DAILY NEWS

US Renews Military Assistance Commitment to Lebanon
Last week the US State Department and the Lebanese Armed Forces virtually held the inaugural US-Lebanon Defense Resourcing Conference. Delegations from both countries highlighted the strength of the US-Lebanese Armed Forces relationship and discussed priorities surrounding counterterrorism, border security, and defense institution building. The United States announced $120 million in foreign military financing assistance to Lebanon for the 2021 fiscal year. [US State Department]

Continued Political Debate Over Government Formation
After President Michel Aoun’s letter was read during last Friday’s parliamentary session in which he blamed Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri for delay in government formation, the session was adjourned and moved to Saturday. During Saturday’s session PM-designate Hariri said he would not form a government that gives preference to a political factions, including the president’s. [Reuters] Today Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri urged political leaders to resolve differences and acknowledge that Lebanon’s political crisis is “100% purely domestic and personal.” [Naharnet]

Water Shortages in Lebanon
Lebanon is facing serious water shortages and some Lebanese are saying that the government’s mismanagement is to blame. In the video above, BBC talks with some of the residents affected. [BBC]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Standing Up For Lebanon – Recent US Words and Actions
Jean AbiNader

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.