Rewinding The Shadows Of Death

This blog could have turned out very badly, possibly as a work of poetry with powerful images of shrouds and palls. But, while researching the headlines again in preparation for this article, I was reminded that we are all too cognizant of the explosions, their aftermath, and the continuing pain for the families, friends, and Lebanese worldwide. Even the Wikipedia coverage, which I recommend for anyone who wants more details, is angry.

Time argues that, ”A culture of impunity has plagued Lebanon since the 1975-1990 civil war—which left at least 120,000 people dead and pushed some 1 million people, more than one-third of the population at the time, to leave the country. The adoption of an amnesty law in 1991 protected those accused of war crimes and allowed them to remain key players in Lebanon’s fractured political scene. No less than 17,000 people are still missing from the war, affecting thousands of families who are still waiting for answers about their fate.”

So why are we not to be angry when 17,000 people are still missing because of the Civil War? Does the continued impunity of the political leaders surprise anyone?

The families are not passive either. They have filed three lawsuits in June at Lebanon’s Shura council to oppose the government’s April decision to demolish all of the silos, which wound up catching fire anyway and even suffered another explosion this past week.

Rather than dwelling on those facts, let’s consider the culprit here – the collusion between those political actors and the judicial system to thwart a transparent and complete investigation. What began more than a year ago under Judge Tarek Bitar has been brought to a standstill by ‘system’.  The investigation into the blast has stalled and the Lebanese people still have not received a full accounting of, nor justice for, what happened. And they are still suffering the consequences of the deadly blast.

Herein lies the nub of the crisis: a judicial system that cannot function independently and is hamstrung by politicians who control appointments to the courts and the freedom to investigate. Gallup carried out an extensive poll to gauge attitudes toward the government. “Only 16% of Lebanese expressed confidence in their judicial system in 2021. This percentage is an all-time low in Lebanon and was among the lowest in the world in 112 countries where Gallup asked this question last year. [emphasis added]

“When asked if Bitar’s investigation into the 2020 port explosion was being conducted fairly or with bias against certain groups, more Lebanese say the investigation is a fair one (35% versus 23%). Given the political sensitivity of the topic, however, more than four in 10 Lebanese (42%) did not express an opinion. When one looks only at Lebanese who expressed an opinion, 61% say the investigation is fair.”

“Still, by a margin of more than 2 to 1, Lebanese adults say that Bitar should be allowed to continue his investigation. When one looks only at Lebanese who give an opinion, two in three (67%) say that the investigation should continue.”

“There is widespread support for the continuation of the port investigation among most major Lebanese confessional groups, including 84% of Christians who express an opinion and a similar rate among Sunnis (88%). Only within Lebanon’s Shia community — which largely gives its support to Hezbollah and allied political groups — does significant opposition to the Beirut port investigation exist. Slightly fewer than one in four Lebanese Shia who express an opinion believe that the investigation should continue.”

So will the real Lebanese, please stand up – those who care for transparency, fairness, justice, and dignity? As the article continues, “The continuation of the Bitar investigation represents a rare democratic challenge from within the Lebanese government to the country’s powerful political establishment, most of whom have strong reasons not to have their own culpability examined in the port explosion case.”

The Gallup analysis goes on to say, “As a fragile state, Lebanon and its national institutions continue to require international support, if only to ensure that the country’s ills do not spread beyond its borders. An independent judiciary in Lebanon capable of addressing rampant corruption and pushing back against nondemocratic tendencies represents one of the surest ways to strengthen the government’s sovereignty and the nation’s wellbeing.”

This is our position and our campaign: giving voice to the voiceless, letting an independent judiciary do its work to protect the sovereignty and well-being of the Lebanese. Let those who would rather dissolve the State go elsewhere where they will seek the end of their rainbow. For us, the survival of the State begins with acknowledging the responsibility to protect the people and not take actions that disrupt or discourage a full partnership between the government and its citizens. The US should continue to help Lebanon move forward. It is time for justice. It is time to resolve the port explosion investigation.

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.

A Love Story – Lebanon’s Revival

When I was in Lebanon recently, after the formal delegation ended, I stayed on to visit family and to continue to observe change makers who innovate, nurture, and sustain Lebanon’s finest resources – its natural environment and its people. It’s no coincidence that the majority of those I met with were women – long saluted and yet seldom acknowledged as full partners in Lebanon’s rich history.

As a delegation, the ATFL had the privilege of visiting Beit el Baraka in Beirut, https:\\beitelbaraka.org, which supports 65 charity organizations across the country; and in Tripoli we stopped at Sanabel An Nour, http://www.sanabelnour.org/, a women-directed and -staffed organization providing a wide range of services to the vulnerable and marginalized. In addition, we met with representatives of Rotary International who are involved in critical grassroots projects as well.

When I began my private visits, I was hosted by Dr. Corrine Abi Nader, who will soon launch a pediatric care center at Hôtel Dieu de France, one of the hospitals damaged during the Beirut Port explosion.  I also met with environmentalists and activists – all of whom work locally to change the sense of dignity and hope for their beneficiaries. All of their stories will be the focus of my next series that looks at the spirit of Lebanon and the people who keep it alive.

For now, I want to introduce you to the Maronite Sisters who live and work at the Saint Joseph Monastery and Tomb of Saint Rafqa in the Batroun District, north of Beirut. Saint Rafqa (1832-1914) is the second saint in Lebanon’s modern history.

I had never been to their facilities before and thank cousin Simon for his persistence in arranging my visit.

I was surprised to see fully modern structures providing space for a monastery, a home for the elderly, and lots of tilled grounds. We were greeted by the Mother Superior, Sister Raghida Antoun, who has an MBA in Administration from the College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee (Springfield), MA and is simultaneously a formidable and lovely person. In January of 2021, she was elected Superior of Saint Joseph Monastery. Her intention was, and still is, to leverage her skills and combine her global educational experience in order to achieve the objectives of her Order.

The Sisters both interact with visitors to the shrine and minister to the local people of the area, working with the youth, those who are preparing for marriage, married couples, or those who are still discerning their way in life. I was immediately taken in hand by Sister Raghida for a tour of the facilities and grounds.

We started with a breakfast comprised of food totally sourced on their land, and some stimulating conversation. We were joined by the multitasking Sister Lea Lahoud, who is currently the Monastery’s accountant. She is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, with a Master’s in Patient Counseling.

After the catastrophic explosion of the Port, Sister Lea was frequently seen in Beirut, where she not only assisted the many volunteers with the clean-up but also sought out those who had no one to look after them. All of her efforts were done with the “widow’s mite.” As a multi-talented graphic artist, illustrator, and author, she gave me two illustrated softbacks for children – one called Got Celiac? Me Too and another, her memoir, called The Sister and the Bee.” It’s not hard to see why I so admire both Sisters so much.

The facilities for the elderly occupy a large portion of the activities at Saint Joseph Monastery, with its state-of-the-art nursing home for up to 100 residents, fully serviced by the nuns at a cost significantly less  than other private facilities. The economic situation, the financial instability in the country, the devaluation of the Lebanese currency, the scarcity of job opportunities, and the massive proportion of people living below the poverty line all generate a daily line of folks seeking help and sustenance at the Monastery’s door.

Saint Joseph Monastery, however, is also not immune to the economic crisis and yet, still strives to offer in-kind assistance with basic food, clothing, dairy products for children; tuition assistance to deserved and needy students; and financial assistance for medications, especially for chronic illnesses.

Sister Raghida and her team continue to extend a helping hand to their less fortunate. One of her objectives is to continue to create job opportunities in the Monastery’s dairy farm and agricultural fields so people can become self-sufficient and partners in the charitable work of the Monastery,  reflecting the Gospel admonition that “whatsoever you do to the least of your brothers and sisters, you do unto me” (Matthew 25:40), as well as the quote that stuck with me from Sister Raghida, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

 

Saint Joseph Monastery – Tomb of Saint Rafqa established a nonprofit organization (501/C/3) in the United States to support its humanitarian and educational ministries as well as its elderly care facility and sustain the mission, objectives, and vision of the Monastery in Lebanon. And so you can partake of their excellent work and be awarded in a monthly prayer service for all its benefactors and their families, both living and deceased.

To support the essential work of the nuns, the options are:

PayPal:                    strafqamonastery@gmail.com

Venmo:                  St. Joseph Monastery St Rafqa@strafqa Zelle:                                  strafqamonastery@gmail.com

Bank transfer: Log into your bank’s website and choose “bill pay” services and add “Saint Joseph Monastery-Tomb of Saint Rafqa” as a “payee” using the following address: 14252 Culver Drive A818 Irvine, CA 92604

 

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’s Elections: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

If you’re worried about Lebanon’s commitment to a democratic character more insulated from its oligarchs, look to the results of the candidate registrations for the Parliamentary elections on May 15. According to Arab News, “The final number of candidates who will run for the May 15 Lebanese parliamentary elections is 1,043. The final total includes 155 women, 15% of the registered candidates.” It remarked, “This is the highest number of candidates in Lebanese political history, with the number of candidates for one seat exceeding expectations in some electoral districts.”

And if you crave even more details about who’s in and who’s out, check the comprehensive list published by L’Orient le Jour here. The proliferation of candidates, however, is only one aspect within a larger story of this historically significant moment for Lebanon. The real story lies in the background leading up to the May 15th elections. You can count on the traditional elites, especially those who are now in the majority with Hezbollah, to hand out more cookies to their constituents or provoke sectarian feelings through the kind of fake news that has now become a ubiquitous and all-too-familiar scourge of elections across the globe. The offensive is already underway, as we continue to watch incumbents slowing down any momentum for reforms coming from the Parliament. This includes dragging out the process of appointments to the Electoral Board, the Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Public Procurement oversight monitor in addition to delaying any actions that may bring more independence to the judiciary.

Lebanon’s politicians speak volumes of their intentions, yet all they have to show for it is their mastery of procrastination, denial, thuggery, abstentions, and other tactics from their corruption toolkit, ensuring that any threats to their priorities are mitigated. As Ibrahim Johari has documented, there are significant obstacles imposed on new entrants to politics as well as to voters, themselves. The Arab News article observes that less than half of all registered candidates survive to get on a ballot, being unable to find a list that will include them. Although in some districts the election regulations do allow for both individual and list-based voting, independent candidates without more unified backing ultimately face an arduous challenge.

In order to register, candidates must submit a $1500 deposit, an obstacle for many especially amid the recent Central Bank circulars continuing restrictions on depositors’ access to capital. Moreover, if they do not appear on the ballot, candidates forfeit the deposit, an especially heavy loss in this current economic climate. In addition, candidates must show evidence of a new account with $5000 deposited, another hurdle for new entrants or anyone without major political backing. Both mega-centers and electronic voting cards have been postponed until the 2028 election cycle as the current government claims that there was not enough time to implement either. Some analysts claim, however, that the IMPACT and other social services databases provide more than enough capacity for the government to introduce digital innovations supporting both initiatives.

With the registrations now complete, emerging questions are increasingly concerned with the possibility of the election‘s postponement should Hezbollah, Amal, and the Free Patriotic Movement come to the conclusion that their alliance will lose its majority position in Parliament after May 15th.

Tony Francis, a political analyst noted that, “The determination of the parties in power to nominate the same people who were MPs while some of them are accused in the Beirut port blast case and some accused of financial irregularities, is disrespectful to people.” More than disrespectful, one World Bank executive told ATFL that it is beyond cynical to think that the ruling elites and their friends have no intention of exposing themselves to potential losses in the election. They are, therefore, deliberately stalling IMF negotiations until the formation of a new government, thus solidifying their position as the dominant ruling force.

Interestingly, an article in L’Orient Le Jour noted that the Saudis were potentially interested in reviving the Sunni presence in the elections in order to prevent Hezbollah from gaining seats at the expense of the Sunni community. Rather than endorsing candidates, however, the Kingdom is hoping that the Lebanese Sunni community will decide on an effective approach to the elections on its own. The Saudis have discussed this issue several times apparently, with the French, and, according to the article, have already committed to joint humanitarian projects for Lebanon with them.

In light of this development, the French-Saudi influence may prove its impact on the election results. As time passes, though, the Syrians and Turks, among others, will increase their activities in Lebanon so as not to lose their stake in the country’s affairs. So while this seems like a typical Lebanese election with entrants and prospective opponents facing off with the corrupt classes depriving the country of its stability, there may still be some surprising outcomes. That, however, must be decided by the Lebanese people and the Lebanese people, alone, through free, fair, and on-time elections.

 

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 12/14/2021

DAILY NEWS


French Court Orders Lebanese Saradar Bank to Pay $2.8 Million to French-Based Client
“The Nov. 19 ruling, not yet published but seen by Reuters, orders Lebanon’s Saradar Bank to pay the Syrian claimant all the funds she had deposited in two accounts at the bank in 2014.” The court order pertaining to deposits worth $2.8 million is the first-known international ruling against informal capital controls undertaken by Lebanese banks since 2019. [Reuters]

TotalEnergies Agrees to Preliminary Study for Zahrani Power Plant
According to the Lebanese Energy Ministry, French energy group, TotalEnergies, has agreed to conduct a technical and financial preliminary study, a major initial step to building a floating regasification unit in Lebanon’s Zahrani power plant. The Ministry added that the plant’s annual gas capacity of 650 million cubic meters will rise to 1.4 billion cubic meters should the new unit be built. [Reuters]

President Aoun Calls for Cabinet Session, ‘Even if It Gets Boycotted’
“The (government’s) paralysis cannot persist,” President Aoun said, adding that, “there are matters that need to be addressed.” The President also said, “the elections will take place,” claiming that, “there will be an agreement on holding the elections in May.” [Naharnet]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


Lebanon Continues To Leak Talent And Hope
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes, “What is different about the latest waves of emigration are the low levels of those wanting to leave who say they are not interested in returning. It will be illuminating to break down this data by sectarian affiliation as the number of Sunni wanting to leave is increasing which may ultimately change their demographic in Lebanon. According to the Gallup World Poll cited earlier, ‘The desire to leave Lebanon cuts across major Lebanese communities. Notably, more Muslims than Christians in Lebanon tell Gallup they would like to leave the country (67% vs. 57%). The exodus of Middle Eastern Christians from the historical cradle of Christianity has accelerated in recent decades because of conflict and instability in countries that held significant Christian populations in the not-distant past.”

Read More Here

Al-Monitor
Will Lebanon’s Economic Crunch Stir Demographic Change?
Hanan Hamdan

Hamdan writes, “The emigration of Lebanese, especially Christians, raises concerns in Lebanon in terms of the demographic change that it may lead to, in light of the economic crisis that the Lebanese have been experiencing for nearly two years.”

Read More Here

L’Orient Today
Macron, MBS, Hezbollah: Behind the Scenes of a Play in Three Acts
Mounir Rabih

Rabih writes, “For MBS, however, Lebanon is under Hezbollah’s thumb, which poses a threat to the security of Arab countries and plays a role in captagon trafficking to the Gulf. Yet, Macron was able to push him to make a concession: A phone call to Mikati from the French president’s personal phone. Macron reportedly exchanged a few words with the Lebanese premier before passing the phone to MBS. The rest of the story has two contradictory versions.”

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 Continues to Leak Talent and Hope

A recent Gallup World Poll indicates that more than six in 10 (63%) Lebanese say they want to leave Lebanon permanently. This coincides with the findings of a Zogby Research Services poll sponsored by ATFL which recorded the same percentage. It is no surprise, then, that the two highest concerns driving these numbers are the economy and corruption, as people noted that they no longer have enough money for food, transportation, energy, education, or healthcare. 

According to Information International, based in Beirut and cited in a story covered by Al-Monitor, 17,720 emigrated in 2020. After the first 10 months of 2021, “we recorded an increase of about 65,000 people.” Based on official data, Shams al-Din, a researcher at Information International, “expected this number to double in 2022, especially since there has been a 150% increase in passport renewal requests as the Lebanese wish to flee Lebanon before more crises hit.”

The demand for passport services has been so great that Lebanese General Security has had to issue new guidelines on renewals, unable to keep up with the demand. This has prompted some to board various types of sea vessels and head to Cyprus and Greece while others try to steal into Jordan, Israel, and Turkey via Syria. 

Recent figures from Gallup World Poll data in Lebanon “represent one of the deepest and most sudden declines in any country’s economic and humanitarian fortunes since data collection began in 2005.” The economic backstory is compelling enough with social and psychological costs driving the disappearing middle class to shrink even more. 

In the past, especially after the civil war in Lebanon, there have been noticeable rises in emigration, which were not all bad as they both accelerated the brain drain and simultaneously built a pool of expatriates which provide some $7 billion in annual remittances generally directed to families left behind. In those days as in the previous decades, “Western European countries, the United States, Australia and Gulf states have been Lebanese’s top migration destinations in the past.” Of course emigration waves varied, depending on the security, political, and economic situation in Lebanon as well as the countries that received them. 

As stated in the Al-Monitor article, “In the last couple of years, Lebanese youth have started exploring new countries, such as Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, and most recently Serbia.” Although the numbers are still in the tens of thousands, they represent a shift that may create other new nodes of the Lebanese diaspora. Currently, most go into businesses such as tourism and the restaurant sector, or are professionals working in medical or educational centers. 

What is different about the latest waves of emigration are the low levels of those wanting to leave who say they are not interested in returning. It will be illuminating to break down this data by sectarian affiliation as the number of Sunni wanting to leave is increasing which may ultimately change their demographic in Lebanon. According to the Gallup World Poll cited earlier, “The desire to leave Lebanon cuts across major Lebanese communities. Notably, more Muslims than Christians in Lebanon tell Gallup they would like to leave the country (67% vs. 57%). The exodus of Middle Eastern Christians from the historical cradle of Christianity has accelerated in recent decades because of conflict and instability in countries that held significant Christian populations in the not-distant past.”

So what does this portend for Lebanon in 2050? The answers begin with the spring municipal and parliamentary elections. As of now, with 85% saying that they are finding it difficult or very difficult to get by, it is a fair question to ask if voters will seek remedies in their traditional leaders or opt for new faces. Of that 85%, 62% say getting by is “very difficult,” nearly double the figure (32%) in 2019.

Gallup results go on to point out that “Nearly three in four people (74%) now say they experienced stress “a lot of the day.” At least half of people in Lebanon also say they experienced a lot of sadness (56%) and anger (49%) as well. All three are new highs in Gallup’s 16-year trend in the country.”

Whether or not this depressing profile improves may well be impacted by how the election results create opportunities for positive and sustainable change. Lebanon can head in a new direction based on reforms that cleanse the economy of its most egregious corruption and on the restoration of its productive elements. Lebanon can also become another stunning case study of how political leaders dodge responsibility, allowing their country to fail on their watch. It is time for the Lebanese to keep watch over their own heritage and future, and not that of their leaders.

 

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 12/13/2021

DAILY NEWS


Friday Night Explosion in Burj Al Shemali Camp, Tyre | Three Killed in Shooting During Funeral of Hamas Supporter From Blast
After a large explosion occurred in Burj Al Shemali, a Palestinian refugee camp in Tyre, around a dozen civilian casualties were reported. Hamas said in a statement on Saturday that the blast was caused by an electrical fault in a warehouse containing oxygen and gas cylinders for coronavirus patients, as well as detergents and disinfectants, however, there is suspicion that the explosion was caused by the detonation of a stockpile of their weapons. [Deutsche Welle] Hamas reported that three members were killed and others injured in a shooting on Sunday in the Palestinian camp of Burj al-Shemali in Lebanon, following alleged clashes between Fatah-aligned gunmen and members of Hamas. [Reuters]

Minister of Interior Says Elections Likely to Happen in May
Minister of Interior Bassam Al-Mawlawi said that December 27th is the deadline by which the electoral law can be amended and the elections rescheduled. Minister Mawlawi also indicated that he will not issue an official decree appointing a date for elections, signed off by the President of the Republic, before an agreement is settled between President Aoun and Prime Minister Miqati. According to him, President Aoun is unlikely to sign off on a March 27th date for Parliamentary elections.[Naharnet]

ISF Thwarts Captagon Smuggling Attempt Bound for Saudi Arabia
“The Internal Security Forces (ISF) announced Saturday that it busted an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of captagon narcotics to Saudi Arabia, days after Lebanon’s interior minister said that country was undertaking efforts to curtail the outflow of illicit goods from the country.” [L’Orient Today]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


Raseef 22
Innocents Fall Down Along the “Road to Jerusalem,” Why is Disarmament of Palestinian Arms Impossible in Lebanon?
Hussein Chaaban

Chaaban writes, “[Zeina Al-Helou] reveals that the Lebanese security apparatus is “involved in the regime of mafias that is imposed over Palestinian refugees in the camps,” and explains that “the Lebanese state is too weak to touch the weapons of the camps, or decide to remove them. Therefore, the security apparatus has established a network of relationships and interests with the armed factions, planting informants with the thought that they are being smart, or that they have [the camps] under control.”

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: 12/11/2021

December 11, 2021
Beirut Blast Investigation Cleared to Resume
Christmas Only For The Rich In Lebanon As Prices Increased Ridiculously
Lebanon’s Elderly Population Devastated by Crash

Beirut Blast Investigation Cleared to Resume
A string of lawsuits filed against Judge Tarek Bitar by those who Bitar had summoned for questioning had suspended the Beirut Port blast investigation for more than a month. A judicial source says the last of the suits have been rejected and Bitar is cleared to resume the investigation. Nizar Saghieh from Legal Agenda warns that the resumption of Bitar’s investigation could only be temporary if more legal complaints are filed. [Al Arabiya]

RESPONSE

“The struggle to keep Judge Bitar in charge of this case is a watershed issue which will determine whether Hezbollah or the government will have the final say in making decisions on how the law is enforced or ignored. PM Mikati and his government are challenged to find a way to proceed which allows Judge Bitar to remain on the job while at the same time ensuring that the Ministers and government officials subpoenaed to testify in the port blast investigation are properly deposed under the rule of law in Lebanon. The Lebanese people are watching this issue closely as it will determine the strength of the current government to push back on Hezbollah.”

-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel


Christmas Only For The Rich In Lebanon As Prices Increased Ridiculously

The current economic crisis is preventing many people in Lebanon from celebrating Christmas as they usually would. As the Lebanese lira continues to lose value, many Lebanese are unable to purchase the essentials of everyday life. The cost of Christmas decorations is well beyond what an average family can now afford. [The 961]

RESPONSE

“Last week, I bought my Christmas tree. Like many Americans, I purchased it at an inflated price due to transport issues. However, I count myself grateful that I could afford a tree. Thousands of families in Lebanon are unable to purchase everyday essentials let alone holiday gifts and decorations. It is hard to comprehend how Beirut, with all of its festive lights and decorations mostly in the dark and the rest of the country can try to make merry when so many are struggling to even keep on lights or feed the most vulnerable. So please reach out and support CARITAS, or CNEWA, the IRC, or Spirit of America and help Lebanese families share our blessings for at least a few days.”

-ATFL Vice President for Policy Jean AbiNader


Lebanon’s Elderly Population Devastated by Crash

The International Labor Organization (ILO) reports that Lebanon is one of only sixteen countries in the world that does not offer social security. 11% of Lebanon’s population is over 65, making it home to the largest populations of senior citizens in the Middle East. The ILO also estimates that a shocking 80% of Lebanese over 65 do not have health care coverage. The elderly population has been particularly hard-hit in the current economic crisis. [Al Monitor]

RESPONSE

“Is it criminal negligence or politics as usual that Lebanon is one of 16 countries in the world that don’t offer social security? It has the oldest population in the region, and they don’t have the options of their children to take work or emigrate. Lebanon is aging rapidly but there is still little consideration by the government to provide a basic package of social services for those who have spent their lives supporting governments that did not give back by ensuring minimal dignity in old age. This is wrong, just wrong. Time to mobilize the elderly to vote!”

-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 12/10/2021

DAILY NEWS


Judge Bitar Demands Immediate Arrest of MP Ali Hassan Khalil
Judge Tarek Bitar demanded the arrest of MP Ali Hassan Khalil – considered the right-hand man to Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, leader of the Shiite Amal Movement – after he refused to appear before a court concerning the investigation of the August 4th Port of Beirut Explosion. “The refusal of a security apparatus to implement an arrest warrant constitutes a dangerous precedent that goes against the decisions of the judicial authority,” a judicial source said. [L’Orient Today]

Prime Minister Miqati Requests Energy Support from Egypt
PM Najib Miqati’s visit to Cairo involved the request of natural gas from Egypt to fill urgent needs in the Lebanese electricity sector. The request comes in the midst of Lebanon’s dire fuel and electricity crises. [Reuters]

FPM Head Gebran Bassil Denounces Labor Minister’s Decision to Expand Working Rights to Palestinians, Minister Defends Decision
“The decision of the Minister of Labor to allow Palestinians and stateless persons to exercise dozens of professions reserved for the Lebanese is a violation of the Labor Code and the constitution,” said Free Patriotic Movement Gebran Bassil on Twitter. [L’Orient Today] Labor Minister Mustafa Bayram, who is affiliated with FPM ally Hezbollah, defended the decision, saying “the Lebanese worker is protected.” [L’Orient Today]

Tripoli High School Teacher Accused of Harassment Arrested
After student actions involving sit-ins and protests demanded justice against a high school teacher at George Sarraf Public High School in Tripoli, Samer Mawlawi was arrested by order of the Lebanese Education Minister Abbas Halabi. Mawlawi confirmed that he is closely related to Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi, who shares the family name. [The961]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


Economic Bits of Interest
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes, “I am an avid reader of ‘Lebanon This Week,’ a weekly, English-language report published by the Byblos Bank Economic Research and Analysis Department headed by our colleague Nassib Ghobril…There are several items of interest from the November 27, 2021 edition that are worth sharing and analyzing, given what it tells us about the state of ‘resilience’ in the Lebanese economy and whether or not that descriptor is even appropriate. The first note comes from the Milken Institute’s Global Opportunities Index (GOI) which identified the investment climate in 143 countries to help foreign investors decide on where to place their money. In 2021, Lebanon has slid down 19 places, from 87th to 106th worldwide, as well as down two places among Arab countries, now in 10th place…”

Read More Here

The National Interest
Can Qatar End Lebanon’s Economic Crisis?
Adnan Nasser

Nasser writes, “This appears to be a moment for optimism. It could hardly come at a better time. Lebanon’s economy is in shambles, with some people digging through trash simply to find food to eat. This can be the start of Lebanon’s turnaround, but that can only happen when its leaders create permanent solutions through the practice of good governance and respect for the rule of law—not from robbing its people and then asking for a handout.”

Read More Here

Al-Monitor
Lebanese Opt for New Emigration Destinations Amid Crises
Rabih Damaj

Damaj writes, “Lebanon is witnessing one of the biggest waves of emigration in its history as the country faces its worst socio-economic conditions amid a worsening political crisis; Turkey, Armenia and Georgia have become new destinations.”

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 12/8/2021

DAILY NEWS


Human Rights Groups Call for American Journalist’s Release
On November 16, American journalist Nada Homsi was arrested after General Security officers raided her home without a judicial order. [Al Jazeera] Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are calling on Lebanon’s General Security to immediately release Homsi and to “promptly, thoroughly, independently, transparently, and effectively investigate the due process violations she faced since her arrest, and bring to justice anyone suspected to be responsible.” [HRW]

Energy Minister Fayyad Invited to France to Discuss Gas Exploration
Following a meeting with President Michel Aoun on Wednesday, Energy Minister Walid Fayyad in a press conference shared his intention to discuss gas exploration in an upcoming visit with French multinational oil and gas companies like Total as well as others others. “Concerning the import of gas and electricity from Jordan through Syria,” Fayyad said that, “the contract is ready and will be signed in the coming days.” [Naharnet]

In-Depth: Economic Crisis Hits Elderly Lebanese Population Hard
According to the International Labor Organization, cited by Al-Monitor, Lebanon has per capita the highest number of elders in the region but is among the sixteen countries in the world that does not offer social security. This has severely challenged Lebanon’s +65 population, 80% of whom have no health care coverage. “Few Lebanese get a retirement pension when they are forced to stop working at 65. Those in the public sector get a small income and they have medical coverage,” said Maya Ibrahimchah, the founder of NGO Beit El Baraka.” [Al-Monitor]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


Economic Bits of Interest
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes, “I am an avid reader of ‘Lebanon This Week,’ a weekly, English-language report published by the Byblos Bank Economic Research and Analysis Department headed by our colleague Nassib Ghobril…There are several items of interest from the November 27, 2021 edition that are worth sharing and analyzing, given what it tells us about the state of ‘resilience’ in the Lebanese economy and whether or not that descriptor is even appropriate. The first note comes from the Milken Institute’s Global Opportunities Index (GOI) which identified the investment climate in 143 countries to help foreign investors decide on where to place their money. In 2021, Lebanon has slid down 19 places, from 87th to 106th worldwide, as well as down two places among Arab countries, now in 10th place…”

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Diwan, Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center
A Jihadi Resurrection?
Mohanad Hage Ali

Hage Ali writes, “An Islamic State resurgence in Lebanon would also be convenient for the Lebanese political class, in three ways. First, any violence would justify postponing the parliamentary elections next year and decrease international pressure to organize them on time. This would help Hezbollah and its allies maintain their current majority in parliament for longer than the four-year term. Second, the political class would expect more regional and international aid to combat the Islamic State, without having to introduce reforms and meet the conditions of international donors. And third, an Islamic State revival and any ensuing violence would help realign the population behind the country’s sectarian leaderships and sectarian politics in general. This would further undermine any impulse for change in the country.”

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The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Lebanon Stands at a Crossroad Between a Painful Revival and a Complete Submission to Iran
Hanin Ghaddar

Ghaddar writes, “Lebanon is paralyzed in the midst of these challenges facing Hezbollah, which will not allow any reforms, elections, or financial restructuring until the Iran-backed organization resolves its own challenges and finds a way to protect its power and maintain the status quo. This means that focusing on reforms at this point without tackling the political factors hindering it is a waste of time.”

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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 12/7/2021

DAILY NEWS


IMF Delegation Arrives in Lebanon
The International Monetary Fund sent a delegation to Lebanon to meet with Prime Minister Najib Miqati today. The delegation will also meet with Lebanese officials and the ministerial committee that negotiates with the IMF to discuss strategies going into 2022. The delegation is led by Ernesto Ramirez. [Reuters]

Parliament Approves World Bank Loan Amendments, Delays Regulating IMF Special Drawing Rights
Today during a session at UNESCO Palace Lebanon’s parliament passed bills that amend the country’s loan treaty with the World Bank. One will support the government’s social aid plan and the other will make banks transfer $10,000 to every Lebanese university student studying abroad. Also during the session Parliament postponed the approval of a draft law that would regulate funds Lebanon received from IMF Special Drawing Rights. [Naharnet]

Beirut Blast Investigation Cleared to Resume
A string of lawsuits filed against Judge Tarek Bitar by those who Bitar had summoned for questioning had suspended the Beirut Port blast investigation for more than a month. Today a judicial source says the last of the suits have been rejected and Bitar is cleared to resume the investigation. Nizar Saghieh from Legal Agenda warns that the resumption of Bitar’s investigation could only be temporary if more legal complaints are filed. [Al Arabiya]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


Economic Bits of Interest
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes, “I am an avid reader of ‘Lebanon This Week,’ a weekly, English-language report published by the Byblos Bank Economic Research and Analysis Department headed by our colleague Nassib Ghobril…There are several items of interest from the November 27, 2021 edition that are worth sharing and analyzing, given what it tells us about the state of ‘resilience’ in the Lebanese economy and whether or not that descriptor is even appropriate. The first note comes from the Milken Institute’s Global Opportunities Index (GOI) which identified the investment climate in 143 countries to help foreign investors decide on where to place their money. In 2021, Lebanon has slid down 19 places, from 87th to 106th worldwide, as well as down two places among Arab countries, now in 10th place…”

Read more here

Arab News
Will Lebanon’s Energy Crisis by solved by Israeli Gas?
Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib

Khatib writes, “The deal has many dimensions. One is an indirect normalization with Bashar Assad — could that lead to an effort to rehabilitate Assad and push him to break from Iran? Another would be Israel’s indirect normalization, just as it is trying through economic and development projects to break its isolation from the Arab world. The third dimension is preventing a total collapse of Lebanon, as the US does not want to handle the repercussions of such a collapse. Despite all these aspects, one important point remains yet to be highlighted: How can Hezbollah and the Assad regime, whose entire legitimacy is based on resistance to Israel, accept a deal that involves Israeli gas?”

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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.