LAF Archives

Lebanon Daily News Brief 11/22/2021

Posted on November 22, 2021November 23, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

Lebanon’s Navy Rescues a Boat in Distress Carrying Migrants
Prime Minister Najib Miqati’s office announced on Saturday that Lebanon’s navy rescued migrants who were illegally traveling west across the Mediterranean Sea from Lebanon. The country’s desperate circumstances has led to an increase of Lebanese, Syrians, and Palestinians attempting to travel across the sea to the EU. The PM’s office statement said there would be an investigation into the case as smugglers have made a business of selling passage to Europe. [AP]

Lebanon’s Bar Association Holds Elections
Lebanon’s Bar Association held elections yesterday to select nine new members and the new head of the association. Around 7,600 lawyers voted and 36 candidates stood. Former President Amin Gemayel said, “We hope that the elections will come out with results that embody Lebanon’s ambition, and that this Bar Association will be an example for all syndicates.” Winning members included Imad Martinos, Nader Kaspar, Elias Bazrelli, Abdo Lahoud, Iskandar Najjar, Fadi Al-Masry, Marwan Gabr, Wajih Massad, and Maya Al-Zaghrini. [Arab News]

Russia Sends Beirut Port Blast Images
Following a request earlier this year for satellite images of Beirut’s port before and after the August 4 explosion, Russia has sent the images to Lebanon’s government. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced the update after talks with a Lebanese official in Moscow. [Reuters]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Brookings
Is Hezbollah Overplaying its Hand Inside Lebanon?
Stephanie T. Williams

Williams writes, “As Lebanon prepares for much-needed national elections next year, one can hope that independent candidates representing the cross-sectarian movement that emerged in October 2019 could help change the balance in the parliament. Hezbollah will continue to enjoy substantial support amongst its Shiite base, given the organization’s historical role as protectors of this once-marginalized community, but as their co-religionists recently demonstrated in the Iraqi elections, there are increasing complaints of an overreliance on Iran at the expense of the community’s Arab roots.”

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Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington
Is Hezbollah Overplaying its Hand Inside Lebanon?
Hussein Ibish

Ibish writes, “The de facto abandonment of Lebanon by most of the Gulf states has been developing for at least a decade. These countries have long been uneasy with the decisive political power in Lebanon of the pro-Iranian Shia group Hezbollah. Those concerns have been steadily mounting along with the rise of Iran’s regional influence and reach following the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq and the successful intervention by Russia, Hezbollah, and Iran in the Syrian civil war beginning in 2015 in support of the Damascus regime. Since the main part of the Syrian conflict has ended with the fall of Aleppo to pro-regime forces, Hezbollah has come to occupy a regional role far beyond its function as a Lebanese political party and militia. It effectively serves as the vanguard of Iran’s extensive network of allied militia groups in Arab countries such as Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, and beyond with a presence and effective role far beyond Lebanon’s borders.”

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.

This Week In Lebanon: 11/13/2021

Posted on November 13, 2021November 16, 2021 by admin2

November 13, 2021
Arab League Envoy Backs Call for Kordahi’s Resignation
Miqati Pledges to Hold Elections by May 21, 2022
“How Corruption Ruined Lebanon” by Rania Abouzeid

Arab League Envoy Backs Calls for Kordahi’s Resignation
This week Arab League envoy Hossam Zaki met Lebanese political leaders in an effort to explore resolutions to the escalating diplomatic crisis between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. [AP] Zaki supported calls for Information Minister George Kordahi’s resignation adding that “from the very beginning, the resignation could have defused the crisis.” [Al Arabiya] Without giving any specifics, Kordahi says he will not resign until there are “guarantees” that doing so would resolve the diplomatic crisis between Gulf countries and Lebanon. [AP]

RESPONSE

“It’s apparent that Gulf countries are resisting US and other overtures to urge the restoration of relations with Lebanon until Information Minister George Kordahi resigns or is removed from office, if this is indeed their goal. Although it is in the interests of the Gulf Arab states to counter the Iranian narrative and support independent mechanisms to aid the Lebanese Armed Forces, World Bank food programs, poverty alleviation, and educational needs at all levels, especially AUB and LAU, no help will be forthcoming until the Lebanese government resolves the Kordahi issue as a sign of its commitment to rapprochement.”

-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel

Miqati Pledges to Hold Elections by May 21, 2022
This week, Prime Minister Najib Miqati pledged to hold Lebanon’s parliamentary elections by May 21 of next year. Currently, parliament has agreed to hold elections on March 27, 2022 but Miqati says the pledge to hold elections by May 21 was made in case the election date changes again. The prime minister made the announcement in a meeting with the Economic and Social Council during which he outline the government’s work based on eight pillars: “the security, the financial and economic file, the social file, services and infrastructure, holding parliamentary elections on time, local and international public policies, fighting corruption, putting the required laws into practice, the judiciary and its reform.” [The 961]

RESPONSE

“Prime Minister Miqati has a full agenda to build even a minimal level of trust with the people. Negotiations with the IMF with short-term results, getting electricity reform going in the right direction, implementing the cash card system without political constraints, and formalizing the process for free and fair elections that don’t have the whiff of manipulation in the results are the minimal steps the people can and should expect. It’s time to break the logjams and seize leadership opportunities, for the peoples’ sake.”

-ATFL Vice President for Policy Jean AbiNader

“How Corruption Ruined Lebanon” by Rania Abouzeid
Rania Abouzeid writes for the New York Times Magazine on the August 4 Beirut Port explosion and government corruption and negligence that allowed it to happen. She writes about Central Inspection Board head Judge Georges Attieh’s experience during the blast when the explosion tore through his mother’s apartment and his work since then. Abouzeid says, “For Attieh, Lebanon faces nothing less than a battle for its destiny.” [NY Times]

RESPONSE

“The Central Inspection Board was created to act as a monitoring and inspection body of the Lebanese government and its various agencies. Abouzeid describes how its head, Judge Georges Attieh, attempts to do his job and is constantly thwarted by the country’s political leadership. Much like his counterpart Judge Tarek Bitar, it is another illustration of how Lebanon’s warlord leaders have no commitment to justice when it threatens their way of doing business. Without an independent judiciary, this sad state of decline will continue and all Lebanese will pay the price. Ask the families of the Beirut Port blast victims.”

-ATFL Vice President for Policy 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.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 11/11/2021

Posted on November 11, 2021November 16, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

Lebanon’s Ambassadors to the Gulf Express Concern for Lebanese Living in the Region
Lebanon’s ambassadors to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia expressed fear yesterday that the growing diplomatic feud with Gulf countries could be harmful for Lebanese living in the region. The ambassadors were recently asked to leave following the release of Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi’s comments on Saudi Arabia and the Yemen war. After the ambassadors’ meeting with Prime Minister Najib Miqati on Wednesday, the PM’s office quoted them as saying “every day of delay in solving the crisis will make it more difficult to fix relations and take them back to where they were.” [AP]

Gulf Countries Limit Visas to Lebanese Nationals
Kuwait has decided to limit the number of visas it issues to Lebanese nationals in the midst of an escalating diplomatic spat between Lebanon and the Gulf. A security source from the emirate said that Kuwait will be stricter in granting tourist and business visas to Lebanese. No visas have been suspended for current visitors. [Al Arabiya] Similarly, Saudi Arabia will limit visas to Lebanese nationals to only allow for humanitarian cases. [Naharnet]

Number of Lebanese Expats Registered to Vote Already Exceeds 2018 Numbers
November 20 is the deadline for Lebanese expatriates to register to vote in the 2022 parliamentary elections. Based on data released by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number of Lebanese expats who have registered to vote in 2022 already exceeds the number that voted in 2018. Since yesterday, there are 101,088 registrants recorded, compared to 2018’s 82,965 registrants. [The 961]

If you’re a Lebanese expat, register to vote here!

First Trial for Sexual Harassment Case in Lebanon Postponed
Lebanon’s first trial for a sexual harassment case will be postponed due to a public sector strike over poor economic conditions. The trial will be delayed until April of next year, but the plantiff’s lawyer is hoping to have it moved up. [The National] The case is the first sexual harassment case that will be heard since a new law passed in December of last year that criminalized sexual harassment in Lebanon for the first time. [The 961] The lawyer representing five women who had filed the complaint said, “we want to change the mindset so that victims feel empowered to speak up.” [The National]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Middle East Institute
Policy Brief: Leading a Resilient Lebanese Armed Forces Through Crises and for the Long Run
Joseph Sarkis

Sarkis writes, “Repeated crises in Lebanon, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the need for resilience in the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). Amid the current acute economic and financial crisis facing the country, there are warning signs about the LAF’s incapacity to continue, as the resources at its disposal and popular confidence in its effectiveness have both been degraded. In light of the current challenges and those that may lie ahead, the LAF needs to become more resilient, able to both adapt and strengthen as an organization, while also ensuring public security, the conditions of its personnel, and its own long-term status.”

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This Week In Lebanon: 11/6/2021

Posted on November 6, 2021November 16, 2021 by admin2

November 6, 2021
Top US military general meets Lebanese Army commander, Pentagon reaffirms support
Senate committee advances Biden nominee for Middle East policy
France says Lebanon should be ‘shielded’ from Middle East crises

Top US military general meets Lebanese Army commander, Pentagon reaffirms support
The top US military general met with the Lebanese Armed Forces commander on Thursday, with the Pentagon reaffirming its support for the Lebanese army. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley met with Gen. Joseph Aoun at the Pentagon, Joint Staff Spokesperson Col. Dave Butler said. “Gen. Milley and other DoD [Department of Defense] officials reaffirmed the US Government’s strong support for the Lebanese Armed Forces,” Butler added. Discussions touched on a range of issues, “including shared challenges and ways to increase coordination in areas of mutual interest.” [Al Arabiya]

RESPONSE

“General Youssef Aoun and his team met with senior officials in the Administration and leaders in the Congress who expressed praise for the LAF’s efforts in protecting the territorial integrity of Lebanon and in supporting Lebanon’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other humanitarian efforts following the August 4, 2020 explosion. Importantly, US officials were sympathetic to the need for the LAF to meet the social welfare needs of its troops, and, although the US cannot provide direct support for LAF troops, they offered to lead international efforts to help find solutions to address these concerns. They also mentioned the need for the LAF to observe the human rights of peaceful demonstrators.”

-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel

Senate committee advances Biden nominee for Middle East policy
“The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations confirmed a Biden administration nominee for a top Middle East policy post on Wednesday.

The nomination of Barbara Leaf to be assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs passed the committee at today’s business meeting. Leaf is a career diplomat who previously served as US ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, and is presently Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Middle East and North Africa Affairs on the National Security Council. Leaf will next face a vote before the whole Senate at a yet-to-be-determined date. Several other Biden nominations, including many ambassadorships, were also advanced by the committee.

Some Republicans voted against Leaf’s nomination, including ranking member Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.” [Al Monitor]

RESPONSE

“A Senate confirmation hearing for senior level State Department officials Barbara Leaf and Tamara Cofman Wittes exposed disagreements between several senators and the Biden administration. The most dangerous complaint was those who take issue with the recently completed deals to provide energy supplies from Egypt and Jordan through Syria to Lebanon. Lebanon cannot afford to fail, and by having the World Bank provide a loan to Lebanon to purchase the supplies brings a monitoring system that will ensure their transit and not strengthen the Assad regime. Rather than punish Lebanon to make political points, reluctant Senators should support longer-term solutions that enhance regional stability and integration.”

-ATFL Vice President for Policy Jean AbiNader

France says Lebanon should be ‘shielded’ from Middle East crises
France said on Thursday that Lebanon needed to be shielded from regional crises and that it was paramount that core actors across the zone needed to play their part in helping to get Beirut to implement reforms and get it out of its quagmire.

France’s foreign ministry spokeswoman said on Thursday that it was in contact with all parties and urged Lebanese officials and regional powers to calm the situation. [Jerusalem Post]

RESPONSE

“Whether it was channeling the Patriarch or reflecting recent coordinated messages with the US, the French Foreign Ministry is on target with its statement. Lebanon is challenged by the influence of external actors in its domestic affairs, and is unable to take a forward-leaning approach to working with its neighbors to secure its sovereignty. Yes, the Lebanese are ultimately responsible for their independence, but, as the recent conflict over with Gulf countries demonstrates, this continues to be aspirational rather than factual. It is in the best interests of the Arab countries that Lebanon’s sovereignty be secured. This is a reality that needs to be remembered and strengthened.”

-ATFL Vice President for Policy Jean AbiNader

Lebanon Daily News Brief 11/5/2021

Posted on November 5, 2021November 7, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

Lebanon and IMF Begin Preliminary Discussions
The International Monetary Fund said yesterday that preparatory discussions on financing for Lebanon have begun. IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice reiterated that “strong policies and reforms” are needed to address Lebanon’s economic and social crises. [Reuters]

Saudi Arabia Import Ban Hits Lebanese Industries Hard
Last week when Saudi Arabia recalled its ambassadors from Beirut it also introduced a full ban on Lebanese imports, having already banned fruits and vegetables. This week businesses across Lebanon are already feeling the impact. Deputy head of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists said in the midst of the country’s economic crisis, industries were oping to boost exports to Saudi Arabia from $240 million to $600 million. “Now, it’s zero,” he says. To get around the ban, some Lebanese companies have already begun moving factories to Oman, Turkey, or Cyprus. [Reuters]

General Joseph Aoun Meets with DOD and Washington Officials
Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun met with US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A. Milley yesterday at the Pentagon. Milley and other Department of Defense officials reaffirmed their strong support for the LAF. Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Mara Karlin also spoke with Aoun and commended the LAF for its role in Lebanon’s internal stability and facilitation in humanitarian efforts. Discussions also covered the importance of respecting the Lebanese people’s right to protest peacefully. Aoun also met with White House and State Department officials as well as members of Congress this week. [Al Arabiya]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Middle East Institute
Lebanon’s Diplomatic Crisis with the Gulf Escalates
Christopher Abi-Nassif

Abi-Nassif writes, “Gulf partners, some of Lebanon’s closest allies historically and the home of hundreds of thousands of Lebanese expats, have grown disillusioned by the Lebanese political establishment’s inability to contain Hezbollah’s ascendency. No matter their political calculus, however, cutting ties with Beirut — a decision they are fully entitled to make — can only further strengthen the party’s grip over Lebanon. Many will argue that the latter is already lost to Iran anyway, and that attempting to reverse its slide toward the Iranian orbit is futile. But this rhetoric discounts the more than half the country that remains staunchly opposed to Hezbollah’s influence yet disempowered to counter it alone domestically. It’s not that the Lebanese can contain Hezbollah’s dominance but don’t want to. They want to but they can’t. Last week’s diplomatic storm will not help them do any better.”

Read more here

Lebanon Daily News Brief 10/27/2021

Posted on October 27, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Geagea Skips Military Summons
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea was scheduled to give his testimony this morning on the recent clashes in Beirut after being summoned by Army Intelligence last week. [Reuters] However Geagea did not show up. Lebanese Forces supporters protested the summon and blocked roads and highways, including closing off roads that lead to Geagea’s residence. Geagea’s lawyers filed a complaint yesterday that the summons was illegal. [Al Jazeera]

Former PM Diab Sues Over Beirut Blast Investigation
Former Prime Minister Hassan Diab filed a complaint today against the Lebanese state regarding his prosecution over the Beirut blast by Judge Tarek Bitar. Diab has skipped at least two interrogation sessions already, and the legal complaint he filed today comes one day before another rescheduled interrogation. Once Bitar is officially notified of the of the suit, he will have to pause his prosecution of Diab but will be able to continue the prosecution of others. [Reuters]

UN Special Rapporteur on Poverty to Visit Lebanon
The UN Human Rights Council’s Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights will be visiting Lebanon for the second time. Acknowledging the roll Lebanon’s multiple crises have played in nearly doubling poverty rates in the last two years, Olivier De Schutter said “I will be looking closely at how the government is addressing the impact on people’s lives.” De Schutter will travel to Beirut, Tripoli, rural communities in Akkar, and the Bekaa Valley. [Naharnet]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Is It Even Possible to Segment the Lebanon/Syria Files?
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes, “Why are Iranian shipments [of fuel] needed since US partners in the Gulf have more than enough export capacity to take care of Lebanon’s needs? Our diplomatic efforts with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait should have taken precedence over a pipeline deal that raises sanctions issues and won’t be viable until the end of the year. So what happened, and why isn’t Lebanon supported by its fellow Arabs to counter Iran’s ploy to give Hezbollah bragging rights? This is just another indicator that without a regional strategy and country-specific game plans, the understaffed and under-resourced State Department will not be able to keep up with the twists and turns affecting our interests.”

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Financial Times
Another Lebanon: A Journey Back in Time
Gilles Khoury

Khoury writes, “As the years passed, and as I witnessed my country constantly living on the edge of chaos and peril, I started to worry about these stories dying. I felt increasingly invested in the mission of watching over these tales. That is why I became a journalist. Many of my Lebanese contemporaries experience this very curious nostalgia, the one of longing for a time they never knew. Last year, on 4 August, an enormous explosion shattered the city of Beirut. An economic crisis, deliberately provoked by a ruthless ruling class, had already torn up the social fabric of the country. Lebanon is changing; it is a country painfully giving birth to another, one we still can’t define. At such turning points in history, what happens to our memories? Where are those stories safe?”

Read more here

Lebanon Daily News Brief 10/18/2021

Posted on October 19, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

Demonstrators Mark Two-Year Anniversary of October 17 Protests
After last week’s violent clashes in Beirut, the streets of Lebanon’s capital remained relatively quiet yesterday on the two-year anniversary of the October 17 protests. Still dozens of protesters marched toward Martyrs’ Square in a symbolic stand for change. The mass protests in 2019 gathered Lebanese across all sects who called for an overthrow of the political elite. Those that demonstrated today are hoping for change in the 2022 parliamentary elections. [Al Arabiya]

Prime Minister Miqati Delays Cabinet Session Until Finding Solution
Prime Minister Najib Miqati said that he has no intentions to resign after last week’s violence. He said that he will not call for a cabinet sessions until there is “a solution to the problem,” noting that he did not want to provoke any party. Regarding the judiciary, Miqati stated he will not interfere in the work of the judges. [Naharnet]

Families of Beirut Blast Victims Reaffirm Support for Judge Bitar
Over the weekend families of the victims of the Beirut Port explosion expressed their support for Judge Tarek Bitar’s investigation in a counter-effort to Hezbollah’s calls for the judge’s resignation. The families’ statement was given after their spokesman unexpectedly released a video calling for Bitar to step down. The families say they have put their “faith in the investigative judge Tarek Bitar.” [AP]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Washington Post
Lebanon’s People Face a Deadly False Choice: Impunity or Chaos
Mohamad Bazzi

Bazzi writes, “By targeting members of the political elite, Bitar poses an unprecedented threat to Lebanon’s post-civil war order built on amnesty and amnesia. He is seeking accountability in a country plagued by political interference that undermines the judicial system…Today, the Lebanese are being offered a choice by the ruling parties and ex-warlords that have devastated their country: Forget accountability for the port explosion or risk all-out conflict on the streets. But this has been Lebanon’s false choice — between impunity and chaos — since the end of the civil war. The Lebanese compromised on accountability three decades ago, and yet their rulers have consistently failed to provide stability.”

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Carnegie Middle East Center
An Investigation in Lebanon Has Led to Armed Clashes Reminiscent of the Civil War
Michael Young

Young writes, “A major problem is that Hezbollah is now acting as the supreme authority in Lebanon, when it has no legitimacy to do so. In a profoundly sectarian context, in which diverse communities regard the efforts by one religious group to impose its hegemony as an existential threat, this can be perilous. The Sunnis made that mistake in 1975–1976, as did the Maronites in 1982–1984. Moreover, Hezbollah is the proxy of an outside power with scant consideration for Lebanon’s complicated and volatile sectarian system. Unless the party addresses its sectarian isolation, lowers tensions with the other communities, and allows the state to revive itself economically, the country’s already unstable peace will disintegrate even more.”

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Arab News
Is Lebanon on Verge of Another Civil War?
Dr. Danila Koleilant Khatib

Khatib writes, “Ultimately, this traumatic episode in the current crisis is unlikely to lead to a civil war. However, what does actually happen next will depend greatly on what concessions Hezbollah is willing to make to ensure its survival. Is it willing to accept the investigation and sacrifice one or two of its high-ranking members if it means it continues to hold a seat at the table of power? We shall see.”

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Rule of Law – Another Fatality of Lebanon’s Port Explosion

Posted on October 14, 2021October 14, 2021 by admin

The twists and turns plaguing the investigations into the Beirut Port blast are hardly the stuff of a great mystery novel; this is business as usual in Lebanon. Faced with the upcoming March elections, moved forward from May to undercut opposition readiness to contest vulnerable seats, the ruling oligarchy has little interest in providing ammunition to its opponents.

The October 14 clashes in Beirut, initially resulting in 6 dead and 30 wounded are just the latest sign that some groups in Lebanon have entirely discounted the role of the government in establishing order over the country. This time the issue is the opposition of the Hezbollah/Amal/Free Patriotic Movement coalition to the judge investigating the explosions calling several of its members to testify.

Until now, attempts at an independent investigation have been neutralized by the government. The American FBI halted its investigation in October 2020, after declaring that the amount of detonated ammonium nitrate material was equivalent to 552 tons, even though the original shipment was some 2740 tons. That discrepancy has never been addressed. The Bureau’s report was handed over to a Lebanese judge and has yet to be released – even partially – to the public.

Three months after the blast, a German firm was given a contract to clean up the port area without any inference of the need to protect the site for a continued investigation. Ten months after the explosion, in May 2021, the French presented their report on the blast, consigning the continuation of the investigation to the Lebanese authorities.

Which brings us to the subject of the revolving judges. Judge Fadi Sawan, the first judge appointed to the investigation, tried to call several members of Parliament and ex-ministers to testify. He was removed following a legal complaint submitted by the very same members who questioned his impartiality. As the Washington Post noted, “After trying to interrogate powerful former ministers and political leaders, Sawan was removed and replaced by Bitar. But he also struggled to break through Lebanon’s culture of corruption and political influence that prevented the law from holding anyone of consequence accountable.”

The Reuters coverage of the demonstrations pointed out that “Though none of its members have been targeted by the probe, Hezbollah has accused Bitar of conducting a politicized probe only focused on certain people. These include some of its closest allies, among them senior figures in the Shi’ite Amal Movement who occupied ministerial posts.”

Judge Tarek Bitar’s efforts have been similarly thwarted by complaints arguing, among other things, that he was biased because his house had been damaged in the blast. Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah accused Bitar of using “the blood of the victims to serve political interests,” and effectively called for his replacement. Fortunately, the Court of Cassation, currently the highest court in the land, rejected the argument and said that his special investigation was not under its jurisdiction.

On the question of immunity for those called to testify, which includes former Prime Minister Hassan Diab, newly installed Prime Minister Najib Mikati defended Judge Bitar’s right to pursue an investigation but added the caveat that the Constitution called for senior officials to be tried in a special court. This potential loophole raises another question of whether or not this Constitutional rule applies to former senior officials as well.

The twisting in the wind of an impartial and independent investigation into the Beirut Port blast defies rule of law principles as well as prospects of justice for those who lost loved ones in the blast, were injured, or suffered property loss. The US State Department and others clearly condemned threats against the judiciary and again called for a full investigation.

The international community has called for an independent investigation on numerous occasions, even tying it to Lebanon’s access to development funds. Whether or not the IMF and others stay the course and leverage the implementation of an investigation as part of the economic recovery plan has yet to be seen as Lebanon descends even further into desperate straits.

If Lebanon’s leaders continue to defy even the semblance of respect for the notion of a clean investigation, they will lose any remaining trust with the Lebanese people and the bloodshed of October 14 will not likely be an isolated incident. Without strong intervention by the government and the security services, Lebanon will remain in a moral and kinetic crossfire, and its credibility and integrity as an independent state will continue to diminish.

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 10/14/2021

Posted on October 14, 2021October 17, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

Violent Clashes Erupt During Protests in Beirut
Violent clashes erupted in Beirut today amidst Hezbollah and Amal protests calling for Judge Tarek Bitar’s removal. At least six people were killed and dozens were wounded after an exchange of gunfire broke out that involved pistols, automatic rifles, and rocket-propelled grenades. Hezbollah and Amal said that armed groups fired at protesters during their demonstration from rooftops. The Lebanese Forces had also called for supporters to gather at the Justice Palace. [AP] The shooting reportedly spread out from the Tayyooneh roundabout, which was a fault line in Lebanon’s civil war. [Washington Post] The Lebanese Army has arrested nine people since the gunfire erupted. [Al Jazeera]

US Under Secretary of State Announces Additional LAF Support
US Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland announced an additional $67 million in support of to the Lebanese Armed Forces today. She said that the US is working with Lebanese authorities and the World Bank to help Lebanon as it faces severe economic crisis. Nuland made the announcement in Beirut and further offered the United States’ condolences following today’s eruption of violence in the Lebanon’s capital. [Reuters]

Lebanese Pound Drops Back Down to 20,500
The Lebanese pound is dropping again after recent events in Lebanon. The pound hit a record low at LL23,000 to the dollar on the black market this summer, but the value was brought up to LL15,000 after Lebanon’s new government was formed following a year of deadlock. Yesterday, the pound is back down to LL20,500 to the dollar on the black market. [Al Arabiya]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Carnegie Middle East Center
Kingdom Come
Michael Young

Young writes, “The maximalist Saudi position with regard to Lebanon is not only a case of political opportunity cost, it is creating a situation that is only bolstering Hezbollah’s and Iran’s hegemony. What is most disturbing is that such an approach hews closely to the line of conservative politicians and think tanks in Washington, who cannot see that their harsh recommendations for Lebanon will lead to the very outcomes they purportedly want to avoid. Politics is about acquiring leverage, not killing the baby. Lebanon’s ties to Saudi Arabia are essential, but Riyadh should recognize that the best way of making this clear is to compel Iran and Hezbollah to give the kingdom a seat at the table.”

Read more here

Lebanon Daily News Brief 10/11/2021

Posted on October 11, 2021 by admin2

DAILY NEWS

Lebanon’s Electricity Grid Comes Back On After Emergency Fuel Supply
On Saturday, Lebanon’s electricity completely shut down after two main power power plants, Zahrani and Deir Ammar, ran out of fuel. The Lebanese army provided emergency fuel and the electricity grid came back on yesterday. The emergency supplies are expected to only last a few days so Banque du Liban has released $100 million for fuel imports. [New York Times] Today an oil storage tank caught fire when gasoline was being transferred from one tank to another in Zahrani. Firefighters were able to put out the blaze after 66,000 gallons of gasoline burnt out. [AP]

Lebanese Court Rejects Lawsuits Against Judge Bitar
After former Lebanese ministers filed lawsuits against Judge Tarek Bitar requesting his removal, the Court of Cassation rejected the lawsuits. The Court said removing Bitar is not within its authority since he is not one of the Court’s judges. This is the second time the Court has rejected recent lawsuits agains Bitar based on “legitimate suspicion.” The former ministers who filed the complaints did so days before they were scheduled for questioning in the Beirut investigation. [Naharnet]

Prime Minister Miqat Visits Amman
On Sunday Prime Minister Najib Miqati visited King Abdullah II in Amman to discuss regional affairs. Very little about the conversation was released afterwords but King Abdullah was quoted as saying that “Jordan will always stand by the side of Lebanon and its brotherly people.” [AP]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Latest NDI Poll Results Show 45% of Lebanese Don’t Intend to Vote in 2022
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes, “A key instrument of change that is mentioned in any analysis of Lebanon’s current set of crises and prospects for recovery is the holding of free and fair elections. With the recent rescheduling of the upcoming 2022 elections, shifted from early May to late March, there is an even greater sense of déjà vu that the results will maintain the status quo and not auger a better future for Lebanon. In fact, one analyst suggested that the March date was chosen to thwart an unfavorable shifting in voter registrations, due to take place on March 31. There are many initiatives going on at the same time. Opposition groups are working on a common strategy; old line parties are angling to produce joint lists in order to frustrate the opposition; and indicators show that most people perceive the elections, under the current leadership and system, to be a waste of time.”

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Human Rights Watch
Lebanon: Planning Lapses Endanger School Year

Human Rights Watch warns that Lebanon’s education system is at risk of collapse. HRW suggests that international donors channel aid more directly to schools, teachers, and school-children’s families. Researcher Aya Majzoub said, “The Lebanese government is abandoning schools, teachers, and parents to muddle through the acute economic crisis and the pandemic on their own, exacerbating the inequalities between the few children whose parents can afford a quality education and the many who cannot. There needs to be an all-hands-on-deck response from the government, donors, and the UN to avert a disaster for children and the country.”

Read more here

Atlantic Council
Why Israeli Gas and Syrian Sanctions Relief May Turn On Lebanon’s Lights
Matthew Zais

Zais writes, “Before the US and World Bank throw a lifeline to either Assad or Lebanon, they should demand concessions that reduce Iranian and Russian influence in the region. Concessions should include decreased Iranian presence in Syria, a rollback of Hezbollah influence and economic reforms in Lebanon, and the allowance of in-kind gas subsidies rather than cash transfers to Assad. Ideally, the US avoids another regional mistake where the US again forfeits more regional influence and reputation rather than demanding concessions that align with US interests.”

Read more here