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.

ATFL Statement Regarding Special Drawing Rights of the IMF

Washington, DC, August 16, 2021 (ATFL) – The pending allocation by the IMF of Special Drawing Rights (SDR) worldwide of which Lebanon would receive the equivalent of some $860 million is raising concerns that the funds will not have a beneficial impact on Lebanon’s reserves and easing the humanitarian needs of the Lebanese.

The purpose of SDR allocation is to provide liquidity to member states as well as supplement members’ official reserves. It is an asset belonging to the country held by the IMF on its behalf. So it is not a loan or a grant. Countries can exchange their SDR for hard currencies with other IMF members. This is typically done on a voluntary basis at a very low exchange rate. Unfortunately, while there are concerns with transparency and monitoring in any assistance programs to Lebanon, the IMF cannot set any conditions on the SDR allocation since these are Lebanon’s assets.

It has been mentioned that the Lebanese government is considering the use of the SDR to partially offset the costs of the new cash card passed by Parliament to provide relief to some 500,000 Lebanese families to enable them to make purchases at retail outlets. Stuck in limbo is the companion program of the World Bank with an allocation of some $246 million for cash cards Parliament has stalled on that program because of disagreements with the World Bank over transparency in identifying beneficiaries and monitoring distribution and impact.

A question arises: Should the funds be allocated for urgent short-term humanitarian assistance, or for longer-term projects that would reduce Lebanon’s need for foreign currencies and address long-standing structural weaknesses?”

There are no simple answers to address both the short term humanitarian needs and the need to shore up the country’s reserves, generate greater liquidity in the banking sector, and relieve some of the pressure of the national debt.

ATFL has collaborated on a paper with the Lebanese International Finance Executives (LIFE) and believes that “any potential liquidity generated by the exchange of the SDR should be used to bolster the Central Bank reserves and mitigate the impact of the removal of subsidies. While Lebanon’s parliament recently approved a $556 million/year program to provide direct cash payments to about 500,000 struggling households, it has failed to specify funding sources or disbursement criteria and mechanisms, thus leaving the program unused. With transparent and credible targeting and monitoring, proceeds from a potential exchange of Lebanon’s SDR can be used to partially finance urgent humanitarian measures and ensure food and medical security for the country’s most vulnerable citizens.”

ATFL believes the government should allocate the SDR in large part to the World Bank cash card program which is already operational, has guidelines for additional funding and distribution, includes a monitoring and assessment capacity for beneficiaries, and can be scaled up more easily than putting the funds into the existing government program. While Parliament does not have responsibility for funding the recently passed cash card program, it is currently holding up the World Bank cash card program because of the Bank’s insistence on a monitoring mechanism for identification and monitoring of beneficiaries. By blending the two programs and utilizing the World Bank’s global expertise with cash card programs, a more beneficial outcome in a shorter period of time will greatly benefit the Lebanese.

ATFL agrees with LIFE and MEI that any potential liquidity generated by the exchange of the SDR should be used to bolster the BdL reserves and mitigate the impact of the removal of subsidies. A portion of the SDR can be allocated to strengthening the lira by reducing its instability and transparently implementing limited reforms such as investments in the electricity, water, and telecommunications sectors that will attract external investors. Simply implementing legislation that is already pending in parliament will demonstrate to the international community that the new government is willing to take serious, though limited steps, in cleaning house. A very important step would be to refine and declare a revised, realistic national budget that better reflects the actual status of the economy and financial banking sectors.

With the appointment of the Prime Minister-designate, Najib Mikati, a dialogue of all stakeholders, including civil society, should begin immediately to build a national consensus on a new economic, and political vision for the social wellbeing of the Lebanese citizens.

In order to gain the confidence of the Lebanese, the PM-designate should prioritize actions that will have the biggest positive effect on the widest number of Lebanon’s citizens. This will entail developing a common vision among Lebanese stakeholders with the IMF to stabilize the lira, budget reform, support international humanitarian aid for the country’s poorest while initiating a plan to revamp subsides and taking immediate steps to provide reliable electricity.

While the SDR are no panacea, they provide leverage, if a new government is willing, to both address subsidy reforms and move on structural reforms that will start to rebuild confidence and trust in the country. It is a challenge that cannot be put off any longer. With the Central Bank pointing to rapidly dwindling foreign reserves, immediate, transparent, and purposeful actions must be taken to shore up and transform the subsidies regime and take steps to rebuild confidence in Lebanon for international investments.

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 Event Marks Anniversary of Beirut Port Explosions

US and UN Officials and Lebanon Experts Call for the Lebanese Government to Prioritize the People

Washington, DC, August 9, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon, a leadership organization comprised of American of Lebanese heritage, hosted a webinar on August 5 to mark the anniversary of the Beirut Port explosions on August 4, 2020.

The program, titled “One Year Later: Lebanon After the Beirut Port Blast,” featured US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka, President of Lebanese American University Dr. Michel Mawad, and President of the Middle East Institute Dr. Paul Salem.

Lebanon is at a critical juncture, and the discussion with Ambassador Shea and Special Coordinator Wronecka provided detailed perspectives on Lebanon over the past year including the response from the United States and international community. During the following discussion, Dr. Mawad and Dr. Salem addressed the stark cost to Lebanese society from the fallout of the blast and the worsening humanitarian, social, and civil conditions in the country.

ATFL has been urging the US Congress and Administration over the past year to ensure that the United States is at the forefront of support for the Lebanese people and is actively addressing the country’s growing humanitarian needs.

ATFL welcomed the United States announcement on August 4, 2021, on $98 million in new humanitarian funding for Lebanon.

During the webinar, Ambassador Shea thanked the ATFL for its ongoing partnership with the US Embassy and the US government and its role in illustrating the many multilayered challenges that Lebanon is facing. She said, “Victims [of the blast] deserve accountability. [That] also applies to the government formation process… We are reiterating our calls for urgent action to both form a cabinet and enact much-needed reforms.”

In her remarks, Special Coordinator Joanna Wronecka said, “The Lebanese people are paying the price of their leadership’s inaction…One year has passed without reforms and concrete measures. A wasted year… There is no time to lose because the people are paying the price, and with each day that passes they pay a higher price.”

Dr. Mawad echoed this sentiment in his remarks, saying, “Since the cataclysmic explosion at the Port of Beirut a year ago yesterday, events have unfortunately settled into a slower and somewhat accepted pace of a new normal…a state of daily misery. [This past year] has done so much damage to the fabric of society.”

In his remarks, Dr. Salem said, “One year after a criminal blast, nobody has apologized, nobody has resigned. An entire governing class claims absolutely no responsibility. …This oligarchy really doesn’t seem to care about the fate of its people. This is a long term struggle, but Lebanon will go on and change will come, even if limited.”

ATFL continues to call for an independent and transparent investigation of the events of August 4, 2020 with the support and involvement of the international community.

ATFL is also proud to have been a part of the worldwide response to the humanitarian and health needs of the Lebanese people, having marshalled the efforts of the Lebanese diaspora through the Lebanon Relief Project to collect donations for Lebanese hospitals and medical centers. Currently there are still over 150 containers of medicines and supplies ready and waiting for the funds to ship them. The Lebanese Relief Project is seeking to raise $100,000 to ship these lifesaving supplies.

Following the webinar, Ambassador Ed Gabriel, President of ATFL, remarked, “Although the situation in Lebanon is worsening and seems hopeless, US Ambassador Shea and UN Special Coordinator Wronecka offered hopeful signs that the Lebanese people will not be forgotten and that they remain at the top of the international agenda. We will be working closely with today’s conference speakers in supporting the Lebanese people’s efforts to build a democratic, prosperous, and stable Lebanon.”

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 Welcomes Senate Resolution Recognizing The Beirut Port Explosions

Washington, DC, August 6, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (AFTL), a leadership organization comprised of Americans of Lebanese heritage, welcomes Senate Resolution 337 co-sponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) marking one year since the Beirut Port explosion.

ATFL continues to work with members of Congress and the Biden Administration to support the people of Lebanon through humanitarian assistance, support to the American universities, and sustaining the operational capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

“Yesterday marked the anniversary of the explosion at the Port of Beirut that killed hundreds and injured thousands of people. One year on, no one has been held accountable and Lebanon is still rebuilding from the tragedy,” said Senator Shaheen in a statement to the American Task Force on Lebanon. “The people of Lebanon deserve justice and a full investigation into the explosion. I’m leading a resolution to deliver a bipartisan message from the Senate in support of the Lebanese people and to echo their calls for a legitimate, responsive government.”

In a statement to ATFL, Senator Rubio said, “The United States stands with the people of Lebanon, who deserve a fair and transparent investigation into what happened one year ago at the Port of Beirut. Words will never bring back the hundreds killed or heal the thousands injured, but together we can demand justice and accountability in their honor.”

S.Res. 337 “Recognizing the anniversary of the explosion at the Port of Beirut on August 4, 2020, and expressing solidarity with the Lebanese people” acknowledges the drastic impact of the blast on the Lebanese. It notes the UN estimate that “3,200,000 Lebanese nationals and refugees are in need in Lebanon, including 3,000,000 people in need of health assistance and 2,300,000 people in need of food and agricultural assistance.”

The Resolution acknowledges the US government response to these needs and points out that Lebanese investigations into the blast “have been stalled and no answers have been provided to the Lebanese public.” Pointing to Hezbollah’s role in controlling Beirut Port, the text reiterated that “the people of Lebanon across the political and sectoral spectrum have demanded accountability…and have requested their governing and economic institutions implement meaningful reform, accountability, and transparency.”

S.Res. 337 supports the demand of the people “for transparency, accountability, and an end to the systemic and endemic corruption in the Government” and efforts by the US and its international partners for humanitarian relief that directly benefits the people of Lebanon.

It also commends the EU and the US for cooperating on sanctions to promote good governance in Lebanon, calling on its leaders to undertake an independent and transparent investigation into the blast, and to implement a “stable, democratic, and legitimate government.”

ATFL President Ambassador Ed Gabriel remarked, “ATFL welcomes this Senate Resolution and the House Resolution recently introduced by the US-Lebanon Friendship Caucus. These Resolutions are clear markers that Lebanon has not been forgotten by the United States. Lebanon’s people are enduring multiple crises that threaten the stability and security of the country. We are proud of those members of Congress who have worked with ATFL and the Lebanese American community in standing up for the Lebanese people in these most challenging times. ATFL will continue its work in Washington to ensure that the plight of the Lebanese people is at the top of the U.S. foreign policy agenda.”

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 Special Assistance Package for Lebanon

Washington, DC, August 4, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization comprised of Americans of Lebanese heritage, expresses its gratitude to the Biden Administration for the announcement today of an additional $98 million in support of humanitarian assistance to the country. The funding comes in response to an appeal by France to international donors on the first-year anniversary of the explosion at the Port of Beirut which claimed more than 200 lives, left over 7,000 injured, and more than $4.6 billion in physical damages.

Since the blast, the ATFL has been working with Congress and the Trump and Biden administrations to make sure that the suffering of the Lebanese people is not overlooked. The US government has provided more than $370 million in FY 2021 for humanitarian funding for Lebanon, and ATFL continues to build bipartisan support in the Congress to provide increased aid in FY 2022.

At the international donor’s conference held today, President of France Emmanuel Macron announced that $370 million in emergency aid had been raised from all participants in addition to in-kind donations, such as Covid vaccines. In his message to the conference, President Biden said that “no amount of outside assistance will ever be enough if Lebanon’s leaders do not commit to do the hard but necessary work of reforming the economy and combating corruption.”

ATFL will hold a virtual conference on August 5 to discuss Lebanon’s cause with US Ambassador Dorothy Shea; UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Dr. Joanna Wronecka; Dr. Michel Mawad, President of Lebanese American University; and Dr. Paul Salem, President of the Middle East Institute. Details and registration can be found here.

ATFL views the announcement of this additional humanitarian support as a positive step and thanks the Biden Administration for keeping Lebanon at the top of its agenda. We will continue our efforts to bring attention to US policymakers of the growing needs of the Lebanese people.

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.