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 Mourns 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.

ATFL Statement on the Second Anniversary of the October 17 Demonstrations

Remembering the October 17 Demonstrations –
ATFL Calls on Lebanon’s Government to Act

Washington, DC, October 17, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force of Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, calls on the government of Lebanon to rebuild trust with the Lebanese people and the international community by moving forward with credible reforms required to receive urgently needed funds into the country and to take steps to ensure free and fair elections in spring 2022.

Today marks the second anniversary of the demonstrations against the government’s mismanagement of the economy and its widespread corruption. Sectarian politics have obstructed reforms and investigations into government corruption, leaving the pain of those affected ignored and leadership absent in building a national strategy of reconciliation and economic recovery.

The Lebanese people are suffering. The statistics on poverty, loss of education and quality of life, hyperinflation of essential goods, cost of living, and healthcare, and emigration of skilled Lebanese are well known. The security and stability of the country are eroding as the families of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Internal Security Forces (ISF) share the depressing costs of a barely functioning economy.

It is time to show restraint to instincts to respond with threats and violence to provocations from any parties. Lebanon is for the Lebanese. It is time to reaffirm that basic fact and begin the process of negotiations with the IMF, move towards a single exchange rate by reducing subsidies and public spending, work to ensure increased stable power supplies throughout the country, and earn the people’s trust by transparent and credible government policies to restore a functioning government.

The international community is clear in its position: clean elections, implementation of basic reforms, and a robust and sustainable social safety net are central to opening the country to outside support.

Lebanese overseas are also continuing their support and insist on an election process that is equitable to expatriate Lebanese and inclusive of all citizens in the country. Lebanon has the means to begin the process of reconstruction and recovery. Now, on this solemn occasion, is the time to commit to that vision and take the necessary steps to begin.

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: The US Should Protect Lebanese Citizens from Deportation to an Unstable Lebanon

Washington, DC, October 15, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, urges the Biden Administration to reconsider the decision by the Department of Homeland Security to refuse Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation to Lebanese visitors in the US. 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.

The situation in Lebanon has become perilous for many. The economy is failing, the government stalemated, the electrical grid collapsing, a sharply devalued currency, increased poverty and malnutrition, and dwindling essential products and services such as food, medicines, healthcare, and fuel. These circumstances in many cases can represent a life-threatening situation.

ATFL President Ambassador Ed Gabriel (Ret.) noted that “Lebanon has been referred to by the World Bank as possibly one of the three worst economic disasters since the mid-1800s. The Biden administration should show compassion for these Lebanese citizens who are currently in the US and need temporary protected status at this gravest time in Lebanon’s history. We also call upon the Congress to enact legislation calling for temporary protected status for those Lebanese currently in the US.”

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: Transparent Beirut Port Blast Investigation Crucial to New Government’s Credibility

Washington, DC, September 30, 2021 (ATFL) – For 14 months, international and domestic investigations into the Beirut Port blast have been obstructed. They should no longer be delayed. In reference to the ongoing domestic investigation, PM Miqati has said that the judge should not be replaced once again, as several former government ministers are insisting.

The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, believes that the rule of law should prevail and that the case be allowed to go forward. Technically, the decision is now in the Court of Cassation, the highest court in Lebanon under the existing system. It is not a favorable venue for prosecutors of past and present government officials, and it has not been a good example of an independent judiciary since its membership is determined by balancing sectarian interests.

This is the second time that complaints by politicians refusing to answer the summons of the investigating judge have prevailed. Judge Tarek Bitar, the current judge, should receive the backing of the Prime Minister and be supported to carry out his mandate.

As called for by the international community, ATFL believes an independent judiciary and questions of immunity for current or previous members of the government should reflect standards inherent in rule of law principles, and public trust in an independent judiciary system should be promoted. Lebanon and the families of those who perished in the blast deserve no less.

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 Lebanon’s New Government

Washington, DC, September 10, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese heritage, congratulates Prime Minister Nijab Miqati on the formation of a new government. His challenge will be great with a country that is facing multiple economic crises and critical resource shortages. ATFL will work closely with US policymakers to ensure a strong response in support of the new government that commits itself to addressing the needs of the Lebanese people.

The Miqati government must get to work immediately to slow Lebanon’s economic collapse by negotiating with the International Monetary Fund and implementing overdue economic reforms that will unlock international financial assistance for the Lebanese people. Stabilizing the lira and addressing the fuel, food, and medicine shortages are at the top of the priority list. Further, and crucial to Lebanon’s success, the government must begin preparations to hold free and fair elections as scheduled in May.

In a statement, ATFL President Ambassador Ed Gabriel said, “Now is the time for the Lebanese people to come together to ensure they have a seat at the table and that the new government acts in their interests. And it’s important for the new government to ensure that the voices of all Lebanese are heard. The Miqati government should initiate meetings with the IMF quickly to enact policies that have the widest effect on improving the lives of the greatest number of people in Lebanon. It must also ensure that there is an election process in the coming year that is transparently implemented in line with international standards.”

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 SDR, Government Subsidies, and the World Bank

Washington, DC, August 23, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) expresses its concern that there be a transparent assignment and distribution of Lebanon’s SDR asset worth as much as $1.2 billion. This is key to both preventing further price distortion of essential goods and to ensuring that the majority of Lebanese will benefit from the distribution.

SDR is an asset belonging to the member countries of the IMF and its purpose is to provide liquidity to member states as well as supplement members’ official reserves. Since it is neither a loan nor a grant, the IMF cannot impose conditionality on the SDR recipient country.

A windfall in excess of a billion dollars would enable Lebanese politicians to push off any pressure to reform and give them resources by which to influence the votes of the Lebanese polity. In fact, a current bill in the Parliament calls for legalizing the use of the Banque du Liban’s Mandatory Reserves to support the existing subsidized prices program.

ATFL believes this bill is counterproductive and potentially creates more economic instability. Instead, the current subsidized prices program needs to end. It is the cause of the current shortages in fuel, food, and basic goods. The SDR asset must not be assigned to this program which will only lead to prolonged mismanagement of the new funds.

There are other options to be considered.

For instance, the IMF can work with a country, e.g. France, which agrees to exchange the SDR for cash but with specific conditions on the exchange, as opposed to a more compliant country that will exchange the SDR for cash with no conditions.

Another alternative is to appeal to the IMF Board to reassign the funds to an independent Trust Fund, managed by the World Bank. This was done with allocations in support of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

This Trust Fund would be operated by the World Bank at little or no overhead since the mechanisms for coordination and distribution are already in place. The Fund would receive the monies and transparently implement a distribution program to assist Lebanese who are suffering debilitating poverty, restricted from accessing their bank accounts, experiencing food shortages and hyperinflation, and unable to procure healthcare and education for their families.

The most direct option to move forward with this arrangement is to pressure the Parliament to finally pass legislation that has already been introduced that would implement the World Bank cash card system to directly assist Lebanese in need with an initial funding of $246M. The legislation has been blocked by Members of Parliament and government officials opposed to World Bank monitoring and a digital system for identifying recipients. If the legislation were to be passed, SDR could then be converted into cash by a friendly country that agrees to deposit the monies directly into the World Bank program, thus avoiding government programs that lack transparency and are easily manipulated to serve particular constituencies.

By providing cash directly to consumers rather than government agencies, the funds for cash cards would target those with the greatest need, rather than subsidize products that are mismanaged or smuggled outside the country causing shortages in Lebanon. Funding cash cards would bring a degree of stability to consumer transactions; hyperinflation will be restrained; money would flow, thus undercutting exchange rate volatility; jobs for the services sectors, such as small food stores, bakeries, restaurants, and pharmacies, would return as hard cash becomes available for purchases. And, people would not be obliged to feel that they benefited from the munificence of local political leaders.

What is critical is that the cash card program be implemented before subsidies are removed to not burden those in need by creating a gap in meeting their basic needs.

ATFL calls on the IMF and governments concerned with supporting Lebanon’s economic and social stability to address the SDR challenge without propping up Lebanon’s failed government subsidies program. Instead, the people who are in need should receive cash cards, strengthening their hope as they struggle for a new government that will be responsive to their needs.

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.