Issues

Lebanon

AAI Statement on the Situation in Lebanon - May 16, 2008

By AAI
Posted on Friday May 16, 2008

Recent events in Lebanon demonstrate how, when left unresolved, a contentious, sectarian political stalemate can deteriorate into violence and turmoil teetering on the brink civil war. While absolutely tragic, these developments should not come as a surprise to American policymakers. The United States missed a crucial opportunity in the nascent stages of the ‘Cedar Revolution’ to support the Lebanese people in their movement towards national unity, an act of diplomatic negligence that exemplifies the failure of U.S. policies in the Middle East under the current administration. Immediately at stake is a narrowing window of opportunity to achieve much-needed reform and reconciliation in Lebanon.

The time is now for the United States to move away from an ideologically-based victor-vanquished mindset towards constructive policies for Lebanon—efforts to diffuse current tensions and promote a positive way forward. Language and legislation that exclusively condemns Hezbollah, reprimands Syria or unilaterally denounces Iran only magnify the flawed, dangerous prism through which policymakers currently view Lebanon—as an inevitable host to foreign proxies exploiting sectarian divisions for geo-strategic gain. Sincere diplomatic engagement is needed to support Lebanon in its progress towards the sustainable political reconciliation necessary for the future.

The United States should continue to support the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora; work to strengthen the Lebanese army and develop other national institutions; invest in economic development that ensures fair distribution of services, opportunities and employment; and encourage the implementation of all U.N. reforms, including those insisting on a tribunal to try those suspected of assassinating Rafiq Hariri, as well as on the disarmament of Hezbollah. But a renewed American commitment cannot end there. The United States should support Arab League efforts to elect a national consensus president and government. Following that, the U.S. should continue working with the Arab League to engage all groups in Lebanon to help the country move through the difficult process of reconciling present demography with sustainable electoral reform. Such leadership will demonstrate to the Lebanese people that their country, as a unified and sovereign nation, is a respected U.S. partner in the Middle East—rather than a battleground for foreign confrontation or competition.

If the future of the Middle East hinges on the emergence of organically tolerant, pluralistic, and democratic societies where religious, ethnic and other minorities coexist as compatriots, then Lebanon can once again represent an ideal. “The U.S. neglected to provide leadership after the Syrian withdrawal in 2005 when Lebanon needed our help, so we bear some responsibility for the current crisis,” said Arab American Institute President James Zogby. “We call on American policymakers to recognize the urgency of this critical situation and play a constructive role in helping the Lebanese people move forward together.”