Positions

American Lebanese Foundation

For Lebanon and the Lebanese American Community

IN LEBANON THERE IS NO SAFE ALTERNATIVE TO URGENT ANTI CORRUPTION AND UNIFYING REFORMS

06/10/2020

Since its inception, the American Lebanese Foundation (ALF) was plagued by concerns and anxieties about Lebanon’s future. While initially we were mostly worried about the increasing debt, contributed to by corruption and incompetence, we had a short episode of optimism and hope in 2004 after a fact-finding trip by some of our members to Syria and Lebanon. But very shortly after, before we could assess the possible benefits of some of the ideas discussed, came the tragic assassination of Prime Minister Hariri, which rattled the political atmosphere in Lebanon. An international tribunal was formed but was very slow in providing credible evidence. And while a government was formed, to pick up the pieces, and stabilize the country, Lebanon was surprised by Israeli aggression, once more in the July 2006 war. Hezbollah, whose men gave Israel the pretext to attack, admitted that the war was unexpected and nevertheless declared a win, and used it as a pretext to dominate the Lebanese political scene. For us at ALF, we do not believe that wars usually produce real winners and losers but tend to result in bigger or lesser losers. Despite Hezbollah’s surprising Israel by its powerful performance, Lebanon suffered immense destruction, a serious halt of its economic reconstruction, and serious concerns about development of a state within the state which remains a subject of division and anxiety.

Lebanese governments remained weak, the economy could never recover satisfactorily, and the electricity and garbage disposal became victims of circumstances, and incited crises that produced protests. Presidential elections and formation of newer governments had to wait for controversial democratic mechanisms with many months or more than a year of vacancies in either post. The Syrian Civil War subsequently brough a tsunami of refugees beyond Lebanon’s ability to accommodate, a threat of terrorism with risk of invasion of certain areas by ISIS or Al-Qaeda offshoots.

Without further dwelling on crises and threats that Lebanon suffered during the past fifteen years, or going back to the other fifteen years of the civil war, or back to independence in the early 1940’s, It is generally believed that four factors secured survival and hope, that allowed the country to bounce back after each crisis was practically or near completely resolved.

The strong Lebanese army, remained essentially united and effective despite limited schisms and temporary loss of control over limited areas of Lebanese territory.
An advanced, strong, and trustworthy banking system that was helpful as needed to the citizens and the state.
A strong and successful expatriate community which remained supportive to the mother country and provided cash as needed to families and flooded the banks with deposits.
Reliable Western and Arab friends who helped Lebanon finance its defense and provided grants and loans to support the economy and rebuilding the infrastructure.

The continued expansion of corruption, out of control, and accumulation of political mistakes over many years have now culminated in the loss of financial support from the old friends, the banking system is disarray and the expatriate community shaken, discouraged and left with limited resources to help, because their funds are beyond reach in banks with questionable status?

The October 17 protest in 2019 clearly slowed the extent of anger and unhappiness of the population transcending parties, sects, and regions. ALF reminded that Lebanon and its government had to focus on self- reliance and address the difficult problems without waiting for help from friends or a world distracted by vital and more important issues relevant to their own economies and security, and suggested solutions. We were gratified that some progress occurred satisfying two of our initial recommendations: government resignation towards the end of October, and adoption of the principle of separation of the parliamentary legislative responsibilities from the ministerial executive power. However, our suggestion to abandon the flagrant “mouhasasa” was ignored. The choice of the ministers did not occur, on the basis, of specific qualifications, with most importantly independence and neutrality, and real discretion if some partisanship is unavoidable. We hoped that the new government will start prompt, economic anti corruption initiatives to satisfy the “Cedres program” and/or other requirements of the international community and Lebanon’s traditional economically supportive friends.

We now hear there is talk but no effective action. The Protest groups and Expatriate community were expecting from the Diab Government, courageous and aggressive efforts to retrieve and repatriate a significant portion of the illegitimate millions or billions of US Dollars that were sent to foreign accounts, since mid-2019. We are not aware of any significant progress. The only unfortunate news we hear is that the government is weak and one sided, with “nice talk” but no effectiveness or results, because it lacks internal and external credibility. There are new international efforts that demand the implementation of the UN Resolution 1559. Many people in and outside Lebanon are now requesting that this resolution be respected and implemented. There is concern that this could be part of the package that may be requested in addition to the anti corruption reforms, to help Lebanon obtain the financial and economic support needed to avoid collapse. The next question would be: Does the Diab government have the strength and credibility to address these extremely difficult issues, while preserving national unity?

We recently heard that some government strengthening is being contemplated with thinking to replace some ministers with others, who are experienced and serving as deputies in parliament. We sadly worry that if any such rumor is true, it will be a risky step backwards. It will diminish chances of success and speed up the possibility of chaos or collapse, which could lead towards a “failed state”. If there is consideration of ministerial replacements or expansion, we suggest once more looking amongst the expatriate community. We are sure you will find the expertise, the integrity and the unifying independence and diplomatic abilities, without any risk of corruption history or rumors. We also hear that the thought and talk of peaceful revolution has progressed upwards and is acquiring credible leadership close to the upper sources of conventional powers. We suggest and hope that the President examine this phenomenon, and find a way to incorporate the popular needed reforms to avoid the risks of the revolution turning to violence

Regardless whether or not, there may be any consideration or intention to strengthen the current government, or that there may be other magical Presidential solutions, the expatriate community will always wish and work, if possible, for the unity, survival and prosperity of Lebanon. But at this point the best we can do is remind all those who care that there is very urgent need for unifying anti corruption reforms, to reinvigorate the economy and reassure the citizens that their protest messages were heard.

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