Tag "Lebanon"
Lebanon – Can France Resolve the Country’s Multiple Crises?
While Lebanon has been doubly afflicted by its economic crisis and the COVID pandemic, the fatal blow of Beirut’s port explosion heightened uncertainties concerning the country’s capacity to recover from its multiple troubles. Amid sporadic and hesitant foreign aid packages, France stood up as the figurehead of the country’s reconstruction. Nonetheless, the question remains: to what extent will Paris be able to bring about the changes Lebanon desperately needs?
On the brink of state failure: Lebanon’s continuing crisis
After a year of protests at corrupt sectarian rule and a stagnant economy, Lebanon has come full-circle in re-appointing Saad Hariri as Prime Minister. As a state, Lebanon faces multiple existential challenges which Hariri has a gargantuan task to surmount.
Rebuilding the Port of Beirut: a competition for geopolitical influence
In the wake of the explosion that devastated the Lebanese capital on 4 August 2020, multiple countries made offers to participate in the reconstruction of the Port of Beirut alongside sending their condolences. Far from being disinterested acts of solidarity, these propositions constitute strategic moves in a geopolitical game for greater influence over the Eastern Mediterranean. France is likely to stand out from the rest of the competition due to its historical and cultural ties to Lebanon, its current involvement in pushing for reforms in the country and its geopolitical position.
Energy and security in the Eastern Mediterranean
The discovery of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean’s Levant Basin has created new regional security dynamics. The quest for power and influence hinders energy and economic cooperation.
Lebanon: Impact of the Syrian war’s next stage
The Syrian Civil war is nearing its end game. This article, part four of a five-part series on the regional impact of this news, examines the current economic obstacles and opportunities for Lebanon.
Qatar: Forging Alliances in Lebanon
Following the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in Lebanon, Qatar announced its plans to buy $500 million in government bonds to support Lebanon’s struggling economy. However, this is likely a strategic move for Qatar to increase its soft power in the country, as Qatar seeks to challenge the influence of Lebanon’s long-time financial patron, Saudi Arabia.
The Security Briefing: Libya, Lebanon, and Italy’s new defense minister
The latest Security Briefing from GRI Senior Analyst Nicolò Donà dalle Rose focuses on the appointment of Italy’s new Minister of Defense and its impact on Italian involvement in Libya and Lebanon, as well as Italy’s broader foreign policy stance.
National cynicism and foreign outcry overshadow Lebanese elections
Having postponed elections twice, Lebanon now has a new parliament after nine years. The results of the elections raise questions about the internal and external issues that threaten Lebanon’s stability and prosperity.
Interview: Prospects for investment in Syria’s reconstruction
With ISIS seemingly on the retreat, what can we expect security risks in Syria to look like in 2018? GRI asked Syria expert Rasmus Jacobsen – co-founder and head of analysis for Atlas Assistance, a Beirut-based risk management company – to weigh in.
Ten political parties to follow in the Middle East and North Africa in 2018
Amid continued turmoil in the Middle East, here are the players to watch in 2018 – and why.
