Listen to the article
The dangerous presidential vacuum the country has known for almost two years now, has grown even more complicated, given Lebanon’s direct link to the regional events, notably the October 7 “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation – and the ensuing Israeli attack on Gaza that is still underway despite Hamas accepting the proposed truce as a first step towards a ceasefire.
Although the presidential vacuum preceded the Gaza war, separating the two is becoming increasingly challenging, given the direct involvement of a number of Lebanese factions, Hezbollah specifically, on the southern front, and its refusal to partake in any presidential election initiative – while awaiting the consequences of the war and the change in the balance of power that would result from it.
Gaza’s fate, the Palestinian approach to managing the sector, and the political borders to be drawn between the Palestinian factions, will all have a direct impact on the conflict with Israel – in light of internal Palestinian discord about future strategies to deal with challenges.
Locally, one cannot overlook the growing danger of failed state institutions, from the presidential vacuum to a caretaker government with limited prerogatives, and a parliament unable to enact laws for lack of a president. Not to mention the conflicting positions of MPs in that regard, despite the entry into force of some legislations, including the state budget and the extension of municipal councils’ mandates.
As commonly known, this affects all state institutions, and the government only seeks to render them profitable instead of starting reforms and solving the deeper issues plaguing them.
The problem of Syrian refugees is also a pressing one, as it has become necessary to find definitive solutions to it, in order to preserve Lebanon’s stability and keep Syrian asylum seekers safe by avoiding mandatory repatriation policies. Discussing the matter with the international community and the Syrian government is inevitable. Internally, the danger of Syrian presence is increasing due to a lack of proper management, which fuels racism and facilitates disreputable behavior at the hands of the Lebanese. As such, spiraling into chaos has become a possibility.
As much as it is crucial to solve this problem away from anarchy and political considerations, it is equally important that the solutions be thorough and well thought out, paving the way for long-term policies that serve the country’s interests. Such an approach may not be to everyone’s liking; however, practices based on hate and bigotry are unacceptable, especially in a country as complex as Lebanon.
In conclusion, Lebanon is stuck in a vicious cycle, the only way out being the election of a patriotic President who would earn the trust of all Lebanese, and promote change on all levels.
