Learning from American Diplomacy toward Lebanon

As America and its allies grapple with the conflict in the Middle East, a study of history can help American policymakers learn from their predecessors' successes and failures. Because Lebanon is a microcosm of the Middle East, the past conduct of American diplomacy there offers a wealth of experience to help guide Washington through the current ...

Memorandum to the Biden Administration: Lebanon

The arrival of a new American ambassador in Beirut can mark a new style in the conduct of U.S. foreign policy there. However, it is good to remember that policies are set in Washington, not at embassies. As the talented new American ambassador, Lisa Johnson, settles in, it is an opportune moment to consider how the team in Washington should ...

Adjusting to New Realities

One of the harder things in foreign affairs, as in life, is dealing with new realities. Successful statecraft entails identifying new realities and equipping policies to protect and advance national interests in that light. An inability to adjust strategies in the face of new realities is an indicator of impending failure. The tragedy experienced ...