and are thankful that the US is increasing assistance at this critical time,” he added.

###

For additional information contact steven.howard@atfl.org

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

ATFL and MEI Brief State Department on Lebanon Policy Recommendations

Washington, DC, January 19, 2022 (ATFL) – At a meeting with senior State Department officials yesterday, the leadership of American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, and the president of the Middle East Institute (MEI), the oldest Washington based institution dedicated solely to the study of the Middle East, discussed policy recommendations for US-Lebanon relations.

In their meeting, the ATFL and MEI officials reviewed issues related to supporting the people of Lebanon and encouraging a more responsive government. They highlighted the urgency of supporting a United Nations fund to provide assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Internal Security Forces (ISF) to support the livelihood of the troops and their families, as well as the significance of the Levantine energy deal that will see Egyptian gas and Jordanian electricity sent to Lebanon.

This discussion included: encouraging continued US diplomatic leadership on the Lebanon issue; tying IMF and international economic aid to Lebanon based on government proposals that enact needed reforms; supporting on-time, free, and fair elections in May; increasing humanitarian support for the Lebanese people; the use of sanctions and actions such as asset freezes to strongly condemning corruption in the Lebanese government; and promoting sustainable solutions to regional issues including maritime boundary negotiations with Israel. Furthermore, the US should ensure that negotiations with Iran do not impact Lebanon negatively, and reassert that it is committed to safeguarding Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We are working hard to encourage the US and the international community to stand with the Lebanese people and help them along that path of renewal and reform,” said MEI President Paul Salem. ATFL President Ed Gabriel added, “We are greatly encouraged that the State Department will seriously consider these recommendations and make clear that free and fair elections are an important milestone. We look forward to briefing policymakers in a public seminar and members of Congress and senior leadership in individual meetings on Capitol Hill to urge their support for Lebanon at this critical time.”

###

Click here to register for the February 1st webinar

For additional information contact steven.howard@atfl.org

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

Press Release: ATFL Commends Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for Leadership in Calling for Temporary Protected Status for Lebanese Citizens

Washington, DC, December 10, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, commends Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for introducing H.R.6095 – To designate Lebanon under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit Lebanese nationals in the US to be eligible for temporary protected status if they are in danger of overstaying their visas.

On November 30, Congresswoman Tlaib  was joined by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) as original co-sponsors. The bill has since amassed 11 co-sponsors, including Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI), who recently joined ATFL on a Congressional delegation to Lebanon in late November.

TPS, based on a Congressional statute, protects certain overseas visitors in the US from deportation for a specified period of time if they are in danger of overstaying their visas. TPS beneficiaries receive a stay of deportation and are granted work authorization. The other option, at the discretion of the President, is the category of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), which allows certain individuals from designated countries and regions facing political or civic conflict or natural disaster to stay in the United States.

Despite a letter, led by Rep. Dingell and the other original cosponsors of H.R. 6095, the Department of Homeland Security declined to designate Lebanon for temporary protected status in October. ATFL responded by calling on the Biden Administration to reverse this decision in an October 15 statement.

ATFL was quoted in a press release issued by Rep. Dingell’s office on November 30, stating “The American Task Force on Lebanon supports the need to assist Lebanese citizens in danger of overstaying their visas as a result of the difficult and often desperate situation in Lebanon, as proposed in draft legislation offered by Representatives Tlaib, Dingell, Lofgren and Nadler. Faced with one of the worst disasters since the 1800’s they should be afforded the designation of Temporary Protected Status as recommended for 18 months to ensure their compliance with US law. During such difficult times the US has prided itself as a friend and welcoming host to those who are in danger of displacement and hardship.”

“ATFL continues to advocate for Lebanon to be designated for TPS. We continue to push the Biden Administration to do so and are strongly supportive of H.R.6095 and Congress’s leadership in this effort. Importantly, we encourage our members to take action by asking their representatives to co-sponsor this bill and vote for its final passage” said ATFL President Ed Gabriel.

For additional information contact steven.howard@atfl.org

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

ATFL Statement On The Loss Of The Honorable Bob Dole

Dear ATFL Members,

On behalf of the American Task Force on Lebanon and our extended family, we express our deepest condolences over the loss of Senator Bob Dole (1923-2021), who faithfully served our nation for 79 years. He was an American war hero, a dedicated public servant, and a well-deserved recipient of ATFL’s Philip C. Habib Award for Distinguished Public Service, awarded to him in February of 1990. Our hearts are with Senator Elizabeth Dole and the Dole family.

Please click here to read the obituary.

Press Release: US Congressmen Reaffirm Support for Lebanon if Reforms are Forthcoming

Washington, DC, November 23, 2021 (ATFL) – United States Congressmen Darin LaHood, Darrell Issa, and Dan Kildee, spent three days in Lebanon accompanied by Ed Gabriel, the President of the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), which sponsored the trip.

Joined by Dorothy Shea, the United States Ambassador to Lebanon, the delegation met with the senior leadership in the present government including President General Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. The delegation also met with Minister of Interior Bassam Mawlawi, Minister of Finance Youssef Khalil, Minister of Economy and Trade Amin Salam, and Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh al-Shami.

To gain a fuller understanding of the security concerns in Lebanon, the delegation were received by General Joseph Aoun of the LAF and General Imad Osman of the Internal Security Forces, and visited with the UNSCOL Country Director Joanna Wronecka, the UN team in Lebanon, and General Stefano Del Col of UNIFIL.

As part of their concern with the upcoming parliamentary elections, the Congressmen met with former and current parliamentarians, civil society organizations mobilizing for the 2022 elections, and opposition groups.

The purpose of the visit was to receive an update on the situation in Lebanon with particular attention to the reform agenda of the government, security and transparency for the upcoming elections, US assistance to the people of Lebanon and the LAF/ISF forces and their families, explore ways to collaborate with government in support of an IMF program and other donors to reignite the economy, move to end corruption, and strengthen the Lebanese currency as well as enforcing Lebanon’s education and healthcare systems.

In various meetings, the Congressmen reinforced the US concern with Lebanon’s stability and security. Representative LaHood remarked that “The United States is seeking a sovereign, independent, and prosperous Lebanon,” and, addressing the continued gridlock in the government, Representative Issa said, “There is no shortage of leaders but there is a shortage of leadership.” Commenting on the need to continue US humanitarian support for the people, Representative Kildee reflected on the large number of Lebanese Americans in his district, “The Lebanese came to Flint, MI at a time when we were in need. Now it’s time to repay the favor. “

Addressing the dire economic crisis in Lebanon, which what has been referred to as one the worst financial crises since the mid-19th century, Ed Gabriel, President of ATFL said, “The gravity of the situation reinforces the need for the United States to conduct an immediate review of its Lebanon policy with a goal of leading international efforts to support the economic reforms, meet the needs of the Lebanese people, and to take a firm stand against the negative regional influence which is destabilizing the country.” He concluded, “ATFL and its partners and friends will continue to work to strengthen US-Lebanon ties to preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence.”

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

Press Release: ATFL-Sponsored Zogby Poll Indicates Crisis of Confidence Among Lebanese

Washington, DC, November 15, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) released a poll on November 9, 2021,”Crisis of Confidence: Lebanese Reflect on their Crisis, their Institutions, and their Future.” Co-sponsored with the Moise A. Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies at NC State University, the opinion poll was conducted by Zogby Research Services. The poll report, “Crisis of Confidence,” can be found here along with a visual presentation of select responses, and the video of the virtual session.

Participants in the program included Ed Gabriel and Jean AbiNader of ATFL; James Zogby of Zogby Research Services, the poll director; Paul Salem, President of the Middle East Institute; Mona Yacoubian, Senior Advisor to the Vice President of Middle East & Africa at the United States Institute of Peace; and Akram Khater, Executive Director of the Khayrallah Center.

Several results illustrate the deprivations that the Lebanese people have experienced since the last poll was conducted in 2019, and their perceptions of what lies ahead. Almost 9 in 10 said they were worse off than five years ago. They reported being impacted by shortages in fuel (97%), electricity (89%), and drinking water (74%). More than one-third of those interviewed said they have gone without food on some occasions. And almost two-thirds said that they would emigrate if they had the opportunity.

A clear 97% of respondents reported wanting a full investigation and accountability for the explosion at the Port of Beirut. When asked to prioritize which issues were of most concern to them, the majority of respondents identified corruption as Lebanon’s top problem. In an assessment of confidence in institutions among the Lebanese, Parliament (29%) and traditional political parties (19%) received the lowest marks while the Lebanese Armed Forces ranked highest with 89% approval.

Perceptions of the US were mixed in the poll. For example, when asked which country the Lebanese would like to deepen ties with, France (49%) was the clear favorite whereas the US (33%) scored similar to Russia (31%) and Iran (34%). However, when asked where they would prefer to emigrate, if given the chance, the US (28%) was their clear preference.

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) scored well in the poll. A majority of Lebanese (63%) also responded that it should be the only armed actor in the country. This should be reassuring to the US as the main supporter of international assistance to the LAF.

On the subject of the anticipated March 2022 parliamentary elections, there is some optimism with 57% believing that the elections “will bring the political change Lebanon needs.” However, this is likely correlated to the finding that 66% say that they will vote for the “new alternative parties,” and only 20% are willing to support the traditional parties. These responses are supported by the 58% of respondents who reject the sectarian formula for power distribution enshrined in the Taif agreement. As Dr. James Zogby said, “if the 2022 elections don’t result in some change, Lebanon could go from its breaking point to broken.”

“This poll presents important findings for policy makers in the US and the international community, as well as the country’s leadership. Prime Minister Najib Mikati received a 54% confidence rating and should take this signal as an endorsement for moving forward with the IMF to make life more livable for the Lebanese,” remarked ATFL President Ed Gabriel. “The Lebanese people are clearly hurting and possess little confidence in the Lebanese government to meet their needs. Fighting corruption, protecting human rights, and making sure that free and fair elections occur in March are key steps in the coming months.”

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

Press Release: ATFL Commends the House Foreign Affairs Committee for Supporting the Lebanese People

Washington, DC, October 21, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, commends the House Foreign Affairs Committee for approving H.Res.569 – Expressing continued solidarity with the Lebanese people after the devastating explosions at the Port of Beirut on August 4, 2020, and the continued efforts to form a secure, independent, and democratic Lebanon.

On July 28, Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL), Co-Chair of the US-Lebanon Friendship Caucus, introduced H.Res. 569, a bipartisan resolution to express Congress’ support of the ongoing U.S.-Lebanon relationship and the Lebanese people. The resolution was approved on October 21 in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, a key step before final consideration by the entire House of Representatives.

“The 18th District of Illinois and the greater Peoria community are home to a strong Lebanese community, one that I am proud to be a part of. I am pleased that the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously passed my resolution to support the U.S.-Lebanon relationship,” said Rep. LaHood. “Now more than ever, American support for the Lebanese people is vital. My resolution reaffirms our country’s commitment to the people of Lebanon and to peace in the region. A strong, independent, and sovereign Lebanon can help provide stability in the Middle East, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to support a productive and sustainable U.S.-Lebanon relationship,” he added.

The resolution re-affirms support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and commends US assistance to the American University of Beirut and Lebanese American University, and other hospitals and institutions.
It calls on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to fully implement its mandate and de-escalate tensions at the Lebanon-Israel border and supports the demands of the Lebanese activists calling for political reform. The Resolution importantly asks the Government of Lebanon to rid itself of the corruption and negligence that led to the August 4, 2020 explosion and for a credible and impartial investigation into the Port of Beirut explosion.

“H. Res. 569 is an important reminder of good US-Lebanon bilateral relations at this crucial juncture,” said Ambassador Ed Gabriel (Ret.), President of ATFL. “Increasing support for the LAF is critical for providing stability within Lebanon and US counterterrorism efforts across the wider region. American universities promote American values and interests including democracy, tolerance, and rule of law throughout the region. Supporting these institutions makes a key contribution to a much-needed renewal in Lebanese society. Lastly, independence of the judiciary is vital, and the US must apply targeted pressure to ensure that the explosion can be properly investigated and those who are found to be responsible must be held accountable,” he added.

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.