Lebanon – A Food Desert

A food desert is commonly defined as a geographic area where residents have few to no convenient options for securing affordable and healthy foods. It is one of several terms I have learned in recent years that applies in part to Lebanon, and implies deliberate actions by one group towards another. Just as Patricia Karam notes in her recent article, “the political establishment was able to counteract all challenges to its stranglehold, entrenching itself by providing opportunities to its economic partners for kleptocratic appropriations.” This directly led to the devaluation of the currency, hyperinflation, and the resulting demise of the middle class and the loss of services and dignity for the poor and marginalized.

Recently, there were two related announcements: one from the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, who criticized the lack of progress in the country on protecting the young; and the other from UN World Food Program, which announced an increased allocation of $5.4 billion over the next three years to equally provide food aid to Lebanese and Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

At this point, Lebanon has certainly become a beggar state. Remittances from overseas remain the most important lifeline for many, if they can navigate the opaqueness of the banking system and Central Bank rules. Without an executive government and a parliament unable to elect a new president, the country is languishing. While those with means survive, more than 75% of the population remain in poverty, unable to sustain a quality of life with adequate access to food, education, medicines, and social services. State institutions, the banking sector, and public services are all in disarray. Look no further than the electricity sector which is still unable to provide more than 3-4 hours a day despite the existence of several programs that could double the available electricity.

Facing the reality that a new president must be acceptable to the major political forces and their international supporters, it would seem less and less likely that the systemic corruption can be ameliorated through a house cleaning. And what is left to protect those who are defenseless against the political elites? As the Policy Initiative argues in its latest paper, “The ills of Lebanon’s social protection system are not a result of financial or technical constraints. They are rather political. For decades, ruling elites have consciously eroded the social role of the state to prey on the population’s vulnerabilities as they arise.”

The Initiative’s analysis of the Economic Social Security Net (ESSN) program that is funded by the World Bank illustrates this observation very well. It points out that the politicians delayed the program for almost two years as they tried to re-position the program as a tool for maintaining their constituents’ patronage, circumventing the mechanisms for the transparency and clarity that were basic to the original design of this assistance. In addition, they fought the monitoring component of the program in order to avoid the detection of ineligible participants. While the assistance was finally disbursed earlier this year, a general pattern of political interference can be inferred from this case. It would be a safe assumption, then, to assert that this same kind of interference will be rampant in the ongoing negotiations over the IMF relief package and other foreign assistance programs.

As Lebanon continues its perilous journey into further economic turmoil, carrying a dysfunctional banking sector, driving out its precious human resources, and allowing the reform process to stall with a presidential vacancy, its sovereignty is in danger of being undermined by external forces such as Russia, China, and Syria – as well as the internal forces that directed by Iran. Although Lebanon’s old guard is counting on France and the US to ward off such a possibility, there are no reliable and credible Lebanese partners with whom international supporters can maintain viable and trusting relationships.

Given its political structure, the very nature of assistance to Lebanon gets called into question when well-intentioned initiatives and programs – like the ESSN cash-assistance program that is actionable and immediate – prove susceptible to corruption. When Lebanon’s friends outside the country are seemingly more concerned about Lebanon’s future than its current leadership, a deeper dilemma emerges regarding how much change it will take for Lebanon to become a viable, sovereign, and self-sufficient state. We’re still waiting for that answer.

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 12/9/2021

DAILY NEWS


Detained American Journalist Released by General Security
Yesterday, American journalist Nada Homsi was released by General Security after human rights groups called for her immediate release from what they described as an arbitrary detention following her arrest on November 16. [AP]

Labor Minister Relaxes Labor Restrictions to be More Inclusive of Palestinians
Lebanese Labor Minister Mustafa Bayram lifted restrictions on certain trade-union regulated professions that were previously limited to Lebanese nationals, allowing Palestinian refugees to enter professions in sectors such as law, engineering, medicine, and public transportation. [L’Orient Today]

Lebanon’s Central Bank Sets a New Rate of 8,000 LBP for Withdrawals
The exchange rate used for withdrawals from bank deposits nominated in dollars was set at 8,000 LBP to 1 USD, replacing the previous value of the rate at 3,900 LBP. The current market rate, which represents the currency’s real value, is around 25,000 LBP to 1 USD. [Reuters]

Al-Jadeed Investigative Journalist Riad Kobeissi wins State Department Anticorruption Champions Award
Yesterday, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced the second annual cohort of Anticorruption Champions in commemoration of International Anticorruption Day. [State Department] Riad Kobeissi of Al-Jadeed was recognized alongside eleven other recipients from around the world for his investigative reporting of corruption at the Port of Beirut, which he began exposing at least seven years prior to the August 4th, 2020 explosion. [Naharnet]

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

Foreign Policy
Lebanon’s Reformers Trade the Street for the Ballot Box
Tessa Fox

Tessa Fox writes, “The number of diaspora Lebanese who registered to vote in next year’s election has soared to 244,442, a big jump from the 93,000 registered for the 2018 election. People who lost everything—even their homeland—in the last two years will likely vote angry. And the diaspora vote is important in another way: Overseas voters are freed from the clientelistic networks that often chain people to their parties in Lebanon. Traditional political parties intentionally make the state weak in order to monopolize key services, and as elections draw closer, clientelism only increases.”

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…”

Read more here

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.”

Read More Here

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.”

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 12/6/2021

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.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 12/3/2021

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.

This Week In Lebanon: 11/27/2021

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.

This Week In Lebanon: 11/6/2021

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

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

RESPONSE

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

-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel


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

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

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

RESPONSE

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

-ATFL Vice President for Policy Jean AbiNader


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

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

RESPONSE

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

-ATFL Vice President for Policy Jean AbiNader


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 11/5/2021

DAILY NEWS


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

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

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

OPINION & ANALYSIS


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

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

Read more here


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 11/4/2021

DAILY NEWS


Prime Minister Miqati Calls For Minister Kordahi’s Resignation
Prime Minister Najib Miqati said on Twitter today that he agreed with President Michel Aoun on a road map to solve an escalating diplomatic crisis with Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries. [Reuters] Following that tweet, Miqati urged Lebanon’s Information Minister George Kordahi to step down and that Kordahi’s resignation is a “priority” to help smooth relations in the Gulf. [AP]

US State Department Encourages Open Diplomatic Channels
Yesterday the US State Department’s spokesperson Ned Price said the United States urges open diplomatic channels between Lebanon and Gulf countries. During the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, State held separate meetings with Prime Minister Miqati and Gulf foreign ministers. Price urged open diplomatic channels in effort to seek improvements to humanitarian conditions in Lebanon. When asked if the US would call for Kordahi’s resignation, Price responded that the department is not going to offer a position on his employment. [US State Department]

UN Special Envoy on Poverty and Human Rights Visits Beirut
Earlier this week UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights Olivier De Schutter visited Beirut. De Schutter visited neighborhoods damaged by the Beirut explosion and spoke with residents who complained that there was a lack government social protection programs, inconsistent cash distribution from the army, and general mismanagement in the initiatives taken to help residents. Many, especially those who lost their business in the blast, are concerned about paying rent and high utility costs. De Schutter will also visit Tripoli and the Shatila Palestinian refugee camp and present his findings at a press conference scheduled for November 12. [Al Jazeera]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


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

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

Read more here


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 11/3/2021

DAILY NEWS


Bahrain Urges Citizens to Leave Lebanon
Amid a growing diplomatic crisis between Lebanon and Gulf countries, Bahrain urged its citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately in a statement put out by Bahrain’s foreign ministry. The Saudi-backed government in Yemen also pulled its ambassador from Beirut today, following Gulf countries’ ambassador-recall last weekend. [Reuters]

Lebanon’s FM Encourages Dialogue with Saudi Arabia
In an interview today Lebanon’s foreign minister Abdallah Bou Habib said that Lebanon is seeking dialogue with Saudi Arabia but that the kingdom’s terms for mending the two countries’ relationship is an impossible task. Saudi Arabia said that its decision to remove its ambassador from Beirut was motivated not just by Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi’s comments, but also by increasing dominance of Hezbollah over Lebanese politics. There has been no dialogue or meetings between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia since the new government was formed under Prime Minister Najib Miqati in September, according to Bou Habib. [Reuters] Meanwhile Lebanon’s Cabinet sessions are not set to reconvene until the issue is resolved. Some parties call for Kordahi’s resignation to help mend relations while others insist he should not. [Naharnet]

US Secretary of State Meets with PM Miqati
Yesterday US Secretary of State Antony Blink met with Prime Minister Najib Miqati on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. Blinken reiterated the United States’ support for the Lebanese people, further encouraged government reforms, and emphasized the importance of holding free and fair elections in the spring of 2022. [US State Department]

Daily Star Staff Waiting for Unpaid Salaries
Following The Daily Star’s official closure yesterday, former employees are asking for months of unpaid salaries. Lebanon’s Alternative Syndicate of the Press voiced concern over the matter and condemned The Daily Star’s administration for arbitrary dismissal and for withholding information on when employees will be paid. The syndicate’s coordinator said they will continue to pressure the newspaper through press and social media to compensate employees. [Al Jazeera]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


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

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

Read more here


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.