July 2021 - Page 3 of 4

Lebanon Daily News Brief 7/13/2021

Posted on July 13, 2021July 20, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

EU Warns Sanctions Could be Imposed By the End of the Month
Yesterday the European Union warned that it may impose sanctions on Lebanese officials by the end of the month. It is currently working on an agreement of the legal framework for the sanctions that would include travel bans and asset freezes. Sanctions will be applied to politicians flagged for corruption, obstruction of government formation, financial misdeeds, and human rights abuses. [Reuters] French Foreign Trade Minister Franck Riester also threatened Lebanese officials with sanctions from Paris to those who obstruct government formation. [AP]

France Allocates $600 Million for Beirut Port Silo Area
During a tour of Beirut Port this morning, French Foreign Trade Minister Franck Riester announced that France has allocated $600 million for a project to reconstruct the silo area in the Port of Beirut. He continued to emphasize the French position that Lebanon’s politicians must form a government and implement reforms. [The 961]

Judge Bitar Refuses Parliament’s Request
Parliament has asked Judge Tarek Bitar, lead investigator of last year’s Beirut explosion, for more evidence in order to lift immunities given to three former MPs. Bitar has refused the request, saying that he has already provided the documents necessary and and further evidence might compromise the confidentiality of the investigation. Families and friends of Beirut blast victims continue their protests today outside of one of the MPs homes, former Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk. Protesters call for justice and for immunities to be lifted. [The 961]

UK Funds Educational Research in Conflict Zones Including Lebanon
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab just announced that the UK will be providing funding to countries that have been impacted by war, political unrest, and natural disasters and whose children have suffered in their education because of it. The funding will help research the best methods to provide schooling in conflict zones and countries facing long-term crises. Almost $19 million will fund the research project and focus on education in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Myanmar. [Naharnet]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Lebanese Center for Policy Studies
Interactions and Attitudes Between Lebanese and Syrian Communities in Lebanese Municipalities
Daniel Garrote Sanchez

Sanchez writes, “The presence of a large Syrian refugee population in Lebanon has had numerous impacts on the Lebanese economy and society. One main area of concern regards social cohesion between the local hosts and Syrian refugee communities. Various studies have suggested different, sometimes conflicting, theories on how the two communities engage with one another and what forms of interaction improve or hinder social cohesion. In order to better understand the dynamics and attitudes of the two communities, LCPS conducted in 2018 a survey of host and refugee communities in three mid-sized cities in Lebanon: Saida, Zahle, and Halba. Through the survey, we find numerous variations in attitudes between and among the two communities, as well as variations across the different municipalities arising from varying geographic, economic, and confessional factors. The policy brief concludes with recommendations on how to better improve social cohesion and move toward cooperation between the two communities.”

Read more here

UN Web TV
Long-lasting Peace and Justice in the Middle East

In this UN session focused on sustainable development goals in Lebanon, experts from the UN and the World Bank discuss the prospects for peace and justice in the country. Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Star Lebanon Nadim Ladki interviews guests Joanna Wronecka, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, and Kumar Jha, Regional Director of the Mashreq Department of the World Bank Group.

Watch here

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 7/12/2020

Posted on July 12, 2021July 20, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

US, French and Saudi Officials Continue Talks on Lebanon
Today the Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari hosted US Ambassador Dorothy Shea and French Ambassador Anne Grillo for talks at the Saudi embassy in Beirut. The discussions centered on Lebanon’s political developments. The officials continue to stress that Lebanon needs a government that is capable of reform. [Naharnet]

PM-Designate Hariri May Submit a Cabinet Line-Up Today
Reports say that Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri may submit a new cabinet line-up to President Michel Aoun today. The cabinet submission will come days before Hariri is expected to visit Cairo for talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. [Naharnet] If this last cabinet attempt does not work, Hariri reportedly will be headed toward resignation. [The 961]

Two Power Plants Shut Down in Lebanon
Two of Lebanon’s main power plants shut down on Friday after they ran out of fuel. The two stations, Deir Ammar and Zahrani, provide about 40 percent of the country’s electricity. There are two fuel shipments waiting at port to be unloaded, but Electricite Du Liban has not been able to access them because the payments have yet to be approved. EDL said, “power supply has been cut across Lebanese territories indefinitely,” and asked residents to reduce consumption. [Bloomberg]

Government Raises Bread Prices for the Seventh Time This Year
On Saturday, Lebanon’s government announced new bread prices for the seventh time this year as it continues to remove wheat subsidies. [AP] In response to the country’s currency devaluation, the government has been slowly lifting subsidies on essential goods like fuel, medicine, and wheat, in order to protect the central bank’s remaining foreign currency reserves.

OPINION & ANALYSIS

National News Agency
UK Ambassador Bids Lebanon Farewell: Forgive my bluntness, but there is something rotten at the heart of Lebanon

NNA shared UK Ambassador Martin Longden’s opinion piece as he bids farewell to Lebanon. Ambassador Longden writes, “My message, as I leave Beirut, is not just one of profound concern but also of hope. For I see in Lebanon a place which, for all of its deeply serious problems, retains incredible potential. This land of the cedars is a truly amazing country: of outstanding natural beauty – from the mountains to the sea, of a rich and diverse culture, and of a people whose hard work and creativity rivals anyone in the Middle East – and beyond. But you will only unleash this better future if you can slip the shackles of your history. And change fundamentally the way in which politics and government are done here. Lebanon today stands perhaps at its most important crossroads ever: which way will you go? Forgive my bluntness: but there is something rotten at the heart of Lebanon. The failure so far to hold anyone accountable for the disastrous port explosion last summer is just the most dramatic example of the impunity and irresponsibility that characterizes too much of Lebanese life. State institutions are subverted; special interests are protected; and Hizballah’s militia operate freely, accountable to no one but themselves. And the result? An elite enriched, as the Lebanese people lose out at every turn.”

Read more here

UN Web TV
Long-lasting Peace and Justice in the Middle East

Watch here

Financial Times
Fuel Shortages Are Driving Lebanon to the Brink
Chloe Cornish

Cornish writes: “The fuel crisis stems from Lebanon’s currency losing over 90 per cent of its value in less than two years, and its commercial banks no longer supplying businesses with hard currency for overseas purchases. Lebanon relies on imports, so the currency crash caused runaway inflation. To stop fuel prices rocketing, the central bank subsidized exchange rate operations, using its dollar reserves. But since a banking crisis broke out in October 2019, those reserves have halved. In recent weeks, the caretaker government started to raise gas prices, a prelude to lifting costly subsidies. But because fuel is still subsidized, much is smuggled to neighboring Syria, which is also suffering shortages. More is hoarded by pump owners, hoping to profit when prices rise. Still more is stuck on tankers, waiting for dollars from the backed-up central bank before it can be unloaded. The acting energy minister encouraged Lebanese to ditch cars and take public transport. But minibuses are privately run and the state pays Railway Administration employees, but there are no trains.”

Read more here

This Week In Lebanon: 7/11/2021

Posted on July 11, 2021July 20, 2021 by admin2

JULY 11, 2021
US, French, and Saudi Officials Meet to Discuss Lebanon
Medicine and Fuel Shortages Plague Lebanon’s Health Sector
Education in Lebanon Drops Off During Crises
Protests to Lift Immunities on Lebanese Officials

US, French, and Saudi Officials Meet to Discuss Lebanon
On Thursday, US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea and French Ambassador to Lebanon Anne Grillo traveled to Saudi Arabia for meetings with officials following Secretary Blinken’s meeting with French and Saudi counterparts at G20. They discussed Lebanon’s dire conditions, humanitarian assistance, and increased support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces. Ambassador Shea will continue to develop a trilateral diplomatic strategy with her counterparts focused on government formation and reforms. [State Press Briefing] Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defense Minister discussed humanitarian assistance and the need for economic reform in Lebanon with Secretary Blinken and in Washington. [Naharnet]

RESPONSE

“The Biden administration is continuing to make Lebanon a foreign policy priority. These meetings signal enhanced US leadership efforts when it comes to Lebanon and the United States should continue to pressure Lebanese officials in lockstep with France and other partners. Lebanon’s government needs to know that anything short of a new government capable of reform is unacceptable. The Lebanese people deserve good governance.”

-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel

Medicine and Fuel Shortages Plague Lebanon’s Health Sector
Amid Lebanon’s multiple financial and economic crises, the country’s health sector is deteriorating. Because of the current medicine shortage, vital drugs that are needed to treat cardiac diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and multiple sclerosis are out of stock. [Al Arabiya] Meanwhile fuel shortages are affecting everyone in Lebanon, doctors included, as emergency room physicians struggle to fill up their cars to get to work. Electricity cuts hit hospitals too, and private generators have had to be used to fill the gap. [Arab News]

RESPONSE

“Dr. Petra Khoury, head of Lebanon’s Committee to Fight COVID, has said, ‘there was a time recently when we had reversed the brain drain of qualified doctors and medical technicians leaving the country and encouraged many highly qualified individuals to return. Now the reverse is happening again with doctors and nurses leaving the country…We are a third world country with a first world health sector, until now.’ Even a young child with the need for brain surgery had to be turned away at AUB hospital as there are no more specialists with this expertise. How can this government and its political leaders allow this to continue? They need to step aside and let a competent government of reformists immediately work with the IMF to turn this situation around. Shame on those who continue to be obstacles to the proper care of the Lebanese citizens.”

-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel

Education in Lebanon Drops Off During Crises
Education has also taken a hit because of Lebanon’s declining situation. Dire conditions have forced many families to pull their children out of school to go to work. Teachers are leaving Lebanon as the currency drop continues to devalue their salaries. [The 961] In the last week the education ministry cancelled middle school exams over concerns from parents and teaching staff that students are not prepared for them. [Reuters]

RESPONSE

“It is sickening to think of the talent drain that is happening in Lebanon as people of all ages emigrate for better opportunities. I suppose that offspring of the leadership have their exit plans too but then of course don’t worry about having gas for their cars, food for their tables, or adequate health care, let alone education. Lebanon, once the bedazzling cultural center of the Arab world in the 60s and 70s, has fallen into disrepair; and all the speeches, conferences, and good intentions can’t repair the lost years of the young who are being systematically and routinely robbed of their futures. Shame on the government; shame on the Presidents real and in the wings; and sadness for the Lebanese who can’t make the oligarchs feel the pain of losing their country.”

-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader

Protests to Lift Immunities on Lebanese Officials Surrounding Beirut Explosion
After Lebanon’s caretaker Interior Minister denied a judge’s request to question General Security Chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim over the Beirut port explosion, families of the victims of last year’s tragedy gathered to protest. During the parliament meeting to discuss the judge’s request, protesters called for the immunities given to Lebanese officials to be removed. The parliament meeting determined that the final decision on removing immunities will be decided in the next 15 days. [The 961]

RESPONSE

“The one-year marking of the August 4 Beirut Port explosions cannot pass without worldwide condemnation of the lack of a credible investigation that highlights the technical details of the blasts and the political accountability of those whose inaction led to the catastrophe. Lebanese officials can hide behind finger-pointing at the other guys but, this time, let’s hope they won’t succeed. And let’s not forget that the human and economic costs are still being tallied as Lebanon continues to dissolve.”

-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 7/9/2021

Posted on July 9, 2021July 20, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

Pharmacies Go on Strike in Lebanon
Today pharmacies in Lebanon went on strike in protest of significant medicine shortages after the central bank failed to pay suppliers abroad. Reports say that pharmacies along the northern coastline of Beirut and in the city’s southern suburbs have closed. Vital drugs that are needed to treat cardiac diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and multiple sclerosis are out of stock. The association of pharmacy owners say this will be an open-ended strike across Lebanon. [Al Arabiya]

Beirut Blast Investigator’s Request to Question Security Head Denied
After Judge Tarek Bitar, lead investigator of last year’s Beirut port blast, sent a request to question Major General Abbas Ibrahim, head of Lebanon’s General Security agency, caretaker Interior Minister Mohamed Fahmy denied the judge’s request. [Reuters] Today Ibrahim responded in a statement saying he is “under the law” and that the investigation must “work away from narrow political calculations.” [Naharnet] Families of the blast victims protested outside where MPs were meeting to review Bitar’s request and they demanded justice and accountability. [Naharnet]

US and French Officials Meeting in Saudi Arabia to Discuss Lebanon
Yesterday US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea and French Ambassador to Lebanon Anne Grillo traveled to Saudi Arabia for meetings with Saudi officials to discuss Lebanon. They held trilateral consultations to discuss Lebanon’s dire conditions, ways to help the Lebanese people, and how to stabilize Lebanon’s economy. The trilateral strategy between US, French, and Saudi counterparts seeks to pressure Lebanon’s political leaders toward forming a government that is capable of reform. The international community continues to urge Lebanese officials to put the interests of their people first. [State Press Briefing]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Lebanese Center for Policy Studies
Lebanon’s Independent Electricity Regulator: Avoiding the ‘Political Economy Trap’
Ali Ahmad, Mounir Mahmalat, and Jamal Saghir

The authors write: “The looming prospect of a complete blackout in Lebanon is rare for a middle-income country. It is in this dire context that electricity sector reforms become indispensable. Chief among these reforms is the creation of an electricity regulatory authority (ERA), an independent institution tasked with regulating the sector, particularly the supervision of contracts for electricity production and distribution with private companies. In this brief, however, we argue that the present-day financial, economic, and social crises risk plunging the creation of an ERA into a ‘political economy trap.’ A hastily created ERA, established just to please the international community, can be subjected to an elusive elite-level arrangement that will likely undermine its independence and value as an impartial regulator. The institution would be held hostage to the same mechanisms of rent generation and distribution among elites that have undermined the effectiveness of many other existing regulatory authorities. That way, an ERA would ‘trap’ citizens and the international community in what would be little more than a continuation of the status quo in a more palatable institutional arrangement. Consequently, we recommend that policymakers push for the establishment of an independent ERA as part of a vision for the entire governance of the electricity sector.”

Read more here

Lebanon Daily News Brief 7/8/2021

Posted on July 8, 2021July 20, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Lebanese Center for Policy Studies
Lebanon’s Independent Electricity Regulator: Avoiding the ‘Political Economy Trap’
Ali Ahmad, Mounir Mahmalat, and Jamal Saghir

Read more here

LAF – A Great Investment for the US

Posted on July 7, 2021 by admin

At a time when people are questioning what US interests were secured for the $820+ billion spent in military costs in Afghanistan, not counting deaths, casualties, and PTSD after effects, there are still those on the Hill and in think tanks who challenge the $2+ billion the US has spent in support of the LAF since 2010. The Taliban will soon overrun what little resistance the Afghan government can stand up; while in Lebanon, the LAF has demonstrated time and again that they are among the most well-prepared and disciplined forces in the region.

With the one year anniversary of the Beirut Port explosions nearing, the LAF is once again demonstrating its intention to continue to support Lebanon’s sovereignty, despite the negligence of its political leadership. And their integrity is drawing positive responses and support for the troops and their families from countries as diverse as France, Qatar, China, and Egypt. From foodstuffs to vehicles and fuel, the LAF is hoping that these last minute infusions of support will enable it to maintain readiness and operational capability in the growing uncertainty.

With caretaker Prime Minister Diab warning that Lebanon is “days away” from an “impending social explosion,” the LAF is even more challenged to take actions that both prevent chaos and protect the rights of the protestors – a very tough proposition. In the meantime, the LAF is hosting the US Central Command in cooperation with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency to assess the sea and land border capabilities. Since the LAF oversees both the navy and the army, this will be an extensive review, taking two weeks of site visits, discussions, exercises, and planning. It could not be more timely.

A recent news story in the Washington Post examined the difficulties faced in blocking smuggling along the eastern and northern borders with Syria. Many goods until now, including fuel, are subsidized in Lebanon. Smugglers buy them at the lower prices and transport their valuable cargo to Syria through the porous and often un-demarcated border where trails are hard to detect and easy to shift. Even though the UK and US have supported building a series of observation posts along the eastern border, command of the terrain and ability to respond quickly is undermined by limited supplies of food and the availability of troops.

Given the extensive economic paralysis of Syria’s economy, it is no wonder that Syrians are desperate for Lebanese goods although the bulk of the smuggling is controlled by cartels that sell the good across Africa and the Gulf. Gasoline, however, is in high demand in Syria, as it is in Lebanon, and is a very lucrative trade on both sides of the border. There was even a video circulating where newlyweds received a large jug of gasoline as a wedding present.

The LAF has also responded to the civil unrest at gas stations where gunfire and fist fights are occurring with greater frequency. Extensive media coverage these past few weeks have shown lines of six or more hours to get only a third of a tank, bringing whatever economic activity is left to a standstill. Many stations have closed and there have been fatalities as an outcome of the lack of fuel. And it’s just not cars.

In Tripoli, the situation is most dire and unsettled as homeowners cannot afford diesel fuel for their generators to power their homes. Twice in the past two weeks, the LAF has donated fuel to homeowners in the poorest neighborhoods and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Joseph Aoun visited Tripoli to show solidarity with its people. “Your pain is our pain,” he said and warned of serious repercussions to anyone who harms the city’s security.

So to those who would punish the LAF for the spinelessness of the political leadership, I recommend that they take their complaints elsewhere. Then contemplate what would happen without the LAF…Syrian and Lebanese refugees fleeing to Europe, the likelihood of the Syrian civil war engulfing Lebanon, the resurrection of ISIS and al Qaeda, and other consequences that make the Taliban in Afghanistan a remote and diminished threat.

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 7/7/2021

Posted on July 7, 2021July 20, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

Qatar Announces Aid to Lebanese Armed Forces
During a visit to Beirut yesterday by Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdurahman Al Thani, it was announced that Qatar would be donating 70 tons of food per month to the Lebanese Armed Forces. The foreign minister also called on Lebanon’s political leaders to form a government in order to achieve stability. [Al Jazeera]

Israeli Defense Minister Offers Humanitarian Aid
During remarks made in Metulla on Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz offered Lebanon humanitarian aid. The offer for aid was officially extended yesterday through the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. [Naharnet]

New Institution Focused on Political Assassinations in Lebanon
A new institution is being formed in Lebanon with the aim of holding political assassins in the country accountable by documenting political murders and reopening cases that still need justice served. The institution will include a legal department in order to find alternatives to the Lebanese judiciary with the support of UN lawyers. There will also be a cultural section for special studies, essays and novels on political assassinations. [UPI]

Attention on Lebanon’s Agricultural Sector
Amid extreme currency devaluation and looming cuts in government food and fuel subsidies, Lebanon is having difficulty keeping its population fed. While Lebanon’s agricultural sector has gone underfunded for years, now farmers are unable to cover their own operating costs. Fuel shortages further threaten the sector as farmers require large amounts of fuel to operate their machinery and transport goods to market. There are initiatives to engage Lebanon’s younger generation in new methods of farming, but brain drain is a concern as many Lebanese have emigrated since the start of the country’s economic crisis. [Al Jazeera]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Alternative Frequencies (LCPS Podcast)
The Pros and Cons of Lebanese Emigration: Brain Drain vs. Remittances
Jasmin Lilian Diab

In the latest Alternative Frequencies’ podcast episode, Jasmin Lilian Diab discusses the pros and cons of Lebanese emigration and address the following questions. What are the reasons that lead so many Lebanese to emigrate? Does Lebanon benefit from the emigration of its citizens? What are levels of emigration today, given the severe economic crisis the country is undergoing?

Listen here

Lebanon Daily News Brief 7/6/2021

Posted on July 6, 2021July 20, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

Caretaker PM Diab Says Lebanon is Close to Social Explosion
In an appeal for regional and international support, caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab said, “Lebanon is a few days away from social explosion.” He made the statement during a meeting today with ambassadors and diplomats. [CNN] Lebanese continue to face deteriorating conditions with food and medical shortages and four-hour long lines at gas stations. [New York Times]

Government Formation Meetings This Week
Yesterday, PM-designate Saad Hariri met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and they agreed that Hariri would submit a 24-minister cabinet lineup to President Michel Aoun on Friday. [Naharnet] Following a meeting with MP Gebran Bassil, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said meetings this week would be decisive on Lebanon’s government formation. In his meeting with Bassil, Nasrallah pushed for the 24-minister initiative. [The Daily Star]

LAF Steps Up Border Patrols Amid Fuel Crisis
In the midst of Lebanon’s fuel crisis, the Lebanese Armed Forces have increased efforts to stop fuel smuggling to Syria. Smugglers are selling Lebanon’s subsidized gas and then bringing it Syria to sell at much higher prices where Syria is having its own fuel crisis. The LAF has increased border patrols but it’s difficult to stop the flow of fuel to Syria along an unclear and porous border. [Washington Post] A US Central Command Envoy is finishing up a review of Lebanon’s border security systems this week. [Naharnet]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Alternative Frequencies (LCPS Podcast)
The Pros and Cons of Lebanese Emigration: Brain Drain vs. Remittances
Jasmin Lilian Diab

Listen here

This Week In Lebanon: 7/3/2021

Posted on July 3, 2021July 20, 2021 by admin2

July 3, 2021
US, France, and Saudi Arabia Discuss Lebanon at G20
US House Reps Introduce a Bill Challenging Assistance to the LAF
Lebanon’s Neglected North Erupts in Protests

US, France, and Saudi Arabia Discuss Lebanon at G20
This week Secretary Blinken discussed Lebanon several times throughout his week-long European tour including visits with Pope Francis and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. At the G20 summit, Blinken and his French and Saudi counterparts met on the sidelines to discuss the need to pressure Lebanon’s political leaders toward overdue economic reforms. [Al Arabiya]

ANALYSIS

“For those wondering if Lebanon is a priority of the Biden administration, the early answer appears that it is. Could this be the beginning of a US-French led effort for the international community to speak with one voice and strategy? The Lebanese government should take heed of this new development, which suggests a growing consensus among the international community to use all means in support of the people of Lebanon as they demand a government capable of addressing their needs.”

-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel

US House Representatives Introduce a Bill Challenging Assistance to the LAF
US House Representatives Elaine Luria (D-VA) and Lee Zeldin (R-NY) introduced a bill this week intended to enforce a mandate to disarm Hezbollah. The legislation asks for the State Department to describe national security interests that the US has in assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces, and requests to identify the extent of Hezbollah’s influence. [Jewish Insider]

ANALYSIS

“It is counterintuitive to me that former members of the military now serving in Congress just don’t get it…they don’t understand the value of the LAF in maintaining equilibrium in Lebanon’s stability and key role in ensuring its security along the southern and eastern borders. They should consult with the Departments of Defense and State to understand how conditioning aid to Lebanon serves neither US interests in Lebanon nor the LAF’s capabilities to sustain the only bulwark against the country’s disintegration and control by forces hostile to US interests.”

-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader

Lebanon’s Neglected North Erupts in Protests
Northern Lebanon may be facing some of the worst of Lebanon’s dire conditions resulting from the country’s multiple crises. [Reuters] In an area that has long been neglected, protests erupted last weekend as the Lebanese pound hit a record low at LL18,000 to the dollar. Protesters said they took to the streets to denounce the currency depreciation and the difficult living conditions. [Al Jazeera]

ANALYSIS

“Tripoli, once the center of industry and manufacturing in Lebanon, has experienced some of the worst challenges to Lebanon’s survival – first from Palestinian and pro-Syria militias during the Civil War, then ISIS and al-Qaeda related terrorist groups, continuous smuggling across the border with the connivance of corrupt Lebanese, Syrian, and local militias, and now the destruction of its economic resilience thanks to the pandemic, government mismanagement, and lack of local capacity for revival and survival. Yet Tripoli remains center to the potential private sector recovery of the North and the international assistance community should expand its efforts to build capacity in the region – despite the corrosive effect of the government and local leaders who abstain from effective solutions.”

-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader

Lebanon Daily News Brief 7/2/2021

Posted on July 2, 2021July 20, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

Lebanese Judge Pursues Top Officials in Beirut Port Investigation
Today Judge Tarek Bitar, the Lebanese judge leading the Beirut port blast investigation, announced he would pursue top politicians and former and current security officials in his investigation. He has summoned caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab for questioning and asked the government for permission to question the head of General Security Directorate Abbas Ibrahim and the head of State Security Tony Saliba. He further requested parliament to remove immunity from two legislators that were previously charged. [AP]

Pope Francis Urges Political Leaders to Put Aside Their Own Interests
Yesterday, the Vatican hosted a summit with Lebanese Christian leaders including representatives of the Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Syrian Orthodox, and Protestant churches. [Reuters] During the summit Pope Francis urged Lebanon’s political leaders to work towards stability by putting aside partisan interests. He said, “Let there be an end to the few profiting from the sufferings of the many! No more letting half-truths continue to frustrate people’s aspirations.” [Reuters]

UN Special Coordinator Calls for Elections to Be Held on Time
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka urged Lebanon to hold the 2022 general elections on time. She said, “We perceive elections as a choice but also for the people; it’s an opportunity to hold elected representatives accountable.” Wronecka succeed Jan Kubis as UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon in June. [The Daily Star]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

National Review
A Currency Board Would Bring Lebanon Back From the Dead
Peter J. Tanous

Tanous writes: “With a currency board, the Lebanese pound would be backed 100 percent by an anchor currency, such as the U.S. dollar, and be freely convertible into its anchor currency at an absolutely fixed rate of exchange. Currency boards have proven successful in other distressed countries, where they have stopped hyperinflations and established stability. Indeed, a currency board in Lebanon is just what the doctor ordered. A stable, convertible currency would attract foreign capital — especially from thriving Lebanese expat entrepreneurs — revitalize the private sector, and revive GDP growth. Renewed growth based on a sound currency offers the prospects of reopening the debt markets for Lebanon and clawing back part of bank depositors’ losses. It would also ensure that the LAF is adequately financed and could support the families of its soldiers.”

ٍRead more here

Wilson Center
Building a Better Lebanon

Yesterday the Wilson Center hosted a virtual launch event for its new report, “Building a Better Lebanon,” which explores the best way out of Lebanon’s crises. Against a backgrop of weak institutional capacity and growing instability, the co-authors argue that any reform program for Lebanon should be simple, transparent, and most importantly managed by a credible government of reform.

ٍRead more here