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.