September 5, 2021
US Senators Urge Government Formation in Lebanon
2022 Parliamentary Election Dates
Hezbollah Faces Criticism for Crisis and Border Tensions
US Senators Urge Government Formation in Lebanon
Last week 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 so that Lebanon can begin addressing its economic crises. [Reuters] Yesterday, Miqati assembled a 14-member cabinet list to submit to Aoun at the beginning of this week. [Naharnet]
RESPONSE
“The visit by this important congressional delegation underscores the determination and leadership of the United States to encourage the immediate establishment of a reform-minded government. President Aoun said that a government would be formed by the time the delegation returned to Washington. It appears Prime Minister-designate Miqati has assembled another draft Cabinet lineup to submit this week. The Lebanese leadership must now do their job and finalize a Cabinet list and announce a responsible government capable of addressing the needs of the Lebanese people.”
-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel
2022 Parliamentary Election Dates
The Lebanese Ministry of Interior has set dates for next year’s 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.
RESPONSE
“The timetable has been set by the Ministry of the Interior, and so the arcane election process begins. Overseas Lebanese regardless of current nationality may register to vote by November 20, less than three months away. There are other issues: finalizing candidates, lists, and coalitions; printing ballots and preparing voting sites in Lebanon and abroad; and a myriad of details regarding actual voting at the polls. There has been no definitive statement from the government regarding international observers, and the international community must make it a priority to call for observers and strict guidelines to encourage a free and fair election.”
-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader
Hezbollah Faces Criticism for Crisis and Border Tensions
As Lebanon’s crises continue to spiral, Hezbollah is facing more and more criticism. Villagers lashed out in response to Hezbollah’s moves to increase border tension with Israel by firing rockets. Protests have broken out at gas stations in some of the territories Hezbollah oversees. Hassan Nasrallah meanwhile blames the “Western siege” for Lebanon’s chaos. [AP]
RESPONSE
“A number of articles in the US and the Middle East have recently appeared criticizing Hezbollah’s role as just another political power broker bending the rules to serve its constituency and Iran. From securing diesel fuel from Iran to issuing cash cards to its supporters, Hezbollah continues to flaunt its ability to manipulate politics in Lebanon. If a new government is formed, it will be telling to see what portfolios Hezbollah will acquire and if PM-designate Miqati will be given the latitude to implement even the most minimal reforms.”
-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.