Qatar’s Prime Minister visited Beirut for discussions with new Lebanese leaders, signaling potential renewed Gulf engagement. The election of President Joseph Aoun ended a political deadlock and received positive international attention. Qatar’s historical role in Lebanon, alongside diminished Hezbollah influence due to Israeli actions, has prompted Gulf countries to reconsider support for the nation.
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, arrived in Beirut on Tuesday for discussions with prominent Lebanese leaders, marking the first visit by a senior Doha official since the election of President Joseph Aoun last month. This visit comes amidst hopes for renewed engagement from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with Lebanon’s newly elected officials.
The recent elections have ended a prolonged political stalemate in Lebanon, leading to positive responses from the international community, despite Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government formation still pending. Sheikh Mohammed’s agenda includes meetings with both President Aoun and outgoing caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
Qatar has historically been influential in Lebanon, notably assisting in reconstruction efforts following the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Recently, it was part of an international group aimed at resolving Lebanon’s leadership crisis. Sheikh Mohammed’s visit aligns with a growing trend of Gulf officials returning to engage with Lebanon’s leadership following Hezbollah’s waning influence.
The backdrop to this renewed engagement includes regional shifts, particularly Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah, which have prompted Gulf nations to reconsider their support for Lebanon. Significantly, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited Lebanon last month, marking a pivotal re-establishment of ties after a 15-year hiatus in high-level visits.
The political landscape in Lebanon has been volatile due to the influence of Hezbollah and prolonged periods without a functioning government. Recent elections, which resulted in Joseph Aoun’s presidency, aim to shift the power dynamics by prioritizing non-establishment figures within the leadership. Increased stability is encouraging Gulf states to reconsider their relations with Lebanon, traditionally a key ally in the region, especially in the context of its financial support and reconstruction efforts post-conflict. Hezbollah’s diminished status, partly due to military actions by Israel, allows GCC countries to re-evaluate their approach towards Lebanon. The engagement from both Qatar and Saudi Arabia signifies a potential thaw in relations, historical ties that have been strained under Hezbollah’s growing power.
In summary, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed’s visit to Beirut highlights a significant moment for Lebanon’s political transition post-elections. With Gulf officials showing renewed interest in engagement, particularly following Hezbollah’s reduced influence, this could lead to increased support for Lebanon as it seeks stability and reconstruction. Both Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s involvement reflects a shift in regional dynamics towards re-establishing influential ties with Lebanon.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
