Time to Show Up for Work

As PM-designate Najib Miqati continues to work on forming a governing team who will satisfy both domestic critics and international concerns for an empowered reformist body, two thoughts come to mind:

Will the line-up have the necessary political clout to move the government in the needed direction? And will the required consensus bring about initial steps at healing the country?

The Lebanese people have stated their concerns many times: less corruption, a responsive banking sector, efficient government, adequate social services, and an inclusive society.

The international community has also been unambiguous: reform the economy and the public sector, reduce waste and mismanagement, maintain security through national bodies, i.e. the LAF and ISF, and constrain entities that contribute to instability such as Hezbollah and terrorist groups.

With so much at stake, there are many good wishes for Miqati’s success, if the new cabinet is committed to implement change in the right directions. Perhaps two banners might be helpful in focusing the government’s efforts. I would suggest the first being “Time to Show up for Work,” indicating the resolve of the new government to move towards higher standards of accountability in its performance, beginning with electricity, telecommunications, and port reforms that will attract foreign investment into the country and support tourism.

Ensuring that the municipal and parliamentary elections take place as scheduled will be a key marker of their commitment. Dealing with the inadequacies of the subsidy regime, by its elimination and replacement with a World Bank monitored cash card system, will pave the way to restore liquidity to the economy and create conditions for a currency board or other facility to reinvigorate the value of the Lebanese lira. None of these are simple, but the legislative and policy guidelines are already in place or accessible to move quickly if there is a will and a commitment to show up for work.

Similarly, “Build Bridges, Not Walls,” should also be a mission statement of the new government, overcoming sectarian obstacles to access to better schools, health facilities, jobs, and so many other facets of life in Lebanon. It could also literally mean infrastructure projects that create jobs for Lebanese, improve the quality of life through access to clean water and efficient public transportation, and ease congestion and overuse of precious land and water resources.

On the regional level, it would encompass relations with its two big neighbors, Syria and Israel, which also have a need for stability and security. While there are no perfect formulas, it is clear that restarting negotiations on the maritime boundary and more access for the UNIFIL to currently closed areas in the south would help build bilateral confidence. If Syria’s leadership can be swayed to support a stable and prosperous Lebanon which will, in turn, help stabilize Syria’s economy, then cooperation on cracking down on smuggling and some accommodation of refugee needs may be possible. It’s not as unthinkable now that the Syrian regime feels more secure.

While these slogans may not sound terribly profound to those suffering inside Lebanon, nor to partisans on the outside, they pinpoint two undeniable needs: government accountability and an inclusive society. If Lebanon is to survive as a sovereign, independent, and effective state, nation-building must be a priority. The best part is that the Lebanese are capable of doing it themselves with the urging and support of its friends.

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

Lebanon Daily News Brief 9/3/2021

DAILY NEWS


First Shipment of Iranian Fuel to Be Delivered Through Syria
The first shipment of Iranian fuel announced by Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah two weeks ago will be received by Syria and delivered to Lebanon by truck, sources say. The purpose of this is to avoid sanction complications and to avoid implicating allies in Lebanon, they added. A local newspaper confirmed the vessel had entered Syrian waters but Tanker Trackers has yet to confirm this report. [Reuters]

Lebanese Delegation to Go to Damascus Tomorrow
In what is the first official diplomatic visit in ten years, a Lebanese delegation is scheduled to visit Syria tomorrow. The officials will go to Damascus to discuss plans to import gas from Jordan through Syrian territory. Finance Minister Ghazi Wasni, Energy Minister Raymond Ghajar, and General Security head Major General Abbas Ibrahim will join the delegation. [Al Arabiya]

Maj. Gen. Ibrahim to Resume Mediation Efforts in Government Talks
As Prime Minister-designate Najib Miqati’s deadline that he set form himself to form a government passes, he says that for now, resigning is out of the question. [Al Arabiya] After yesterday’s meeting between Miqati and President Michel Aoun showed negative signs, Major General Abbas Ibrahim will resume his role as mediator today. [Naharnet]

EU Delegation to Visit Lebanon Tomorrow
Tomorrow a delegation from the European Union will arrive in Lebanon for a four-day visit. The visit is mean to urge Lebanon’s political leaders to put aside self interests and form a new government. One delegation member said, “we ask the Lebanese authorities to help us help Lebanon, to help Lebanon’s people.” [The Daily Star]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


UNIFIL Mandate Renewed With LAF Support Provision
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes, “The first defense of UNIFIL’s role is its relationship with the LAF which has endured for 15 years and raised the LAF’s profile as the most respected government institution in the country. A key element in this has been the regular tripartite meetings among the IDF and LAF, mediated by the UNIFIL, which have been a stabilizing factor in the region as the only forum between Lebanese and Israeli representatives. The UNSC encouraged the parties to expand these meetings in order to ‘resolve the conflict and build confidence.'”

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 9/2/2021

DAILY NEWS


US Senators Urge Government Formation in Lebanon
Yesterday a US Congressional delegation in Beirut led by US Senator Chris Murphy met with President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun, and other political and civil society representatives. [US Embassy] They voiced hope that a government would be formed this week so that Lebanon can begin addressing its economic crises. One senator added that Hezbollah’s recent fuel deal with Iran would come with “strings attached.” [Reuters]

Another Draft Cabinet Lineup is Circulated
Sources close to government formation talks suggest that a cabinet could be agreed upon shortly. Reportedly the major obstacles of finding agreement on the interior and justice portfolios have been resolved. [Naharnet] Another cabinet draft has been circulated and published on Annahar. [Naharnet]

2022 Parliamentary Election Dates
The Lebanese Ministry of Interior has set dates for next years parliamentary elections including upcoming deadlines for registration in Lebanon in the diaspora. Election day will be held as scheduled on May 8 in Lebanon. View the full list of dates in this 961 article.

OPINION & ANALYSIS


UNIFIL Mandate Renewed With LAF Support Provision
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes, “The first defense of UNIFIL’s role is its relationship with the LAF which has endured for 15 years and raised the LAF’s profile as the most respected government institution in the country. A key element in this has been the regular tripartite meetings among the IDF and LAF, mediated by the UNIFIL, which have been a stabilizing factor in the region as the only forum between Lebanese and Israeli representatives. The UNSC encouraged the parties to expand these meetings in order to ‘resolve the conflict and build confidence.'”

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

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

Read more here


Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.

UNIFIL Mandate Renewed with LAF Support Provision

The UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2591 extends the UNIFIL mandate for another full year, recounting its efforts to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in ensuring security and stability between the Litani River and the southern boundary with Israel (the Blue Line).

It restated a number of points that illustrate the challenges to its mission. For example, the Resolution condemned the attacks on the UNIFIL and threats constraining its safety, freedom of movement, and access along the Blue Line. In that regard, the Council called on Lebanon to expedite its investigations into the attacks against UNIFIL and “bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice promptly.” A case brought in 1980 has only recently been settled by the Lebanese judiciary.

UNSCR 2591 also mentioned violations of the Blue Line by air (code for Israeli overflights) and land (code for Hezbollah and IDF excursions testing both sides), and called on all parties to respect the cessation of hostilities and fully cooperate with the UNIFIL. This is one of the core challenges to the UNIFIL’s capability to carry out its mission. It has not been granted permission by the Lebanese government to enter private property in pursuit of its investigations or probe the cross-border tunnels exposed by Israel two years ago. Additionally, Lebanese senior politicians have prohibited the LAF from various pursuits and arrests as in the case of the Hezbollah engineers captured by villagers in South Lebanon with rocket launchers, which were then returned and the men freed.

One would not be remiss in asking what role the UNIFIL can undertake under so many restraints.

The first defense of UNIFIL’s role is its relationship with the LAF which has endured for 15 years and raised the LAF’s profile as the most respected government institution in the country. A key element in this has been the regular tripartite meetings among the IDF and LAF, mediated by the UNIFIL, which have been a stabilizing factor in the region as the only forum between Lebanese and Israeli representatives. The UNSC encouraged the parties to expand these meetings in order to “resolve the conflict and build confidence.”

As a one-time measure, the UNSC asked the international community to take exceptional measures to support the Lebanese Armed Forces logistically and with non-lethal items (fuel, food, and medicine) for a period of six months, and within the limits of local resources. Putting support for the LAF on the agenda of the international community is critical for its survival until Lebanon achieves some degree of normalcy.

The Resolution did not exempt Lebanon’s leadership from its critical language: “Strongly urging the Lebanese political leaders to form, without further delay and with a sense of urgency, a new Government which can respond to the needs and aspirations of the Lebanese population and the current main challenges Lebanon is facing, in particular the reconstruction of Beirut, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the implementation of reforms, which are absolutely necessary to overcome and recover from the current and unprecedented acute social, economic, and humanitarian crises, expressing grave concern about the obstacles to the political process and implementation of the necessary reforms, and calling on the Lebanese authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure the conduct of elections in 2022 according to the planned schedule…”

Finally, the UNSC made note of two enduring issues by calling on Israel “to expedite the withdrawal of its army from northern Ghajar without further delay in coordination with UNIFIL, which has actively engaged Israel and Lebanon to facilitate such a withdrawal; [and] Reaffirms its call on all States to fully support and respect the establishment between the Blue Line and the Litani River of an area free of any armed personnel, assets, and weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL.” While resolving these points is clearly aspirational at this point, it is important to restate the basic mission of the UNIFIL in Lebanon.

One further note: it is past time for the UNSC to aggressively address the issue of smuggling across the Lebanese-Syrian border which continues to undermine and erode the Lebanese economy. Political forces on both sides are profiting from the pain of millions of Lebanese deprived of food, medications, and fuel that was subsidized in Lebanon and moved across the border where they are sold at a great profit.

The LAF is supposed to have responsibility for border security and the UNIFIL shares some of that role in the South, but the egregious behavior of the Lebanese political mafia in limiting the LAF’s freedom of action only deepens the trust deficit between the people and many in the leadership of the country.

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

Lebanon Daily News Brief 8/31/2021

DAILY NEWS


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

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

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

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

OPINION & ANALYSIS


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

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

Read more here


Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 8/16/2021

DAILY NEWS


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

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

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

OPINION & ANALYSIS


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

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

Read more here

Carnegie Middle East Center
Enemies in the Gates
Michael Young

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

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

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

Read more here


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.

Lebanese Daily News Brief 7/26/2021

DAILY NEWS


Former Prime Minister Mikati Named Prime Minister-Designate
Today former Prime Minister Najib Miqati was named Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate after securing 72 votes in parliamentary consultations. Miqati stressed that he would follow the French initiative in the formation of a new government. He said that if he “didn’t have specific foreign reassurances” he would not have moved forward. [Naharnet]

Lebanon Asks for UNIFIL Mandate to Be Extended
Today during talks with the UN Undersecretary-General for Peace Operations, President Michel Aoun asked for the UNIFIL mandate to be extended. He asked that no modifications be made to UNIFIL’s number or its missions in southern Lebanon. [The Daily Star]

MPs Withdraw Support for Beirut Port Special Council Motion
After last week’s parliamentary motion to try officials surrounding the Beirut Port blast through a special judicial council, dozens of MPs have removed their names. The petition was signed by over 50 MPs initially but pressure from activists and the media has led led to MPs to back out. Only 23 names are left in support of the motion. The motion would have opened a parallel investigation to Judge Tarek Bitar’s and legal activists say it would keep certain officials from being held accountable. [The 961]

Tripoli Man Self-Immolates Amid Dire Conditions
A man in Tripoli set himself on fire in desperation to protest the deteriorating living conditions in Lebanon. The Islamic Medical Association rescued the man and took him to Al-Salam Hospital. Food prices have increased 50 percent from ten days ago and Lebanese are struggling to put food on the table. [The 961] Today caretaker Economy Minister Raoul Nehme asked importers to lower their commodity prices. [Naharnet]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


Drowning in Corruption, Lebanon’s Water Supply Dribbles to a Halt
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes, “The availability of water for 1.7 million residents dropped in 2020 by 80% from 43.6 to 9 gallons of potable water a day. This has resulted in an increase of 35% in the price of private sector bulk water supplies, while the cost of bottled water has doubled. And where does the blame lay? There are no dollars to buy chlorine or spare parts for the municipal water systems – suppliers insist on being paid in real money, not Lebanese lira. Hard to blame them. Then there are the intermittent power supplies and blackouts interrupting the treatment, pumping, and distribution of water. That’s the government’s responsibility since it controls contracting and maintenance of the public water supply. And, about 40% of the safe water supply is wasted through faulty, corroded pipes and water being illegally diverted. Bad luck maybe, but more likely negligence on the part of the municipal and regional water authorities for ignoring or avoiding these issues for the past 20 years…Will 40 of Lebanon’s million/billionaires each please transfer $1 million to UNICEF, which is not a Lebanese entity, to enable UNICEF to carry out its commitment ‘to support, particularly as the global pandemic evolves, to ensure that the most basic right to clean water is met for children and families at this critical time for Lebanon?'”

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Middle East Institute
Mitigating the darkest hour: Lebanon’s struggle for power
Jessica Obeid

Obeid writes, “Lebanon is steadily plunging into total darkness. Decades of political bickering, weak governance, and vested interests have taken their toll on the power sector and are developing into economic and humanitarian crises. A long-term strategy focused on improving the sector’s governance is needed. In the short term, however, immediate actions such as distributed renewable energy and out-of-the-box financing mechanisms should be taken to avoid the darkest hour.”

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 7/1/2021

DAILY NEWS


Shots Fired in Tripoli Amid Electricity Cuts and Fuel, Medicine Shortages
After rumors spread in Tripoli yesterday that a young girl died when an electricity cut stopped her machine that supplies oxygen, anger erupted among protesters. Armed men roamed some of Tripoli’s poorer neighborhoods, firing into the air and throwing stones at soldiers. Soldiers temporarily retreated from those areas to avoid clashes, but returned for patrols later in the day. [AP]

Vatican Hosts Summit with Lebanon’s Christian Leaders
Today, Lebanese Christian leaders are attending a summit with Pope Francis at Clementine Hall in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. The Pope and the patriarchs will discuss the role religion can play in helping Lebanon through multiple crises. Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Syrian Orthodox, and Protestant churches are represented at the summit. [Reuters]

UNICEF Warns Children in Lebanon are at Risk
In a press release today, UNICEF warned of the dire conditions children are facing in Lebanon due to the country’s multiple crises. The statement said 77 percent of households do not have enough food or enough money to buy food, and that over 30 percent of children skipped meals and went to bed hungry in the last month. Children are going without health care, without education, and some have been sent to work. [UNICEF]

David Hale CNBC Interview: No Financial Assistance Without Reforms
In an interview with CNBC, former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale emphasized that Lebanon will not receive an international bailout, but if reforms are made, substantial aid will be delivered. He said, “The key to opening the door is in the hands of Lebanese leaders, they have to demonstrate to us that they have the will and the capacity to take the reforms needed so that any international financing will not be wasted.” [CNBC]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


National Review
A Currency Board Would Bring Lebanon Back From the Dead
Peter J. Tanous

Tanous writes: “With a currency board, the Lebanese pound would be backed 100 percent by an anchor currency, such as the U.S. dollar, and be freely convertible into its anchor currency at an absolutely fixed rate of exchange. Currency boards have proven successful in other distressed countries, where they have stopped hyperinflations and established stability. Indeed, a currency board in Lebanon is just what the doctor ordered. A stable, convertible currency would attract foreign capital — especially from thriving Lebanese expat entrepreneurs — revitalize the private sector, and revive GDP growth. Renewed growth based on a sound currency offers the prospects of reopening the debt markets for Lebanon and clawing back part of bank depositors’ losses. It would also ensure that the LAF is adequately financed and could support the families of its soldiers.”

ٍRead more here

Wilson Center
Building a Better Lebanon

Yesterday the Wilson Center hosted a virtual launch event for its new report, “Building a Better Lebanon,” which explores the best way out of Lebanon’s crises. Against a backgrop of weak institutional capacity and growing instability, the co-authors argue that any reform program for Lebanon should be simple, transparent, and most importantly managed by a credible government of reform.

ٍ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 01/07/20

DAILY NEWS


World Bank Criticizes Beirut’s Port Management and Demands an Overhaul
Rim Zrein
The 961

New Lockdown Regulations Cause Great Anxiety for Family Breadwinners
Rosabel Crean
The Daily Star

Aoun Meets al-Rahi Who Propose Meeting with Hariri
Naharnet

OPINION & ANALYSIS


UNIFIL Military Head Emphasizes Need for Progress in Implementing UNSCR 1701
Jean AbiNader

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.

UNIFIL Military Head Emphasizes Need for Progress in Implementing UNSCR 1701

UNIFIL’s role in South Lebanon has always been the subject of controversy. It is charged with implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted to “achieve a permanent ceasefire in the area based on a buffer zone free of armed personnel other than US and Lebanese Forces.” It has been constrained in its efforts by political decisions of Lebanese leaders unwilling to challenge Hezbollah’s dominance in the area and Israel’s insistence on violating Lebanese land and air space at will, invoking its security interests.

At the end of 2020, the head of mission and force commander of UNIFIL, General Stefano Del Col, sent a public message to the Lebanese in which he noted “occasional yet serious tensions across the Blue Line, along with heated rhetoric in both Lebanon and Israel.” He indicated that UNIFIL’s presence was a deterrent to more hostilities and supported stability in the country, and its more than 450 daily activities were key to the absence of hostilities for 14 years. But, he warned, it must not lead to complacency. “New developments in the south of Lebanon show promise. We need to look ahead and take further steps to mark the Blue Line and settle disputed areas as an important de-confliction measure.”

Importantly, Del Col added that his mission will continue to exert all efforts to support and increase the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) on land and on the sea. “The continued support of the international community for the LAF as the sole and legitimate provider of security is a crucial factor in the maintenance of peace and security in the south of Lebanon,” he said.

Ed Gabriel, President and CEO of the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) commended the general’s message, saying that, “In our meetings with UNIFIL and my continued contacts with General Del Sol, he has noted the value of their daily patrols and hosting the meetings with the LAF and Israel in Naquora. Without UNFIL’s consistent efforts at de-confliction, US mediation efforts at settling the maritime border would have been more difficult. By insisting on support for the LAF, UNIFIL provides a strong endorsement for a Lebanese institution that is vital to the stability of the country.”

UNIFIL’s mission has become even more precarious with the statement on January 2nd by Iranian leader Amir Ali Hajizadeh that Lebanon is a front line in Iran’s war with Israel. This undermining of Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence and his reference to Lebanon’s missiles as Iranian assets focused a harsh light on how Iran sees Lebanon as a mere tool of its foreign policy. His statement was criticized by many Lebanese leaders and President Aoun as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and independence.

The New Year poses many challenges for Lebanon’s leaders. These include restructuring and reviving its dysfunctional economy and reforming the gross mismanagement of a government that reflects sectarian rather than national priorities. The Lebanese people have endured more than a year of diminishing opportunities, shortages of essential products and services, dislocations and disruptions compounded by the pandemic, and the Beirut blast. How well Lebanon survives and in what environment is a question that will be answered for better or not in the coming months.

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.