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
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?
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.