Humanitarian Relief Archives - Page 2 of 7

This Week In Lebanon: 10/10/2021

Posted on October 10, 2021October 18, 2021 by admin2

October 10, 2021
USAID Launches $29 Million Energy Project
Iranian Foreign Minister Visits Beirut
Lebanon Resumes Talks With the IMF

USAID Launches $29 Million Energy Project
The US Agency for International Development has launched a $29 million project to deliver energy across Lebanon through a contract with IMC Worldwide, Inc. The project is designed to increase the supply of electricity generation at the community level in a cost-effective and reliable way while strengthening capacities for renewable energy. [US Embassy Beirut]

RESPONSE

“USAID energy projects at the local level offer the Miqati government a unique and clean energy opportunity if they move to unbundle electricity generation, transmission, and distribution services and allow independent and local producers access to the grid. Two things are important: protecting an independent Tenders Board to allow for the transparent bidding of electricity generation; and a law that allows local solar projects to sell excess generation to the country’s electric grid. USAID has undertaken an important step to help communities across the country with their electricity demand. The Miqati government should take advantage of this opportunity and partner with USAID.”

-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel

Iranian Foreign Minister Visits Beirut
This past week Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met with Lebanese officials in Beirut. In a discussion with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, FM Amir-Abdollahian discussed ongoing talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia and their “positive effects.” He also blamed regional instability on foreign troops based in the Middle East. [AP] He further expressed Iran’s willingness to rebuild Beirut’s port and that Iranian firms are ready to build two power plants in Lebanon within 18 months. [Naharnet] On Friday the foreign minister announced that Iran will continue to send fuel shipments to Lebanon through coordination with Hezbollah and that Tehran is ready to send essential items, including medicine. [Naharnet]

RESPONSE

“In what can only be seen as direct challenges to US policy in the region and to Prime Minister Miqati’s new government, Iran and Hezbollah have promised to continue bringing fuel oil to Lebanon. The US doesn’t want to be seen as an obstruction of sorely-needed fuel imports to Lebanon. However, with transit being handled through Syria without official approval by the Lebanese customs authority, and Caesar Sanctions hovering unless waivers are applied, a resolution is unclear. This is a good opportunity for the new government to demonstrate its resolve to maintain its sovereignty by finding better options with its friends to meet the country’s energy needs.”

-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader

Lebanon Resumes Talks With the IMF
Lebanon’s Finance Minister announced the resumption of talks with the International Monetary Fund and in the coming days, Lebanon and the IMF are set to hold technical discussions. The major issue in the talks that halted negotiations last year with the Diab government is who will be responsible for covering the Banque du Liban’s losses. [Al Jazeera]

RESPONSE

“Some analysts are concerned that Lebanon’s IMF negotiators will drag on the process until the March elections to avoid deciding how the banking sector’s debt will be allocated among its depositors. PM Miqati has said that he intends to exempt those with less than $100,000 in foreign currency accounts. There are several legitimate proposals on the table but, without the support of the bankers, who resist haircuts and restructuring, there may likely be another stalemate. The Prime Minister has asked Lazard for advice as they have already done this for the Hariri and Diab governments. A more resolute and transparent assessment must be completed soon and remedies assigned to lift the burden of restricted access to private accounts.”

-ATFL Policy Director 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.

Assist ISF and LAF Families in These Desperate Times

Posted on September 29, 2021 by admin

There is no way to ignore the sword of Damocles hanging over the security services in Lebanon. It is shocking but true that deficits for both the ISF and LAF exceed 90% in the current budget. This affects everything from salaries and health services, to food supplies, operations, and staffing. At a program in Beirut on September 22, General Joseph Aoun, Commander of the LAF, Major General Imad Osman, Commander of the ISF, and US Ambassador Dorothy Shea addressed the difficulties facing the troops and their families.

Ambassador Shea noted that the US is the largest donor to the LAF providing some $2.6 billion since 2006 with an additional $56 million approved just the previous week. The current first-ever visit to the LAF of a naval training ship demonstrates that the US will continue to support training, materials, and equipment to ensure the LAF’s readiness and capacity. She assured the audience that the US invested in the LAF because of its professionalism and its respect for the human and civil rights of the people in Lebanon.

Ambassador Ed Gabriel, President of ATFL spoke after the officials, and asked both the virtual audience overseas and those in Lebanon to help address the needs of the troops. ATFL has joined with Spirit of America (www.spiritofamerica.org), the not-for-profit US organization made up of veterans of the US armed services who provide humanitarian assistance in conflict areas where US forces serve overseas.

Together we are committed to raising funds to support the families of the LAF and ISF who are under severe pressure as a result of the erosion of the Lebanese currency, economy, and essential supplies. Not only does the deficit impact their livelihoods, but it reduces their effectiveness and operational readiness as they have had to cut back funds allocated to operations and supplies in order to pay soldiers.

General Aoun provided details of how the lira, at an estimated rate of 15,000:1, has severely undermined personnel costs and gravely limited the Army’s patrols and logistics. Major General Osman noted that budget shortfalls mean that even basic arms and munitions are not available to the ISF, challenging the capacity of the troops to carry out their responsibilities.

A basic calculation is that a family can be supported with a contribution of $100 per month ($1200 annually). All donations will be transparently channeled through Spirit of America, which will provide details on how the monies are allocated. A video of the September 22 conference is available here.

In the meantime, you can donate at this link.

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon.

Voices of Healing: From a Small Seed to an International Mission

Posted on September 21, 2021 by admin

The statistics on Lebanon’s desperate conditions are well known. From more than 74% of the population living in poverty, to the erosion in purchasing power and the scarcity of essential goods, the situation is perilous. Yet the Lebanese people, as they have done for decades, refuse to be defeated. This is the story of one such person, Terry Bitar, a Lebanese architect studying for her MBA in the US, who turned her personal humanitarian initiative into an international effort, the Charity Donation Foundation www.charitydonationfoundation.org.

Her mission began simply enough in 2014 in her hometown of Zahle, gathering clothing for Lebanon’s most underprivileged families and combatting the challenging impact on local communities of hosting a large number of refugees. Services were provided to the needy, regardless of sect or political leanings, to spread the message of hope and national purpose.

Her work and the foundation’s reach have spread beyond Lebanon and it is now headquartered in Washington, DC. The on-field team remains as engaged and motivated to help and serve as ever, and in fact, their motivation has grown along with the increasing need on the ground in Lebanon. The team conducted more than 18 different campaigns since January 2021 with a total budget of less than $70,000 distributed among 5,200 beneficiaries and 12 NGOs in 12 different regions of the Bekaa and Beirut. Great results for a team operating under virtual management.

Bitar believes that civil society is the most resilient part of Lebanon, and Charity Donation Foundation’s consistent and ongoing weekly campaigns spread a message of hope and showcase the strength, resilience, and resolve of all Lebanese communities helping each other, side by side, to overcome all problems while carving new pathways for a brand new Lebanon. The Foundation has a vision for Lebanon in which the leadership works on behalf of the people, lacking sectarianism, serving a society that is civically engaged and ready to help, serve, and build together.

Bitar’s efforts have drawn international recognition, spreading its concepts for sustainable development in countries ranging from Egypt, to the US, France, Turkey, Pakistan, and Tunisia.

Due to Lebanon’s unprecedented economic crisis, Charity Donation launched emergency relief campaigns in March 2020. On a weekly basis and consistently since then, campaigns have continued with the aim of providing necessities, including food and hygiene products, to help support Lebanon’s most needy, including its middle class which has also grown deprived as a result of Lebanon’s augmenting economic downturn.

One of the Foundation’s most successful programs is a social enterprise called Love Bites. It is a Lebanese healthy snack brand that offers elderly, underprivileged women, and young university students the opportunity to pursue economic inclusion by producing food items. It ensures that team members can sell these products for a basic income, contributing to women’s empowerment and gender equality through economically inclusive social enterprises.

The Love Bites project has received funding from USAID and UKAID and produces more than 40 items In in different subsections, such as vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, keto, and light-friendly.

The most recent project is a “Help Lebanon” campaign to get basic food parcels, baby milk formula, and medications. The target of the foundation is to raise $50,000 US, and is mobilizing across the US and Lebanon. Donors can make a great impact by supporting this effort to help the Lebanese families who will receive the aid. More information and ways to donate can be found here: www.charitydonationfoundation.org/donate. For more information on CDF programs in Lebanon please send an email here.

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 9/1/2021

Posted on September 1, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

US Congressional Delegation Meets With President Michel Aoun
Today a US Congressional delegation led by Senator Chris Murphy met with President Michel Aoun at Baabda Palace. Aoun told the delegation that the “cabinet formation process has made major progress” and stressed that parliamentary elections will be held on time next year. The delegation reiterated the United States’ support for the Lebanese people and assured that LAF assistance will continue. [Naharnet]

UN Allocates $10 Million to Lebanese Hospitals and Water Stations
Th UN announced that it has allocated $10 million to Lebanon through its humanitarian funds to help hospitals and water stations. The funds will be used to ensure hospitals and water stations have enough fuel to keep the power on with $6 million going to 65 hospitals, primary health care centers, and dispensaries, and $4 million to other health centers, water stations, and four water facilities. [The Daily Star]

Iranian Fuel Shipments Have Yet to Be Confirmed
Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah announced almost two weeks ago that a shipment of fuel from Iran was setting sail for Lebanon. Since then, he has announced two more shipments. Tanker Trackers, a service that tracks and reports shipments of crude oil said today that its satellite imagery shows the vessels have yet to depart. It added that the first vessel should be in the southern section of the Red Sea by now, but they do not have visual confirmation of the ship. The Lebanese caretaker energy minister said today that Hezbollah has bypassed the state it its move to import the fuel. [Al Arabiya]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Lebanese Center for Policy Studies
The Central Bank’s Circulars Regulating Depositors’ Accounts

LCPS writes, “In its latest and most controversial decision, the BDL issued Circular No. 158 (on 8 June 2021), granting depositors exceptional measures concerning foreign currency cash withdrawals. The circular aims to partially compensate depositors for their dollar deposits by allowing them to withdraw the equivalent of USD 800 on a monthly basis: USD 400 in “fresh dollars” (cash) and USD 400 in the national currency at an exchange rate fixed by BDL at LBP 12,000 (the USD 400 in “fresh dollars” payment is divided evenly between BDL and the banks). The circular applies to all foreign currency accounts opened before 31 October 2019, and covers savings preceding that date. Moreover, it sets a cap on the amount of funds redeemable under its terms to USD 50,000, and stipulates that the total annual withdrawal limit in US dollars from across all banks must not surpass USD 4,800 per depositor. Circular No. 158 took effect on July 1, but was met with a lot of skepticism and reluctance by depositors for lack of clarity in many of its terms.[3] In addition, many economists and financial experts raised concerns about the potentially damaging impact of such a decision on inflation and the overall economy. The fear is that the payment of USD 400 in Lebanese pounds will increase the money supply in pounds by approximately LBP 27 trillion over a one-year period, causing hyperinflation and the weakening of the national currency against the dollar.”

Read more here

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 8/31/2021

Posted on August 31, 2021August 31, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

UNIFIL Mandate Extended With Extra Provision for Lebanese Army
Yesterday evening the UN Security Council extended the mandate for UNIFIL for another year through Resolution 1701. The Security Council adopted the 2591 decision, which adds exceptional measures including logistical support for the Lebanese army and supplies of fuel, food, and medicine for six months. [The 961]

Major General Abbas Ibrahim Leads Government Mediation Efforts
Yesterday in an effort to break political deadlock, head of General Security Major General Abbas Ibrahim led mediation efforts between President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati. Envoys from the two leaders shuttled back and forth between Baabda Palace and Miqati’s Beirut residence with lists of proposed candidates for key ministries, sources say. [The Daily Star] Hezbollah encouraged Ibrahim’s efforts to break the deadlock. [Naharnet]

Flour Millers’ Association Warns Production Will Cease Without Fuel
Today Lebanon’s flour millers’ association said in a statement that fuel shortages are threatening to halt bread production.The association called on Lebanese officials to “work quickly before it is too late” and that mills’ fuel oil supply has run out and production could cease as early as today. [Reuters]

Gas Station in Flames in Bcharre District
Last night a loud explosion was heard in Lebanon’s northern district of Bcharre, followed by a gas station in Hadath al-Jebbe going up in flames. Civil defense teams put out the fire and security forces are investigating the incident. [Al Arabiya]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Carnegie Middle East Center
Lebanon Needs an Emergency Stabilization Program
Amer Bisat

Bisat writes, “While a comprehensive reform plan will eventually be necessary, the country needs to immediately arrest its collapse. The nation’s fabric is effectively being torn apart. The economy is in a depression, inflation is startlingly high, the currency is imploding, there are widespread shortages in basic goods, the health system is failing, emigration is accelerating, civil disorder is rampant, and the Lebanese people are witnessing an alarming rise in sectarian tensions. Due to all of this, it is necessary to introduce an emergency stabilization program (ESP) that seeks to achieve basic—some would say rudimentary—objectives. These include ending the economic depression and injecting much-needed capital into the economy, reducing shortages of basic goods, bringing back core government services, stabilizing the currency, and controlling inflation. For this to be successful, the ESP must be politically feasible, simple enough to be rolled out quickly—in as short a period as one hundred days—and must show immediate results.”

Read more here

Momentum Growing to Obtain Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Lebanese Nationals in US

Posted on August 24, 2021August 24, 2021 by admin

Lebanon’s woeful conditions are pushing many to leave the country. They have had enough of the impending crash of the Lebanese economy due to government mismanagement, the deterioration in the health, education, and services sectors, the collapse of the banking sector, and the vastly diminished value of the Lebanese currency which are forcing many Lebanese to emigrate as an interim solution. There are currently about 30,000 Lebanese in the US on non-resident visas, as tourists, students, and work interns. It is proposed that assigning them Temporary Protected Status (TPS) would give them the opportunity to stay in the US for a specified period of time if conditions in Lebanon are deemed unsafe for their return.

Previously, this has been done for Syrians and others whose homes are in conflict zones, subject to lawlessness and terrorism, and with no effective governmental authority. There are a number of groups rallying community organizations and policy makers on this issue, sending letters to the Biden Administration in support of designating Lebanese in the US with TPS status. Another option being pursued is a Delayed Enforced Departure (DED) status, which is a benefit authorized at the discretion of the President that allows certain individuals to live and work in the United States for a designated period of time.

TPS and DED have been essential programs for protecting those residing in the US from returning to an unsafe environment with threatening political and security conditions. It allows those whose visas are expiring to remain in the US with permission to work for the duration of the designation, which can be extended. This protects them from the threat of deportation. The President of the United States has the discretion to designate countries or regions for DED as part of the president’s power to conduct foreign relations. The president generally grants DED, which has no statutory basis, by issuing a presidential directive through an executive order or presidential memorandum.

There are some who say that Lebanon may be economically and politically distressed but is far from anarchy and desperation and specific life-threatening threats to certain groups or individuals. Many would disagree with that assessment, particularly the Lebanese themselves and those who have visited the country this summer. Nothing can be assumed to be functioning, from the lack of electricity and fuel, to the shortage of potable water and essential products, to the out of control currency, and the constant intimidating presence of Hezbollah virtually and physically in most areas of the country.

With Afghanistan in mind, some Lebanese commentators are trying to make the analogy that Lebanon can also be overrun and threatened with militia rule, but that assumes the LAF will collapse and the US will stand down, assessments which I believe are far off the mark.

Here is a chart comparing the TPS and DED designations.

There is no doubt that Lebanon is in crisis, its people under threat, and its economy and government not soon to be reformed and functional. Lebanon’s woes are well known, and living there has become “hell” according to some, and many would agree. It’s not just the physical strain, but the psychological trauma of living in a country that has literally dissolved in terms of its operations, with a political structure unwilling to intervene, hoping that delays will further entrench their abilities to despoil what is left of the state.

As the World Bank has indicted, Lebanon is experiencing one of the top three worst economic disasters worldwide since the mid-19th century. UNICEF has raised the alarm about the rapid decline in access to safe water, and UNESCO has chronicled the demise of the educational sector. The indicators are clear, but international efforts to pressure the government to reform continue with no impact. Obtaining TPS and DED are tactics to protect those abroad who can, at an appropriate time, return to Lebanon and aid in its healing and reconstruction.

Given the asylum demands for Afghans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and many others from China, Hong Kong, Russia, Iraq, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, it is important to mobilize in support TPS and DED for Lebanese in the US if attention is to be paid to this issue. No one can deny that since the first Lebanese immigrants arrived in the US in the late 1800s, the community has made a constructive and worthy contribution to this country. Despite the hardline anti-immigration position held by many in the US, this is still a cause worth supporting.

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 8/17/2021

Posted on August 17, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

Gas Station Goes Up in Flames After Gunfire in Beirut
A gas station in the southern suburbs of Beirut went up in flames after being hit by heavy gunfire. Reports say that the group that opened fire on the Jabal Amel gas station were trying to refuel at the station before violence broke out. The Lebanese army was deployed to manage the situation and arrested some of the shooters. [The 961]

Hospitals in Northern Lebanon Face Power Outages
Hospitals in the northern Lebanon region of Akkar are struggling to operate while they face electricity cuts due to the ongoing fuel shortages. The critical power outages come only two days after a fuel tank exploded in the area, killing at least 28 people and injuring around 80 people more. The hospitals have been forced to scale back operations while power cuts last as long as 22 hours a day. [France 24]

Berri Calls for Parliamentary Session on Fuel Subsidies
Today Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called for a parliamentary session on Friday to respond to Lebanon’s severe fuel shortage. [Reuters] At the request of President Michel Aoun, Parliament discussion should focus on a “position, action, or decision” on fuel subsidization following last week’s decision by Central Bank governor Riad Salameh to halt fuel subsidies. [Naharnet]

Continued Government Formation Talks
Following talks with President Michel Aoun today, Prime Minister-designate Najib Miqati described the discussions as “positive,” but that there are still obstacles to work through. He did not give a timeframe for when a cabinet would be formed. [The Daily Star]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Arab American Institute
The Lebanon I Love is Dying
Dr. James J. Zogby

Zogby writes, “I recall Gibran’s love poem to Lebanon as I see horrors that even he could not have imagined: widespread poverty; corrupt, feudal, sectarian elites dancing on the grave of the country in a vain effort to sustain their privileged roles; and an armed militia functioning as a state within a state — willing to use force to maintain its position. In the future, I want to write about the political situation in Lebanon. For now, I just want to remember what there is to love about the Lebanon that was (and I hope will be again) and damn those who are hell-bent on burying it.”

Read more here

Middle East Institute
Lebanon’s upcoming allocation of IMF Special Drawing Rights
Christophe Abi-Nassif

Abi-Nassif writes, “Unlike what is inaccurately reported in most Lebanese media, Lebanon’s share of the allocation is neither a grant nor a loan by the IMF. It is instead an asset that belongs to the Lebanese people. Fairly and transparently using this newfound liquidity can alleviate Lebanon’s explosive food and medical insecurity at a time when four in five Lebanese live in poverty and shortages of medication and critical medical supplies are threatening the entire health care system. Proceeds from a potential SDRs exchange can indeed help finance a targeted and direct cash transfer program to shield Lebanon’s most vulnerable citizens. The World Bank has been advocating for such a program for months and had developed a $246 million emergency social safety net project back in January. This project could be further expanded and complemented by increased, SDR-generated funding, a direction that many Lebanese civil society and diaspora organizations have been calling for given Lebanon’s rampant humanitarian disaster.”

Read more here

Lebanon Daily News Brief 8/16/2021

Posted on August 16, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

Fuel Tank Explosion in Akkar
Yesterday’s fuel tank explosion in Akkar took the lives of at least 28 people and injured 79. Around 200 people were nearby when the tank exploded. Protesters blame Lebanese politicians as Lebanon’s fuel shortage continues to cause chaos at gas stations around the country. Some have called for President Michel Aoun to take responsibility and resign, including former Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri. [Reuters] Aoun said today that he will not resign and that he hopes a government will be formed in the next few days. [Naharnet]

AUB Hospital Close to Shutting Down Due to Fuel Shortages
Over the weekend the American University of Beirut Medical Center released a warning that it may be forced to shut down due to extreme fuel shortages. The AUBMC statement said that the lives of 55 patients dependent on respirators, including 15 children, and over 100 people on dialysis would be immediately in danger if fuel shortages caused the hospital to shut down. In its appeal, AUBMC urged the Lebanese government, the UN, and aid agencies to help. [AP] Yesterday AUBMC said the UN, WHO, the World Bank, and others stepped in and were able to supply fuel so that the hospital did not have to shut down today, and will have around a week of reserves. [AUBMC Statement]

US Ambassador Meets with Miqati and Aoun
Today US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea met with Prime Minister-designate Miqati and later President Michel Aoun to discuss the states of government formation talks. Ambassador Shea stressed the urgent need for government formation and steps toward reforms to keep Lebanon from slipping further into a humanitarian catastrophe. In her statement today she further expressed condolences over yesterday’s loss of life in Akkar. [US Embassy Beirut]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Middle East Institute
Lebanon’s upcoming allocation of IMF Special Drawing Rights
Christophe Abi-Nassif

Read more here

Carnegie Middle East Center
Enemies in the Gates
Michael Young

Young writes, “If Nasrallah knows that Lebanon is divided over the resistance, he can guess the strength of the backlash a future war with Israel might provoke. Does Hezbollah really feel it can pursue an approach in which its wars have to be fought in duplicate—one against an external enemy, first, followed by another against its domestic rivals?”

Read more here

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Lebanon’s Crisis and UNIFIL’s Mandate Renewal
David Schenker and Assaf Orion

Schenker and Orion write, “To make UNIFIL more effective and prevent dangerous destabilization in the south, the Security Council should review the force’s mandate more frequently, reallocate its resources to better fit its mission, make reporting more transparent and accurate, and hold the government and LAF accountable for their obstruction.”

Read more here

This Week In Lebanon: 8/7/2021

Posted on August 7, 2021August 8, 2021 by admin2

August 7, 2021
US Announces Additional $100 Million in Aid to Lebanon
Human Rights Watch Releases Beirut Port Evidence in Report
Village Residents Seize Hezbollah Rocket Launchers

US Announces Additional $100 Million in Aid to Lebanon
This week President Joe Biden announced that the United States will give close to $100 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon as the country approached the one-year anniversary of the Beirut Port explosion. [Reuters] This aid money is in addition to t$560 million given over the past two years. [The 961] Also this week $370 million was raised for Lebanon during an international aid conference co-hosted by France and the UN. [The 961]

RESPONSE

“The US Congress and Biden administration have shown the past few months, and especially this past week, that Lebanon matters to US policy. President Biden’s announcement of $100 million in humanitarian aid paired with draft resolutions from both the US House and Senate in support of Lebanon show progress in the US-Lebanon relationship. Combined with active diplomatic efforts by the US, with France and Arab partners, the US appears intent on offering ‘carrots’ in the form of potential IMF relief if a reform-minded government is formed, and ‘sticks’ in the form of sanctions, coordinated with its French and European partners. In June, aid for the LAF was announced. Next the US should be ramping up support for the two American universities, AUB and LAU, and focusing on the brain drain in the health sector and its lack of medical support and supplies.”

-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel

Human Rights Watch Releases Beirut Port Evidence in Report
In an incriminating report published this week, Human Rights Watch released evidence against senior Lebanese officials from the August 4 Beirut Port blast and identified systemic legal and political issues that obstruct justice for the explosion. The organization is calling on the UN Human Rights Council to mandate an investigation along with sanctions from other countries against the officials responsible. [HRW]

RESPONSE

“It seems that everyone except the Lebanese government has done an investigation into the Beirut Port explosion and, based on available evidence, pointed to the culprits who either by design or omission are implicated. Justice is a word that implies at least these qualities: transparency, equality before the law, timeliness, and accountability. The Lebanese people, especially those who are grieving and still marked by that awful day, have seen justice cast aside by those who claim to be above the law by their actions and statements. We say again, time for the international community to take strong measures to say enough, time for justice, now.”

-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader

Village Residents Seize Hezbollah Rocket Launchers Following Border Escalations
This morning Hezbollah launched tens of rockets on Israeli-controlled Shebaa Farms in retaliation for yesterday’s Israeli airstrikes. The rocket fire prompted cross-border attacks from Israel’s army. [Bloomberg] UNIFIL has called for an immediate ceasefire and is working with the LAF to strengthen security measures. [Naharnet] Following border escalations, residents of one village in southern Lebanon halted Hezbollah members on their way back from a launch site and seized a truck mounted with rocket launchers. The truck was subsequently handed over to the Lebanese army. [The New Arab]

RESPONSE

“God bless the people of Druze village of Shwayya who impounded a Hezbollah rocket launcher and turned it over to the LAF. Lebanese authorities should make sure that the village is protected from retaliation by Hezbollah and work with UNIFIL to ensure their safety. The recent erosion of security along the Lebanese boundary with Israel is, by many accounts, a larger ploy by Iran to demonstrate that its new government will not be restrained in its campaign against Israel. Why must the Lebanese people continue to pay the price for this deadly waste of time? Israel has better options than punishing Lebanon if it wants to send messages to Iran.”

-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader

Lebanon Daily News 8/3/2021

Posted on August 3, 2021August 4, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

Human Rights Watch Releases Evidence Against Senior Officials in the Beirut Port Blast
In a report published yesterday, Human Rights Watch released evidence against senior Lebanese officials from the August 4 Beirut Port blast and identified systemic legal and political issues that obstruct justice for the explosion. The organization is calling on the UN Human Rights Council to mandate an investigation along with sanctions from other countries against the officials responsible. [HRW]

France and UN to Co-Host International Aid Conference
Tomorrow French President Emmanuel Macron and UN Secretary-General Antonio Gueterres will co-host an international aid conference for Lebanon, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the August 4 Beirut Port explosion. France says that the conference needs to raise at least $357 million in aid in order to meet Lebanon’s most urgent needs. President Joe Biden will provide pre-recorded remarks at the beginning of the conference. [Al Arabiya]

Miqati Gives Cabinet Formation a Three-Week Deadline
Yesterday during Prime Minister-designate Nijab Miqati’s meeting with President Michel Aoun he reportedly told the president that he is giving a three-week deadline to form a new government. [Naharnet] It is reported that Aoun is demanding the interior and justice portfolios while Miqati is attempting to assign these posts to a “neutral” and reliable” person regardless if they are Sunni or Christian. [Naharnet] The International Support Group met today and further urged Lebanon’s political leaders to form an empowered government that can implement reforms without delay. [Naharnet]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Washington Post
A Year After Beirut’s Blast, Macron’s Lebanon Gambit is a Dud
Ishan Tharoor

Tharoor writes: “Macron promised to help push through much-needed political and economic reforms. He planted a cedar tree — the country’s national emblem — and spoke of ushering in Lebanon’s “rebirth.”…But as Lebanon’s self-appointed midwife, Macron has little to show months later. Cynicism surrounding his gambit set in swiftly. Observers mocked Macron as more popular in Beirut than in Paris, where he will face a stiff test to retain power in elections next year. The limits of his influence were already visible when Lebanon’s political factions blazed by a mid-September deadline to form a new government. The country’s caretaker government is now on its fourth prime minister — the billionaire businessman Najib Mikati — since the explosion took place. Macron repeatedly expressed disappointment with Lebanon’s politicians for prioritizing their narrow interests over the public good. His ire was directed especially at Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese Shiite faction with links to Iran, whose allies include the country’s Maronite Christian president, Michel Aoun. But Macron also had minimal leverage over these actors and only belatedly slapped light sanctions on a number of Lebanese politicians linked to allegations of corruption.”

Read more here