Lebanon and the Arab Uprisings : In the Eye of the Hurricane

Although there has not been the equivalent in Lebanon of the uprisings seen in other Arab countries, the fragile state has nevertheless been put under increased strain by the events in neighbouring countries. Over one million refugees, equal to one quarter of Lebanon’s population, have moved in from Syria, Sunni jihadists and Shi’a Hizbullah have engaged in some fighting, and both the economy and the delicate confessional balance of the country have been threatened. At the same time there has been a rise in Christian nationalism, and friction with Israel concerning maritime boundaries and newly discovered oil and gas in the Mediterranean. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current situation in Lebanon, and a detailed assessment of the difficulties which Lebanon is currently facing.

The Arab uprisings have put Lebanon under increased strain. While the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt caused limited reverberations, the war in Syria echoed in the fine-tuned political and confessional balance of Lebanon. Over one million refugees, equal to one-quarter of Lebanon’s population, have moved in from Syria. The country’s economy and its already weak public infrastructure have been impacted heavily. Hizbullah’s engagement in Syria has posed questions about Lebanon’s disassociation policy. Terrorist attacks by ISIL and the growing risk of radicalization across the confessional spectrum have left the country at unease. However, Lebanon’s political elites have vowed to shield the country from regional turbulences. Lebanon recently saw a series of demonstrations because of the inability of the government to manage the garbage crisis, but it has been far from witnessing a large-scale citizen uprising similar to the 2005 Cedar Revolution or the revolts next door. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current situation in Lebanon, and a detailed assessment of the difficulties which the country is currently facing.