The Day After Lebanon is at a dangerous political and security crossroads

Next Day! Lebanon At a dangerous security and political crossroads

As Lebanon’s municipal and electoral elections come to an end.

The Lebanese are entering a new phase that carries with it many political, security, economic and social challenges.

The results of the recent municipal elections were not just numbers, but clearly reflected changes in the popular mood.

and clear indications of the features of the next phase.

Municipal elections, between family and party

The electoral battles in most Lebanese villages and towns witnessed a mix of family and political competition.

While some areas maintained their traditional family character, in others there was a clear partisan atmosphere, especially in major cities and politically weighty areas.

As municipal federations, which are usually more closely aligned with parties than local councils, are finalized.

Lebanese citizens await future roles for the heads of these federations.

not only on the developmental level, but also in preparing for the upcoming parliamentary elections in a year’s time.

Challenges of the “Day After”: Security, Economy, and Weapons

Lebanon enters this “other day” with a set of hot issues, foremost among them the security issue.

which is considered the cornerstone of any real reform process.

Without security and stability, all economic and development plans remain on paper.

Observers agree that the first step towards establishing security begins with the state extending its authority over all Lebanese territory.

Starting with the Palestinian camps, which are still outside the control of the legitimate authorities, through Hezbollah’s weapons.

which is the biggest knot in the local and regional political debate.

President Joseph Aoun: A quiet dialog about a weapon outside of legitimacy

Since assuming the presidency, President General Joseph Aoun that one of his priorities is to tackle the issue of illegal weapons, starting with the Palestinian weapon, and then moving on to Hezbollah’s weapon.

This trend was clearly evident during Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ recent visit to Beirut.

The talks focused on the need to organize weapons inside the camps and hand them over to the Lebanese state according to specific mechanisms.

President Aoun is keen for this file to be done through A calm dialog without tensionsand, uh.

Recognizing the sensitivity and complexity of this issue, and providing a favorable political climate that encourages consensus rather than confrontation.

Hezbollah and weapons: Between negotiation and implicit rejection

Although more than four months have passed since the beginning of the new presidential term, no progress has been made on the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons.

Neither dialogue has begun, nor has Hezbollah shown any real willingness to engage in serious negotiations over the future of its weapons.

Political sources agree that Hezbollah considers the weapon to be a strategic negotiating card.

It cannot be relinquished before the regional picture and major international understandings are clear.

Especially in light of the strained relationship between the Iranian axis and the West, and the pressures on Lebanon from several sides.

Hezbollah’s position: What has been offered is sufficient at this stage

In recent media appearances, he has emphasized Sheikh Naim QassemDeputy Secretary General of Hezbollah.

that Hezbollah has done its utmost in regards to the ceasefire agreement south of the Litani River.

Israel continues to violate this agreement on a daily basis, while Hezbollah adheres strictly to its terms.

According to this argument, Hezbollah believes that the time is not yet ripe for any final settlement regarding its weapons.

Any other talk is nothing more than a means of distracting public opinion from the fundamental crises plaguing the country.

The international community, external pressures and the day after

In this context, a big question arises: Will the much-anticipated dialog take place, or will things remain unresolved?.

There are external pressures being exerted on the presidency, including what you alluded to Morgan OrtagusIn recent remarks, the deputy U.S. envoy to the Middle East spoke of the need for a comprehensive solution to the issue of weapons in Lebanon.

It seems that the international community is willing to support any path that leads to restricting weapons to the Lebanese state.

This is seen as a necessary entry point for restoring international confidence in Lebanon and securing the economic assistance required to lift Lebanon out of its current crisis.

The Day After! Toward a reformist start with the new government

With a new parliament expected to be elected next year.

The reforms should be accompanied by Forming a government capable of implementing a comprehensive economic agendaThe New York Times

It responds to IMF requirements, restructures public institutions, and strengthens the role of the private sector in saving the economy.

These steps remain contingent on comprehensive political stability, the basis of which is security, and the key to which is restricting weapons to the state.

Lebanon at a crossroads

In sum, the Lebanon Today At a crossroads.

Either he succeeds in managing a constructive internal dialog that leads to defusing tensions, controlling weapons, and initiating serious reforms, or he succeeds in managing a constructive internal dialog that leads to defusing tensions, controlling weapons and initiating serious reforms.

Otherwise, the crises will remain stagnant, pending regional factors that may not be in his favor.

The Day After! It is not just a day after the elections, but the beginning of a new path that will determine the future of Lebanon and its future generations.

Will this day be a stepping stone towards a strong and just state, or just a passing station in a series of ongoing crises?

Lebanon Today

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