March 13, 2021
Secretary Blinken Commits Continued US Support to LAF
Secretary Blinken Commits Continued US Support to LAF
Lebanon’s Security Forces Under Strain
Fuel for Energy Generation Running Out
US and French Officials Warn of Impending Collapse
US and French Officials Warn of Impending Collapse
Secretary Blinken Commits Continued US Support to LAF
On Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated the direction of US-Lebanon relations under the Biden administration when he testified in front of the US House Committee of Foreign Affairs. He committed the United States’ continued support to the Lebanese army as well as to universities and refugee camps in Lebanon. [Al Arabiya]
On Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated the direction of US-Lebanon relations under the Biden administration when he testified in front of the US House Committee of Foreign Affairs. He committed the United States’ continued support to the Lebanese army as well as to universities and refugee camps in Lebanon. [Al Arabiya]
ANALYSIS
“The new secretary of State, Tony Blinken, has quickly shown his understanding of Lebanon and the Biden Administration priorities in responses to the House Foreign Affairs Committee this week. When asked if he supported the Lebanese Armed Forces and the American-styled universities in Lebanon his answer was straightforward, “Yes.” He also conveyed his concern for the burden that Lebanon shoulders from housing the highest per capita number of refugees in the world. The future of the US-Lebanon relationship is off to a very good start with the Biden Administration!”
-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel
-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel
Lebanon’s Security Forces Strained Under Economic Collapse
This week General Joseph Aoun of the Lebanese Armed Forces warned in a statement directed at political elites of the challenges Lebanon’s security forces are facing. He said like the Lebanese people, soldier are going hungry. Military and police salaries have been slashed at least six times over as the Lebanese pound continues to crash. Security sources warn of desertions. [Reuters]
This week General Joseph Aoun of the Lebanese Armed Forces warned in a statement directed at political elites of the challenges Lebanon’s security forces are facing. He said like the Lebanese people, soldier are going hungry. Military and police salaries have been slashed at least six times over as the Lebanese pound continues to crash. Security sources warn of desertions. [Reuters]
ANALYSIS
“Lebanese Army commander Joseph Aoun gave a powerful speech in support of his economically strapped troops in which he criticized the ruling elite, “Do they want the army or not? Do you want the army to stay on its feet or not? … They don’t care.” In response to an earlier comment by the President of Lebanon demanding the army do its job to clear the streets of protesters, he said that as long as the protesters remain peaceful, he and his troops will side with them. He deserves the full support of the US for his courage and determination to save his country. The US should issue an immediate statement of support for General Aoun and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and provide emergency assistance to the troops in support of their humanitarian needs and maintaining the army’s military preparedness.”
-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel
-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel
Fuel For Energy Generation to Run Out Soon
Caretaker Energy Minister Raymond Ghajar announced that Lebanon will face complete darkness if a payment of 1,500 billion Lebanese pounds to import fuel isn’t made soon. He says all resources have been exhausted and in February warned that the Energy Ministry could not pay for fuel to generate electricity beyond March. MPs in the Strong Lebanon Bloc have proposed a law to give financial advice to buy fuel. [The 961]
Caretaker Energy Minister Raymond Ghajar announced that Lebanon will face complete darkness if a payment of 1,500 billion Lebanese pounds to import fuel isn’t made soon. He says all resources have been exhausted and in February warned that the Energy Ministry could not pay for fuel to generate electricity beyond March. MPs in the Strong Lebanon Bloc have proposed a law to give financial advice to buy fuel. [The 961]
ANALYSIS
“Do the lights ever go out in the homes of the economic and political elites – especially those who control the generator and fuel oil contracts? The Lebanese people deserve a power system that serves their needs and the business that serve them. The threat of total darkness may be an extreme statement but what about the impact on technology, education, manufacturing, and health services? Lebanon is teetering on an abyss of which a power sector is only the tipping point.”
-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader
-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader
US and French Officials Warn of Impending Collapse
This week French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned that Lebanon is sliding toward total collapse during a news conference. US State Department spokesman Ned Price concurred and blamed ongoing crises on the inaction of Lebanon’s political leaders. [France 24]
This week French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned that Lebanon is sliding toward total collapse during a news conference. US State Department spokesman Ned Price concurred and blamed ongoing crises on the inaction of Lebanon’s political leaders. [France 24]
ANALYSIS
“The US and France, members of the International Support Group, which includes the United Nations and the governments of China, Germany, Italy, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the Arab League, have spoken. Lebanon’s leaders are failing their country. Actions to prevent a total collapse of the political and economic systems are clear, but nothing is happening because words do not seem to affect them. What are the next steps to convince the leadership that only concrete and verifiable reforms will save the country? Or could they care less…”
-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader
-ATFL Policy Director 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.