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Lebanon Daily News Brief 12/6/2021

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DAILY NEWS

Macron Announces Initiative to Resolve Diplomatic Row Between Lebanon and the Gulf
Last Friday, Lebanon’s Information Minister George Kordahi turned in his resignation. There was a push to confirm Kordahi’s resignation before French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Riyadh that weekend. [NY Times] On Saturday Macron announced a Saudi-French initiative to resolve the diplomatic crisis between Lebanon and Gulf states. In an “important step” towards a resolution, Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Prime Minister Najib Miqati in a joint phone call with future plans to talk with President Michel Aoun.. [Reuters] Both Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri said they are satisfied with the movement toward better relations and Miqati has called on all parties in Lebanon to mind the sensitivity of the situation. The talks so far have linked “economic aid to Lebanon with the implementation of required reforms.” [Arab News]

Reported Progress Toward Resumption of Cabinet Meetings
Cabinet sessions remain delayed but there are reports that progress is being made toward their resumption. Amal and Hezbollah sources said that there will not be a solution to the government crisis until there is an agreement to restore the role of the Higher Council for the Trial of Presidents and Ministers. This means referring former prime ministers and ministers to the Higher Council for those who are summoned in the Beirut Port explosion case. [Naharnet] The Free Patriotic Movement and other parties have rejected political interference in Lebanon’s judiciary, but FPM is reported to be showing some flexibility on this matter. [Naharnet]

US Embassy Launches “Digital Mothers” Program
Over the weekend the US Embassy in Lebanon launched the “Digital Mothers” training program in Tripoli. The program will train 68 mothers of school children on technology and English and teach “skills that will help them, their children, and their communities.” The Digital Mothers program will offer 200 hours of digital literacy and English language lessons over the next year to help mothers assist their children’s learning. [US Embassy]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Foreign Affairs
America is Not Withdrawing from the Middle East
Dalia Dassa Kaye

Kaye writes, “In this moment of strategic flux, the United States has an opportunity to do things differently—to develop and implement a strategy for development and equity. Instead of outsize military investments, it could invest in solutions to the socioeconomic and governance challenges preventing a better life for the region’s citizens. The United States, along with its wealthy allies, could help partners that want to transform the region from a set of problems to a set of possibilities. Either way, the United States and the Middle East are not going to part ways—but Washington should seize the chance to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

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: 12/4/2021

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December 4, 2021
Lebanon launches cash card aid, despite funding shortfall
700,000 Children In Lebanon Can’t Afford School Anymore
Three Lebanese Judges Resign Due To Political Interference In The Judiciary

Lebanon launches cash card aid, despite funding shortfall

Following months of delays, and with only some of the funding secured, Lebanon on Wednesday opened registration for two cash assistance programmes to help 700,000 vulnerable families cope with the withdrawal of crucial subsidies. Social Affairs Minister Hector Hajjar said at the launch event at the Grand Serail in downtown Beirut, where Prime Minister Najib Mikati, lawmakers, and diplomats were in attendance, that the cash assistance initiatives are only meant to provide temporary relief. [Al Jazeera]

RESPONSE

“The World Bank has registration criteria and transparent oversight mechanisms to make certain that the cash card program truly assists the most vulnerable Lebanese and is free from political interference and patronage from corrupt civil servants or politicians. It is a shame that it is taking parliament so long to establish a cash assistance program that meets these simple criteria. Meanwhile the Lebanese people continue to suffer with nearly a third of the population unable to properly feed themselves. The 2022 elections continue to bring hope to the Lebanese people that anti-corruption figures are elected from the opposition. In the meantime, parliament should show the Lebanese people it can address their needs.”

-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel

700,000 Children In Lebanon Can’t Afford School Anymore

On World Children’s Day, November 23rd, UNICEF released a report on a survey conducted in Lebanon showing the worsening impact of the crisis on children. With no sign of betterment in Lebanon’s economy, the impact on children is progressively worsening. A recent poll showed an increase in the number of children going hungry, having to work to support their family, and not getting access to decent healthcare. According to recent UNICEF figures, 3 in 10 households have cut expenses on education while 4 in 10 had to sell household items to buy basic goods, and 7 in 10 are having to buy food on credit or borrow money. [The 961]

RESPONSE

“When I was young, education in Lebanon was considered world class and so my Lebanese-American parents wanted their children to benefit from the great education system in both countries. They wanted their children to attend primary school in the US and secondary school in Lebanon. Lebanese, then and now, have always viewed providing their children with the best possible education as a duty. Families in Lebanon today are being deprived of this basic and essential right. Lebanon’s star has lost its luster as the beacon of education and the source of so many skilled people working throughout the world. I never came to Lebanon for school, it was too unstable. Then as now, the price of political paralysis is a generational loss of talent.”

-ATFL Vice President for Policy Jean AbiNader

Three Lebanese Judges Resign Due To Political Interference In The Judiciary

Three senior Lebanese female judges have resigned over interference by politicians in the work of the judiciary, including the Beirut Blast Investigation. In a country where political leaders undermine the legal system and determine judicial appointments based on their loyalty rather than effectiveness, there is little room for the judiciary to properly work, especially when it comes to Lebanon’s ruling class. [The 961]

RESPONSE

“The assault on the judiciary continues. Through intimidation, threats, slander, and other means, judges are being coerced to either leave or comply with political dictates. Lebanon cannot achieve maturity as a government operating under rule of law without an independent and functioning judicial system. It is not just Judge Tarek Bitar and the Beirut Port explosion; it is a confusing and deprecating sectarian system that works against the Lebanese as a people free to exercise basic rights guaranteed in Lebanon’s constitution and international declarations which it has signed.”

-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 12/3/2021

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DAILY NEWS

Lebanon’s Information Minister Resigns
Today Lebanon’s Information Minister George Kordahi turned in his resignation. The announcement comes after Prime Minister Najib Miqati asked Kordahi to put national interest first. There also was an understanding that Miqati wanted the resignation to happen before French President Emmanuel Macron upcoming visit. Kordahi said, “I refused to be used as a reason to harm Lebanon and my fellow Lebanese in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.” [Reuters]

Waste Services Halt in Beirut and Mount Lebanon
Reports have come in that waste services have stopped collection operations in Beirut and Mount Lebanon because of a failure to settle contracts with the government. The halt in services raises concern of a new garbage crisis in Lebanon. Environment Minister Nasser Yassine told Prime Minister Miqati in a meeting recently that there was a need for a “more sustainable plan for managing solid waste.” After the meeting Yassine said the ministry is working to resolve the contract issues to avoid a crisis. [Naharnet]

Protesters Break into Ministry of Public Works
This morning protesters broke into Lebanon’s public works ministry building with demands to talk to Minister Ali Hamieh. The group was protesting worsening conditions in Lebanon including high prices of basic goods, fuel, and medicine. Following the break-in Minister Hamieh agreed to meet with protesters for 30 minutes. [The 961]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Foreign Affairs
America is Not Withdrawing from the Middle East
Dalia Dassa Kaye

Kaye writes, “In this moment of strategic flux, the United States has an opportunity to do things differently—to develop and implement a strategy for development and equity. Instead of outsize military investments, it could invest in solutions to the socioeconomic and governance challenges preventing a better life for the region’s citizens. The United States, along with its wealthy allies, could help partners that want to transform the region from a set of problems to a set of possibilities. Either way, the United States and the Middle East are not going to part ways—but Washington should seize the chance to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

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 12/1/2021

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DAILY NEWS

US Energy Envoy Says Egyptian Gas to Start Flowing in Three Months
US State Department energy envoy Amos Hochstein said on Monday that natural gas from Egypt should start flowing to Lebanon in the next three months. He told CNBC he hopes it will come “long before” the 2022 parliamentary elections and that “every week that goes by I am more optimistic that we’re going to be in a position to have the gas flowing.” [CNBC]

Cabinet Meetings Remain Stalled
After Prime Minister Najib Miqati’s attempts to restart cabinet sessions, sources say “stances have not changed” concerning Shiite ministers’ position on Judge Bitar’s removal. [Naharnet] Today Miqati met with President Michel Aoun and told a journalist afterwards, “the government is functioning but the Council of Ministers is not.” [Naharnet]

Geagea Accuses Hezbollah of Working to Delay Elections
Leader of the Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea blamed Hezbollah and President Michel Aoun for efforts to delay the March 2022 parliamentary elections. He told Reuters, “they are near certain they will lose their parliamentary majority.” Hezbollah MP Ibrahim Moussawi responded saying that the party is firmly in favor of holding elections “on their scheduled constitutional dates.” President Aoun said earlier this month he would not approve of the March 27 date agreed upon by parliament, and would only accept May election dates. [Reuters]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

When to Say ‘No’ to Hezbollah’s Agenda
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes, “Hezbollah has been able, since its inception in the mid-1980s, to move from being the “resistance force” protecting Lebanon from Israel, to a fully participating actor in the political system with the capacity to bring the government to heel as its priorities dictate. One hears a query that if Lebanon would normalize relations with Israel or pass the baton on the Shebaa Farms brief to Syria, would the ‘resistance’ end and Hezbollah morph into a political force competing without the clout of a battle-hardened militia? The basic question this raises is will Hezbollah as a Lebanese entity or some hybrid that, as its Secretary General says, looks east to Iran for its raison d’être?”

Read more here

Atlantic Council
Lebanon is Facing Two Crises. Will the New Prime Minister Survive?
Nicholas Blanford

Blanford writes, “The deadlock over Bitar’s fate persists, with the possibility that if he isn’t dismissed, the ministers linked to Hezbollah and Amal and an allied party, the Marada, will resign. Such a move could collapse the government, or at the very least, thwart its ability to tackle the grave economic crisis Lebanon currently endures. It could also threaten the timetable for parliamentary elections scheduled at the end of March 2022. Through its actions over the past two months, Hezbollah’s desire to remove Bitar appears to be considered a higher priority over helping the country embark on the desperately needed path to economic recovery.”

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 11/30/2021

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DAILY NEWS

PM Miqati Discusses Resuming Cabinet Sessions with Speaker Berri
Two Shiite ministers announced they will boycott cabinet meetings until there is a “return to the constitutional and legal principles in the Beirut port blast investigation.” [Naharnet] Today, Prime Minister Najib Miqati met with Speaker Nabih Berri to seek help in holding a cabinet session which has been delayed since October 12. However Berri also insisted on “resolving the issue of Bitar first,” sources say. [Naharnet]

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Briefs Security Council
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka briefed the UN Security Council on Lebanon and the implementation of Resolution 1701 alongside Under Secretary General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and UNFIL Force Commander Maj. Gen. Stefano del Col. Wronecka encouraged the formation of a government under Prime Minister Miqati as a positive development, but regretted that the government has not made progress towards reforms and said she hoped cabinet sessions would resume soon. Wronecka emphasized the importance of fair and transparent elections in Lebanon. [Naharnet]

President Aoun Seeks Reconciliation with Gulf Countries
President Michel Aoun gave an exclusive interview to Al Jazeera yesterday in which he said that Lebanon is seeking to reconcile relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. He dismissed Information Minister George Kordahi’s comments on the war in Yemen but clarified that he has not asked Kordahi to resign. [Al Jazeera] Regarding the Beirut Port investigation, he added that he does not agree with Hezbollah’s calls to dismiss Judge Tarek Bitar. [Al Arabiya]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

When to Say ‘No’ to Hezbollah’s Agenda
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes, “Hezbollah has been able, since its inception in the mid-1980s, to move from being the “resistance force” protecting Lebanon from Israel, to a fully participating actor in the political system with the capacity to bring the government to heel as its priorities dictate. One hears a query that if Lebanon would normalize relations with Israel or pass the baton on the Shebaa Farms brief to Syria, would the ‘resistance’ end and Hezbollah morph into a political force competing without the clout of a battle-hardened militia? The basic question this raises is will Hezbollah as a Lebanese entity or some hybrid that, as its Secretary General says, looks east to Iran for its raison d’être?”

Read more here

Carnegie Middle East Center
Is the Son Setting?
Michael Young

Young writes, “Saad al-Hariri may yet run in elections, though the strong possibility they may not happen is surely something he has factored into his decision. Whichever way Hariri leans, it’s obvious he’s preparing for a long period in the political wilderness. Lebanon may not be the worse for it, but nor is it reassuring that Sunnis should feel that their leaders alone are the ones being eliminated from the political landscape.”

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 11/29/2021

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DAILY NEWS

Protests Over Lebanon’s Worsening Economic Conditions
On Friday protesters broke into Lebanon’s Ministry of Social Affairs and replaced a picture of President Michel Aoun with a banner that read, “revolutionaries of October 17.” [AP] Protests have continued today with demonstrations of burning tires and blocked roads in central Beirut, Tripoli, and Sidon. [Reuters] Lebanon’s economic conditions continue to plague the Lebanese people while the Lebanese pound reaches a new low of LL25,000 to the dollar. [Middle East Eye]

President Aoun Visits Qatar
Today President Michel Aoun arrived in Qatar for talks with the Emir of Qatar and other officials regarding the spiraling diplomatic crisis between Lebanon and Gulf countries. Aoun said he will call on Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to invest in the reconstruction of the Beirut Port and other infrastructure projects, including electricity. [AP]

Prime Minister Miqati Visits Pope Francis
On Thursday Prime Minister Najib Miqati met privately with Pope Francis for a 20-minute discussion at the Vatican. The pope told PM Miqati that “Lebanon is a country, a message, and also a promise to fight for.” [Eurasia Review]

Russia Plans Oil Storage Project at the Beirut Port
Following a meeting in Moscow between Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib and Russian Minister Sergey Lavrov, the two announced plans to implement a large project at the Beirut Port. Rosneft, a Russian company that owns a a port terminal for oil storage, will modernize and enlarge its oil product storage there. [The 961]

Australia Designates the Entire Hezbollah Organization
Australia extended its 2003 designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization from just the group’s military wing to the entire organization. Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said that the group poses a “real and credible” threat to Australia and that Hezbollah “continues to threaten terrorist attacks and provide support to terrorist organizations.” [Al Arabiya]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

When to Say ‘No’ to Hezbollah’s Agenda
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes, “Hezbollah has been able, since its inception in the mid-1980s, to move from being the “resistance force” protecting Lebanon from Israel, to a fully participating actor in the political system with the capacity to bring the government to heel as its priorities dictate. One hears a query that if Lebanon would normalize relations with Israel or pass the baton on the Shebaa Farms brief to Syria, would the ‘resistance’ end and Hezbollah morph into a political force competing without the clout of a battle-hardened militia? The basic question this raises is will Hezbollah as a Lebanese entity or some hybrid that, as its Secretary General says, looks east to Iran for its raison d’être?”

Read more here

The Lebanese Center for Policy Studies
A Transparent and Effective Cash Assistance Program: Dream or Reality?
Leila Dagher

Dagher writes, “The proposed quasi-universal cash transfer program is essential and timely, particularly in light of the dire socio-economic situation in the country. However, the program should be very carefully designed and implemented in a transparent manner so as not to be used as a medium for vote-buying. Ensuring strong oversight mechanisms and anti-corruption safeguards also provides an opportunity to regain the trust of the Lebanese and other stakeholders, which is the cornerstone of any successful economic recovery plan.”

Read more here

Carnegie Middle East Center
Is the Son Setting?
Michael Young

Young writes, “Saad al-Hariri may yet run in elections, though the strong possibility they may not happen is surely something he has factored into his decision. Whichever way Hariri leans, it’s obvious he’s preparing for a long period in the political wilderness. Lebanon may not be the worse for it, but nor is it reassuring that Sunnis should feel that their leaders alone are the ones being eliminated from the political landscape.”

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: 11/27/2021

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November 27, 2021
ATFL Leads US Representatives on Fact-Finding Mission
UN Special Rapporteur Expresses Disappointment on Subsidies
“Why the Gulf States Turned on Lebanon” by Hussein Ibish

ATFL Leads US Representatives on Fact-Finding Mission to Lebanon
The American Task Force on Lebanon led a congressional delegation to Lebanon on a fact-finding mission to better understand the country’s unraveling crises, and the new government’s role in mitigating economic and humanitarian disaster. The delegation will report to President Joe Biden and Congress with proposals to help the Lebanese. US House Representatives, including Darrell Issa and Darin LaHood, met with Prime Minister Najib Miqati, President Michel Aoun, other top officials, and civil society leaders. [AP]

RESPONSE

“The congressional members came home with a new determination to address the dire situation in Lebanon. Nothing substitutes for the reality they experienced on the ground. The resolve of the new government and competence of the Lebanese Armed Forces were seen as positive signs by the delegation, but it was evident that without the cohesion of all influential Lebanese policy makers and civil society, Lebanon could reach its breaking point. The members pledged to stand by the Lebanese people and to brief Congress and the Biden administration on issues they consider key to US interests. At the same time, they emphasized the importance of the Lebanese government to do its part in addressing the people’s needs, ahead of personal ambitions.”

-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel

UN Special Rapporteur Expresses Disappointment on Medicine Subsidies
Earlier this month, the UN Special Rapporteur on poverty and human rights completed a twelve-day tour of Lebanon. During his visit Olivier De Schutter met with Lebanon officials, civil society leaders, and impoverished communities throughout the country. He concluded that though Lebanon is not a failed state, it is a failing state. De Schutter added that the “government’s inaction in the face of this unprecedented crisis has inflicted great misery on the population…” [The National] Last week in a tweet he further expressed disappointment in the removal of subsidies on medicines. [The 961]

RESPONSE

“Olivier De Schutter, UN Rapporteur on poverty and human rights, concluded his 12 day trip to Lebanon with no good news. In addition to the depressing facts we already know, he criticized the government’s latest move to protect the reserves by lifting more subsidies on medications. This step was taken without any indication that the Parliament will pass legislation to implement the cash card system already funded as a partial replacement for procuring food and medicines. This disconnect between making the needs of the people the priority and the political calculus of the leadership to protect themselves is a scandal.”

-ATFL Vice President for Policy Jean AbiNader

“Why the Gulf States Turned on Lebanon” by Hussein Ibish
Hussein Ibish writes for The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington on the growing diplomatic crisis between Lebanon and Gulf countries. Ibish writes, “Undoubtedly one of Riyadh’s primary calculations is that pressuring Tehran through Lebanon and Hezbollah suggests a quid pro quo, not only in terms of diplomatic relations in exchange for the easing of Iranian support for the Houthis, but also as a kind of Lebanon-Yemen exchange.” [AGSIW]

RESPONSE

“Murkier and darker, the wheels of Arab conspiracy and leveraging continue to crunch Lebanon into even more desperate conditions. Without Gulf employment, trade, tourism, and other ties, Lebanon’s economy continues to implode. For what? So that Gulf countries can maneuver to halt Iran’s influence over Syria or to claim some relief from their misguided policies in Yemen? We continue to call for a Lebanon policy that is independent, neutral, and based on Lebanon’s needs not as a pawn in the larger region. The price of Saudi-Iranian competition should not be Lebanon’s sovereignty.”

-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 11/23/2021

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DAILY NEWS

UNICEF Warns Children’s Futures at Stake in Lebanon
UNICEF released a report today that warns that Lebanon’s economic crisis has left some children hungry and without medical care. Some have been forced to drop out of school to help their families. UNICEF’s representative in Lebanon Yukie Mokuo says, “Unless we act now, every child’s future in Lebanon is at stake.” She added, “The government needs to take swift action to safeguard children’s future.” [AP]

Lebanon’s Leaders Meet on Beirut Port Investigation
Lebanon’s top leaders met yesterday to find a solution to issues surrounding the Beirut Port blast investigation and Judge Tarek Bitar. President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Najib Miqati, and Speaker Nabih Berri agreed that the solution should be found through the judiciary and that if the judiciary falls to resolve it, a solution can be found through parliament. [Naharnet]

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] When asked about the meeting in Moscow, US State Department Spokesman Ned Price reemphasized engagement with France, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries. [US State Department]

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.”

Read more here

Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington
Why the Gulf States Turned on 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.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 11/22/2021

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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.”

Read more here

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.

Lebanon Daily News 11/19/2021

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DAILY NEWS

Aoun Says He Will Not Authorize March Election Date
Today President Michel Aoun announced that he would not sign off on the new parliamentary election date in March and would only agree to an election date on May 8 or May 15. He cited several reasons; March 27 gives the new government less time to secure an IMF recovery plan, there may be weather issues in March affecting voter turnout, and that it would deprive thousands of voters from reaching the voting age of 21 in time for the elections. [Reuters] The announced decision follows an appeal lodged by Aoun’s Free Patriotic Movement early this week in which FPM argued against new electoral law amendments agreed upon by parliament in October. [Arab News]

Riad Salameh Releases Personal Audit to PM Miqati
Central bank governor Riad Salameh released audits of his personal accounts to Prime Minister Najib Miqati according to tweets from the cabinet. The forensic audit of Banque du Liban is still moving ahead, in a separate process conducted by Alvarez & Marsal. Salameh said the personal audit was in response to rumors regarding his accounts. Three European countries are investigating Salameh over allegations of money laundering. [Reuters]

Palestinians with Lebanese Passports Seek Asylum in Barcelona
A group of 39 Palestinians with Lebanese passports have requested asylum in Spain. On a trip from Cairo with stops in Barcelona, Bogota, and Quito as the final stop, the group stopped in Barcelona and refused to board their flight to the next destination. Spanish authorities are processing their asylum request and the Palestinian group has been taken care of with food and assistance in the meantime. [Naharnet]

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Carnegie Middle East Center
Open Invitations
Michael Young

Young writes, “No one should expect clear or rapid outcomes from the foreign countries seeking stakes in Lebanon. Hezbollah and Iran will fight tooth and nail for every inch of terrain—witness the Iranian foreign minister’s recent efforts to torpedo a French plan to rebuild Beirut port, by offering that Iran do the same and more. Change will require patience by states to use their advantages, while accepting that zero-sum expectations will fail: Eliminating Iran’s sway from Lebanon will not happen, given the large Shia community there. With time, a regional consensus over the country may emerge to stabilize things, similar to the Syrian-Saudi understanding over the Taif agreement.”

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.