DAILY NEWS
Lebanese Forces Leader Charged Over Tayouneh Clashes
This week, State Commissioner to the Military Court Judge Fadi Akiki filed charges against Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces Party, over the October 14th Tayouneh Clashes. [Naharnet] According to Al Jazeera, “Any attempt to arrest Geagea would likely be resisted by his party, creating the potential for trouble just two months before the parliamentary election, said Mohanad Hage Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center.” [Al Jazeera]
British Embassy in Beirut: Deeply Concerned’ Over Account Closures
In a statement, the British Embassy in Beirut said it was ‘deeply concerned’ over the ‘discriminatory‘, ‘unilateral action’ taken by Lebanese banks to close their accounts held by UK citizens. The statement and closures follow a February 28th UK court ruling ordering two Lebanese banks to return $4 million to a UK client after being unable to access that money since 2019. [Reuters]
Iranian FM in Lebanon
For the second time in the span of five months, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian is heading a delegation in Beirut, after visiting Syria, holding talks with President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib, and Secretary General of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah, among other political leaders and figures. [L’Orient Today]
OPINION & ANALYSIS
Lebanon Needs International Support For Judicial Reform
Adnan Nasser
Nasser writes, “The United States is a traditional ally of Lebanon and should continue to more forcefully prioritize independence of the judiciary as a key anti-corruption reform upon which additional aid can be unlocked. Recently the Biden Administration and Congress increased aid to Lebanon’s ailing economy and security forces to help their families survive the pandemic. All of this is welcome and can help bring more stability to Lebanon in preparation for the May election. However, future aid should be predicated on guaranteeing the safety and freedom of judges to conduct their work without intimidation. Lebanon’s failing democracy can be rescued, not simply by the power of voters, but by the confidence of its judiciary’s independence.”
Beyond Barriers: Who And Where Are The Women Running In Lebanon’s May Elections, And What Are Their Prospects?
Rana Tabbara and Richard Salame
Tabbara and Salame write, “The number of women running varies across Lebanon, with the highest concentration of candidates being in Beirut. Women candidates are most represented in Beirut I, where they make up 29 percent of parliamentary hopefuls. The only other district where women make up more than 20 percent of candidates is Beirut II, at 24 percent. In nine districts they are between 10 and 20 percent of candidates. In four districts they are less than 10 percent of candidates. Women are least represented in Baalbek-Hermel and Saida-Jezzine, where they make up 7 percent of candidates each.”