How Washington Can Help Lebanon

"The Trump administration's attention is fixed on its war with Iran. But in Lebanon, meanwhile, more than 886 people have been killed by Israeli strikes, and nearly 1 million, or about a quarter of the country's population, have been forced to evacuate. Add that to an economic crisis that is now in its seventh year, and you have all the makings of a humanitarian catastrophe."

"By refusing to lay down its arms and give up its allegiance to Iran, Hezbollah has for decades effectively thwarted the Lebanese state-rebuilding process. For all the complexities of Lebanese governance and the ailments of the Lebanese sectarian system, nothing has been more detrimental to the cause of freedom, sovereignty, and economic prosperity than the radical rhetoric and militant activities of Hezbollah."

"Countering Hezbollah, though, requires a more nuanced approach than the one Israel has adopted. Although Israel's air strikes have significantly degraded Hezbollah's military capabilities, the death and destruction Israel has inflicted on Lebanon is immoral and counterproductive."

The United States has an opportunity to restore its relationship with Lebanon and facilitate peace with Israel, but this requires sustained diplomatic commitment beyond current efforts. Lebanon faces a severe humanitarian crisis with over 886 deaths from Israeli strikes, nearly 1 million displaced residents, and a seven-year economic collapse. Hezbollah, a Shia militia aligned with Iran, has prevented Lebanese state development and triggered the current conflict through rocket attacks on Israel. While Israeli military operations have degraded Hezbollah's capabilities, the resulting destruction is counterproductive and immoral. Effective U.S. diplomacy must help the Lebanese government address Hezbollah's destabilizing role through nuanced approaches that differ from Israel's military strategy.

Read at The Atlantic