|
Author: admin2
Lebanon Daily News Brief 12/14/2021
DAILY NEWS
French Court Orders Lebanese Saradar Bank to Pay $2.8 Million to French-Based Client
“The Nov. 19 ruling, not yet published but seen by Reuters, orders Lebanon’s Saradar Bank to pay the Syrian claimant all the funds she had deposited in two accounts at the bank in 2014.” The court order pertaining to deposits worth $2.8 million is the first-known international ruling against informal capital controls undertaken by Lebanese banks since 2019. [Reuters]
TotalEnergies Agrees to Preliminary Study for Zahrani Power Plant
According to the Lebanese Energy Ministry, French energy group, TotalEnergies, has agreed to conduct a technical and financial preliminary study, a major initial step to building a floating regasification unit in Lebanon’s Zahrani power plant. The Ministry added that the plant’s annual gas capacity of 650 million cubic meters will rise to 1.4 billion cubic meters should the new unit be built. [Reuters]
President Aoun Calls for Cabinet Session, ‘Even if It Gets Boycotted’
“The (government’s) paralysis cannot persist,” President Aoun said, adding that, “there are matters that need to be addressed.” The President also said, “the elections will take place,” claiming that, “there will be an agreement on holding the elections in May.” [Naharnet]
OPINION & ANALYSIS
Lebanon Continues To Leak Talent And Hope
Jean AbiNader
AbiNader writes, “What is different about the latest waves of emigration are the low levels of those wanting to leave who say they are not interested in returning. It will be illuminating to break down this data by sectarian affiliation as the number of Sunni wanting to leave is increasing which may ultimately change their demographic in Lebanon. According to the Gallup World Poll cited earlier, ‘The desire to leave Lebanon cuts across major Lebanese communities. Notably, more Muslims than Christians in Lebanon tell Gallup they would like to leave the country (67% vs. 57%). The exodus of Middle Eastern Christians from the historical cradle of Christianity has accelerated in recent decades because of conflict and instability in countries that held significant Christian populations in the not-distant past.”
Al-Monitor
Will Lebanon’s Economic Crunch Stir Demographic Change?
Hanan Hamdan
Hamdan writes, “The emigration of Lebanese, especially Christians, raises concerns in Lebanon in terms of the demographic change that it may lead to, in light of the economic crisis that the Lebanese have been experiencing for nearly two years.”
L’Orient Today
Macron, MBS, Hezbollah: Behind the Scenes of a Play in Three Acts
Mounir Rabih
Rabih writes, “For MBS, however, Lebanon is under Hezbollah’s thumb, which poses a threat to the security of Arab countries and plays a role in captagon trafficking to the Gulf. Yet, Macron was able to push him to make a concession: A phone call to Mikati from the French president’s personal phone. Macron reportedly exchanged a few words with the Lebanese premier before passing the phone to MBS. The rest of the story has two contradictory versions.”
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 12/13/2021
DAILY NEWS
Friday Night Explosion in Burj Al Shemali Camp, Tyre | Three Killed in Shooting During Funeral of Hamas Supporter From Blast
After a large explosion occurred in Burj Al Shemali, a Palestinian refugee camp in Tyre, around a dozen civilian casualties were reported. Hamas said in a statement on Saturday that the blast was caused by an electrical fault in a warehouse containing oxygen and gas cylinders for coronavirus patients, as well as detergents and disinfectants, however, there is suspicion that the explosion was caused by the detonation of a stockpile of their weapons. [Deutsche Welle] Hamas reported that three members were killed and others injured in a shooting on Sunday in the Palestinian camp of Burj al-Shemali in Lebanon, following alleged clashes between Fatah-aligned gunmen and members of Hamas. [Reuters]
Minister of Interior Says Elections Likely to Happen in May
Minister of Interior Bassam Al-Mawlawi said that December 27th is the deadline by which the electoral law can be amended and the elections rescheduled. Minister Mawlawi also indicated that he will not issue an official decree appointing a date for elections, signed off by the President of the Republic, before an agreement is settled between President Aoun and Prime Minister Miqati. According to him, President Aoun is unlikely to sign off on a March 27th date for Parliamentary elections.[Naharnet]
ISF Thwarts Captagon Smuggling Attempt Bound for Saudi Arabia
“The Internal Security Forces (ISF) announced Saturday that it busted an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of captagon narcotics to Saudi Arabia, days after Lebanon’s interior minister said that country was undertaking efforts to curtail the outflow of illicit goods from the country.” [L’Orient Today]
OPINION & ANALYSIS
Raseef 22
Innocents Fall Down Along the “Road to Jerusalem,” Why is Disarmament of Palestinian Arms Impossible in Lebanon?
Hussein Chaaban
Chaaban writes, “[Zeina Al-Helou] reveals that the Lebanese security apparatus is “involved in the regime of mafias that is imposed over Palestinian refugees in the camps,” and explains that “the Lebanese state is too weak to touch the weapons of the camps, or decide to remove them. Therefore, the security apparatus has established a network of relationships and interests with the armed factions, planting informants with the thought that they are being smart, or that they have [the camps] under control.”
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.
This Week In Lebanon: 12/11/2021
December 11, 2021
Beirut Blast Investigation Cleared to Resume
Christmas Only For The Rich In Lebanon As Prices Increased Ridiculously
Lebanon’s Elderly Population Devastated by Crash
Beirut Blast Investigation Cleared to Resume
A string of lawsuits filed against Judge Tarek Bitar by those who Bitar had summoned for questioning had suspended the Beirut Port blast investigation for more than a month. A judicial source says the last of the suits have been rejected and Bitar is cleared to resume the investigation. Nizar Saghieh from Legal Agenda warns that the resumption of Bitar’s investigation could only be temporary if more legal complaints are filed. [Al Arabiya]
RESPONSE
“The struggle to keep Judge Bitar in charge of this case is a watershed issue which will determine whether Hezbollah or the government will have the final say in making decisions on how the law is enforced or ignored. PM Mikati and his government are challenged to find a way to proceed which allows Judge Bitar to remain on the job while at the same time ensuring that the Ministers and government officials subpoenaed to testify in the port blast investigation are properly deposed under the rule of law in Lebanon. The Lebanese people are watching this issue closely as it will determine the strength of the current government to push back on Hezbollah.”
-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel
Christmas Only For The Rich In Lebanon As Prices Increased Ridiculously
The current economic crisis is preventing many people in Lebanon from celebrating Christmas as they usually would. As the Lebanese lira continues to lose value, many Lebanese are unable to purchase the essentials of everyday life. The cost of Christmas decorations is well beyond what an average family can now afford. [The 961]
RESPONSE
“Last week, I bought my Christmas tree. Like many Americans, I purchased it at an inflated price due to transport issues. However, I count myself grateful that I could afford a tree. Thousands of families in Lebanon are unable to purchase everyday essentials let alone holiday gifts and decorations. It is hard to comprehend how Beirut, with all of its festive lights and decorations mostly in the dark and the rest of the country can try to make merry when so many are struggling to even keep on lights or feed the most vulnerable. So please reach out and support CARITAS, or CNEWA, the IRC, or Spirit of America and help Lebanese families share our blessings for at least a few days.”
-ATFL Vice President for Policy Jean AbiNader
Lebanon’s Elderly Population Devastated by Crash
The International Labor Organization (ILO) reports that Lebanon is one of only sixteen countries in the world that does not offer social security. 11% of Lebanon’s population is over 65, making it home to the largest populations of senior citizens in the Middle East. The ILO also estimates that a shocking 80% of Lebanese over 65 do not have health care coverage. The elderly population has been particularly hard-hit in the current economic crisis. [Al Monitor]
RESPONSE
“Is it criminal negligence or politics as usual that Lebanon is one of 16 countries in the world that don’t offer social security? It has the oldest population in the region, and they don’t have the options of their children to take work or emigrate. Lebanon is aging rapidly but there is still little consideration by the government to provide a basic package of social services for those who have spent their lives supporting governments that did not give back by ensuring minimal dignity in old age. This is wrong, just wrong. Time to mobilize the elderly to vote!”
-ATFL Vice President for Policy 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 12/10/2021
DAILY NEWS
Judge Bitar Demands Immediate Arrest of MP Ali Hassan Khalil
Judge Tarek Bitar demanded the arrest of MP Ali Hassan Khalil – considered the right-hand man to Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, leader of the Shiite Amal Movement – after he refused to appear before a court concerning the investigation of the August 4th Port of Beirut Explosion. “The refusal of a security apparatus to implement an arrest warrant constitutes a dangerous precedent that goes against the decisions of the judicial authority,” a judicial source said. [L’Orient Today]
Prime Minister Miqati Requests Energy Support from Egypt
PM Najib Miqati’s visit to Cairo involved the request of natural gas from Egypt to fill urgent needs in the Lebanese electricity sector. The request comes in the midst of Lebanon’s dire fuel and electricity crises. [Reuters]
FPM Head Gebran Bassil Denounces Labor Minister’s Decision to Expand Working Rights to Palestinians, Minister Defends Decision
“The decision of the Minister of Labor to allow Palestinians and stateless persons to exercise dozens of professions reserved for the Lebanese is a violation of the Labor Code and the constitution,” said Free Patriotic Movement Gebran Bassil on Twitter. [L’Orient Today] Labor Minister Mustafa Bayram, who is affiliated with FPM ally Hezbollah, defended the decision, saying “the Lebanese worker is protected.” [L’Orient Today]
Tripoli High School Teacher Accused of Harassment Arrested
After student actions involving sit-ins and protests demanded justice against a high school teacher at George Sarraf Public High School in Tripoli, Samer Mawlawi was arrested by order of the Lebanese Education Minister Abbas Halabi. Mawlawi confirmed that he is closely related to Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi, who shares the family name. [The961]
OPINION & ANALYSIS
Economic Bits of Interest
Jean AbiNader
AbiNader writes, “I am an avid reader of ‘Lebanon This Week,’ a weekly, English-language report published by the Byblos Bank Economic Research and Analysis Department headed by our colleague Nassib Ghobril…There are several items of interest from the November 27, 2021 edition that are worth sharing and analyzing, given what it tells us about the state of ‘resilience’ in the Lebanese economy and whether or not that descriptor is even appropriate. The first note comes from the Milken Institute’s Global Opportunities Index (GOI) which identified the investment climate in 143 countries to help foreign investors decide on where to place their money. In 2021, Lebanon has slid down 19 places, from 87th to 106th worldwide, as well as down two places among Arab countries, now in 10th place…”
The National Interest
Can Qatar End Lebanon’s Economic Crisis?
Adnan Nasser
Nasser writes, “This appears to be a moment for optimism. It could hardly come at a better time. Lebanon’s economy is in shambles, with some people digging through trash simply to find food to eat. This can be the start of Lebanon’s turnaround, but that can only happen when its leaders create permanent solutions through the practice of good governance and respect for the rule of law—not from robbing its people and then asking for a handout.”
Al-Monitor
Lebanese Opt for New Emigration Destinations Amid Crises
Rabih Damaj
Damaj writes, “Lebanon is witnessing one of the biggest waves of emigration in its history as the country faces its worst socio-economic conditions amid a worsening political crisis; Turkey, Armenia and Georgia have become new destinations.”
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 12/9/2021
DAILY NEWS
Detained American Journalist Released by General Security
Yesterday, American journalist Nada Homsi was released by General Security after human rights groups called for her immediate release from what they described as an arbitrary detention following her arrest on November 16. [AP]
Labor Minister Relaxes Labor Restrictions to be More Inclusive of Palestinians
Lebanese Labor Minister Mustafa Bayram lifted restrictions on certain trade-union regulated professions that were previously limited to Lebanese nationals, allowing Palestinian refugees to enter professions in sectors such as law, engineering, medicine, and public transportation. [L’Orient Today]
Lebanon’s Central Bank Sets a New Rate of 8,000 LBP for Withdrawals
The exchange rate used for withdrawals from bank deposits nominated in dollars was set at 8,000 LBP to 1 USD, replacing the previous value of the rate at 3,900 LBP. The current market rate, which represents the currency’s real value, is around 25,000 LBP to 1 USD. [Reuters]
Al-Jadeed Investigative Journalist Riad Kobeissi wins State Department Anticorruption Champions Award
Yesterday, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced the second annual cohort of Anticorruption Champions in commemoration of International Anticorruption Day. [State Department] Riad Kobeissi of Al-Jadeed was recognized alongside eleven other recipients from around the world for his investigative reporting of corruption at the Port of Beirut, which he began exposing at least seven years prior to the August 4th, 2020 explosion. [Naharnet]
OPINION & ANALYSIS
Economic Bits of Interest
Jean AbiNader
AbiNader writes, “I am an avid reader of ‘Lebanon This Week,’ a weekly, English-language report published by the Byblos Bank Economic Research and Analysis Department headed by our colleague Nassib Ghobril…There are several items of interest from the November 27, 2021 edition that are worth sharing and analyzing, given what it tells us about the state of ‘resilience’ in the Lebanese economy and whether or not that descriptor is even appropriate. The first note comes from the Milken Institute’s Global Opportunities Index (GOI) which identified the investment climate in 143 countries to help foreign investors decide on where to place their money. In 2021, Lebanon has slid down 19 places, from 87th to 106th worldwide, as well as down two places among Arab countries, now in 10th place…”
Foreign Policy
Lebanon’s Reformers Trade the Street for the Ballot Box
Tessa Fox
Tessa Fox writes, “The number of diaspora Lebanese who registered to vote in next year’s election has soared to 244,442, a big jump from the 93,000 registered for the 2018 election. People who lost everything—even their homeland—in the last two years will likely vote angry. And the diaspora vote is important in another way: Overseas voters are freed from the clientelistic networks that often chain people to their parties in Lebanon. Traditional political parties intentionally make the state weak in order to monopolize key services, and as elections draw closer, clientelism only increases.”
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 12/8/2021
DAILY NEWS
Human Rights Groups Call for American Journalist’s Release
On November 16, American journalist Nada Homsi was arrested after General Security officers raided her home without a judicial order. [Al Jazeera] Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are calling on Lebanon’s General Security to immediately release Homsi and to “promptly, thoroughly, independently, transparently, and effectively investigate the due process violations she faced since her arrest, and bring to justice anyone suspected to be responsible.” [HRW]
Energy Minister Fayyad Invited to France to Discuss Gas Exploration
Following a meeting with President Michel Aoun on Wednesday, Energy Minister Walid Fayyad in a press conference shared his intention to discuss gas exploration in an upcoming visit with French multinational oil and gas companies like Total as well as others others. “Concerning the import of gas and electricity from Jordan through Syria,” Fayyad said that, “the contract is ready and will be signed in the coming days.” [Naharnet]
In-Depth: Economic Crisis Hits Elderly Lebanese Population Hard
According to the International Labor Organization, cited by Al-Monitor, Lebanon has per capita the highest number of elders in the region but is among the sixteen countries in the world that does not offer social security. This has severely challenged Lebanon’s +65 population, 80% of whom have no health care coverage. “Few Lebanese get a retirement pension when they are forced to stop working at 65. Those in the public sector get a small income and they have medical coverage,” said Maya Ibrahimchah, the founder of NGO Beit El Baraka.” [Al-Monitor]
OPINION & ANALYSIS
Economic Bits of Interest
Jean AbiNader
AbiNader writes, “I am an avid reader of ‘Lebanon This Week,’ a weekly, English-language report published by the Byblos Bank Economic Research and Analysis Department headed by our colleague Nassib Ghobril…There are several items of interest from the November 27, 2021 edition that are worth sharing and analyzing, given what it tells us about the state of ‘resilience’ in the Lebanese economy and whether or not that descriptor is even appropriate. The first note comes from the Milken Institute’s Global Opportunities Index (GOI) which identified the investment climate in 143 countries to help foreign investors decide on where to place their money. In 2021, Lebanon has slid down 19 places, from 87th to 106th worldwide, as well as down two places among Arab countries, now in 10th place…”
Diwan, Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center
A Jihadi Resurrection?
Mohanad Hage Ali
Hage Ali writes, “An Islamic State resurgence in Lebanon would also be convenient for the Lebanese political class, in three ways. First, any violence would justify postponing the parliamentary elections next year and decrease international pressure to organize them on time. This would help Hezbollah and its allies maintain their current majority in parliament for longer than the four-year term. Second, the political class would expect more regional and international aid to combat the Islamic State, without having to introduce reforms and meet the conditions of international donors. And third, an Islamic State revival and any ensuing violence would help realign the population behind the country’s sectarian leaderships and sectarian politics in general. This would further undermine any impulse for change in the country.”
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Lebanon Stands at a Crossroad Between a Painful Revival and a Complete Submission to Iran
Hanin Ghaddar
Ghaddar writes, “Lebanon is paralyzed in the midst of these challenges facing Hezbollah, which will not allow any reforms, elections, or financial restructuring until the Iran-backed organization resolves its own challenges and finds a way to protect its power and maintain the status quo. This means that focusing on reforms at this point without tackling the political factors hindering it is a waste of time.”
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 12/7/2021
DAILY NEWS
IMF Delegation Arrives in Lebanon
The International Monetary Fund sent a delegation to Lebanon to meet with Prime Minister Najib Miqati today. The delegation will also meet with Lebanese officials and the ministerial committee that negotiates with the IMF to discuss strategies going into 2022. The delegation is led by Ernesto Ramirez. [Reuters]
Parliament Approves World Bank Loan Amendments, Delays Regulating IMF Special Drawing Rights
Today during a session at UNESCO Palace Lebanon’s parliament passed bills that amend the country’s loan treaty with the World Bank. One will support the government’s social aid plan and the other will make banks transfer $10,000 to every Lebanese university student studying abroad. Also during the session Parliament postponed the approval of a draft law that would regulate funds Lebanon received from IMF Special Drawing Rights. [Naharnet]
Beirut Blast Investigation Cleared to Resume
A string of lawsuits filed against Judge Tarek Bitar by those who Bitar had summoned for questioning had suspended the Beirut Port blast investigation for more than a month. Today a judicial source says the last of the suits have been rejected and Bitar is cleared to resume the investigation. Nizar Saghieh from Legal Agenda warns that the resumption of Bitar’s investigation could only be temporary if more legal complaints are filed. [Al Arabiya]
OPINION & ANALYSIS
Economic Bits of Interest
Jean AbiNader
AbiNader writes, “I am an avid reader of ‘Lebanon This Week,’ a weekly, English-language report published by the Byblos Bank Economic Research and Analysis Department headed by our colleague Nassib Ghobril…There are several items of interest from the November 27, 2021 edition that are worth sharing and analyzing, given what it tells us about the state of ‘resilience’ in the Lebanese economy and whether or not that descriptor is even appropriate. The first note comes from the Milken Institute’s Global Opportunities Index (GOI) which identified the investment climate in 143 countries to help foreign investors decide on where to place their money. In 2021, Lebanon has slid down 19 places, from 87th to 106th worldwide, as well as down two places among Arab countries, now in 10th place…”
Arab News
Will Lebanon’s Energy Crisis by solved by Israeli Gas?
Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib
Khatib writes, “The deal has many dimensions. One is an indirect normalization with Bashar Assad — could that lead to an effort to rehabilitate Assad and push him to break from Iran? Another would be Israel’s indirect normalization, just as it is trying through economic and development projects to break its isolation from the Arab world. The third dimension is preventing a total collapse of Lebanon, as the US does not want to handle the repercussions of such a collapse. Despite all these aspects, one important point remains yet to be highlighted: How can Hezbollah and the Assad regime, whose entire legitimacy is based on resistance to Israel, accept a deal that involves Israeli gas?”
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 12/6/2021
DAILY NEWS
Macron Announces Initiative to Resolve Diplomatic Row Between Lebanon and the Gulf
Last Friday, Lebanon’s Information Minister George Kordahi turned in his resignation. There was a push to confirm Kordahi’s resignation before French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Riyadh that weekend. [NY Times] On Saturday Macron announced a Saudi-French initiative to resolve the diplomatic crisis between Lebanon and Gulf states. In an “important step” towards a resolution, Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Prime Minister Najib Miqati in a joint phone call with future plans to talk with President Michel Aoun.. [Reuters] Both Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri said they are satisfied with the movement toward better relations and Miqati has called on all parties in Lebanon to mind the sensitivity of the situation. The talks so far have linked “economic aid to Lebanon with the implementation of required reforms.” [Arab News]
Reported Progress Toward Resumption of Cabinet Meetings
Cabinet sessions remain delayed but there are reports that progress is being made toward their resumption. Amal and Hezbollah sources said that there will not be a solution to the government crisis until there is an agreement to restore the role of the Higher Council for the Trial of Presidents and Ministers. This means referring former prime ministers and ministers to the Higher Council for those who are summoned in the Beirut Port explosion case. [Naharnet] The Free Patriotic Movement and other parties have rejected political interference in Lebanon’s judiciary, but FPM is reported to be showing some flexibility on this matter. [Naharnet]
US Embassy Launches “Digital Mothers” Program
Over the weekend the US Embassy in Lebanon launched the “Digital Mothers” training program in Tripoli. The program will train 68 mothers of school children on technology and English and teach “skills that will help them, their children, and their communities.” The Digital Mothers program will offer 200 hours of digital literacy and English language lessons over the next year to help mothers assist their children’s learning. [US Embassy]
OPINION & ANALYSIS
Foreign Affairs
America is Not Withdrawing from the Middle East
Dalia Dassa Kaye
Kaye writes, “In this moment of strategic flux, the United States has an opportunity to do things differently—to develop and implement a strategy for development and equity. Instead of outsize military investments, it could invest in solutions to the socioeconomic and governance challenges preventing a better life for the region’s citizens. The United States, along with its wealthy allies, could help partners that want to transform the region from a set of problems to a set of possibilities. Either way, the United States and the Middle East are not going to part ways—but Washington should seize the chance to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.”
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.
This Week In Lebanon: 12/4/2021
December 4, 2021
Lebanon launches cash card aid, despite funding shortfall
700,000 Children In Lebanon Can’t Afford School Anymore
Three Lebanese Judges Resign Due To Political Interference In The Judiciary
Lebanon launches cash card aid, despite funding shortfall
Following months of delays, and with only some of the funding secured, Lebanon on Wednesday opened registration for two cash assistance programmes to help 700,000 vulnerable families cope with the withdrawal of crucial subsidies. Social Affairs Minister Hector Hajjar said at the launch event at the Grand Serail in downtown Beirut, where Prime Minister Najib Mikati, lawmakers, and diplomats were in attendance, that the cash assistance initiatives are only meant to provide temporary relief. [Al Jazeera]
RESPONSE
“The World Bank has registration criteria and transparent oversight mechanisms to make certain that the cash card program truly assists the most vulnerable Lebanese and is free from political interference and patronage from corrupt civil servants or politicians. It is a shame that it is taking parliament so long to establish a cash assistance program that meets these simple criteria. Meanwhile the Lebanese people continue to suffer with nearly a third of the population unable to properly feed themselves. The 2022 elections continue to bring hope to the Lebanese people that anti-corruption figures are elected from the opposition. In the meantime, parliament should show the Lebanese people it can address their needs.”
-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel
700,000 Children In Lebanon Can’t Afford School Anymore
On World Children’s Day, November 23rd, UNICEF released a report on a survey conducted in Lebanon showing the worsening impact of the crisis on children. With no sign of betterment in Lebanon’s economy, the impact on children is progressively worsening. A recent poll showed an increase in the number of children going hungry, having to work to support their family, and not getting access to decent healthcare. According to recent UNICEF figures, 3 in 10 households have cut expenses on education while 4 in 10 had to sell household items to buy basic goods, and 7 in 10 are having to buy food on credit or borrow money. [The 961]
RESPONSE
“When I was young, education in Lebanon was considered world class and so my Lebanese-American parents wanted their children to benefit from the great education system in both countries. They wanted their children to attend primary school in the US and secondary school in Lebanon. Lebanese, then and now, have always viewed providing their children with the best possible education as a duty. Families in Lebanon today are being deprived of this basic and essential right. Lebanon’s star has lost its luster as the beacon of education and the source of so many skilled people working throughout the world. I never came to Lebanon for school, it was too unstable. Then as now, the price of political paralysis is a generational loss of talent.”
-ATFL Vice President for Policy Jean AbiNader
Three Lebanese Judges Resign Due To Political Interference In The Judiciary
Three senior Lebanese female judges have resigned over interference by politicians in the work of the judiciary, including the Beirut Blast Investigation. In a country where political leaders undermine the legal system and determine judicial appointments based on their loyalty rather than effectiveness, there is little room for the judiciary to properly work, especially when it comes to Lebanon’s ruling class. [The 961]
RESPONSE
“The assault on the judiciary continues. Through intimidation, threats, slander, and other means, judges are being coerced to either leave or comply with political dictates. Lebanon cannot achieve maturity as a government operating under rule of law without an independent and functioning judicial system. It is not just Judge Tarek Bitar and the Beirut Port explosion; it is a confusing and deprecating sectarian system that works against the Lebanese as a people free to exercise basic rights guaranteed in Lebanon’s constitution and international declarations which it has signed.”
-ATFL Vice President for Policy 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.