DAILY NEWS
Fuel Shortages Cause Mass Queues at Lebanon’s Gas Stations
Fuel shortages in Lebanon are causing mass queues at gas stations, many waiting hours before they can fill their car with a rationed amount of gas. Hundreds of cars have been seen lined up for miles the past few days. [Middle East Eye] Meanwhile many gas stations have closed and the association of gas station owners is blaming the central bank for not providing dollars to cover Lebanon’s fuel import needs. Tensions have risen after a fistfight broke out at a gas station last week and reports of a man firing his gun in the air after being turned away at a station in Tripoli. [Washington Post]
Human Rights Watch Calls for Investigative Mission
In a joint letter signed by 53 Lebanese, regional, and international groups and individuals, the Human Rights Watch called on the UN Human Rights Council to establish an investigative mission into the August 4 Port of Beirut explosion. The letter noted the flaws of the domestic investigation that has been conducted thus far including political interference and violations of due process. Another 62 survivors and families of the victims also signed the letter. [Associated Press]
UN Deputy Special Coordinator Najat Rochdi on the State of Lebanon
UN Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Najat Rochdi recently spoke to reporters at the UN in Geneva on the state of Lebanon. She said that public services have broken down and the healthcare system is stretched beyond its limits while political reforms remain illusive. Rochdi spoke to Lebanon’s path to recovery through the 3RF which is the ‘Reform, Recovery, and Reconstruction Framework.’ [UN News]
OPINION & ANALYSIS
Carnegie Middle East Center
Building on Lebanon’s Ruins
Michael Young
Young writes: “A new Lebanon is emerging on the debris of the old, and Hezbollah wants to fashion the country in its own image. Three words are notably absent today: ‘International Monetary Fund.’ Lebanon will not soon resort to the IMF’s conditions and reform its public finances to secure a bailout. Hezbollah does not want Lebanon to submit to an institution in which Western states have a major say. In this the party will have the backing of a contemptible Lebanese political class that refuses to make any concession that diminish its power.”
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.