U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus is visiting Lebanon to deliver a critical message to Lebanese leaders regarding the necessity to limit Hezbollah’s influence in the government. The U.S. insists on reforms to combat corruption and stabilize the economy, urging a government formation that stands free of Hezbollah’s interference. This pressure reflects regional and international expectations for genuine governance changes to enable financial support for Lebanon’s recovery.
During a Thursday visit, U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus will warn Lebanese leaders against Hezbollah’s dominant role in forming a new government. The U.S. emphasizes that Lebanon must commit to reforms and eliminate corruption to avoid further economic isolation. The delegation will engage with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to convey the necessity of a government free of Hezbollah’s influence.
Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam was given over three weeks to establish a government amidst Lebanon’s traditional sect-based power-sharing system. However, U.S. officials are determined to limit Hezbollah’s power following significant losses in last year’s conflict with Israel. They want to redefine Lebanon’s political landscape in response to Hezbollah’s past failures.
According to U.S. officials, it is vital to establish a clear vision for Lebanon’s future governance. The message is not to dictate cabinet members but to ensure there is no Hezbollah representation in the new government. A senior U.S. administration official stated, “You don’t want somebody corrupt. It’s a new day for Lebanon. Hezbollah was defeated, and the new government needs to match that new reality.”
Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement, hold significant positions in the 128-member parliament and are crucial for a new government’s approval. Salam has conceded to their demand for four out of five Shi’ite ministerial appointments, including finance, raising concerns whether he can form a government that genuinely represents reform.
Political analysts like David Schenker argue that meaningful reforms can’t arise from representatives aligned with Hezbollah or Amal, stating, “It cannot be business as usual.” For Lebanon to receive crucial international assistance, it must demonstrate a willingness to curb corruption and embrace reform.
Lebanon’s economic situation is dire, with the currency losing roughly 98% of its value amidst a severe recession. Access to international funding is critical for the country’s recovery and reconstruction efforts. Requests for funding are echoed by countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, contingent upon reform implementation.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister previously stated the need for observable reforms for financial support, reflecting a unified international sentiment. A Qatari source echoed this, saying support will hinge on substantial reforms taking root in Lebanon.
Lebanon is grappling with a severe economic crisis that has significantly devalued its currency and crippled the economy, leading to inflation and a depletion of foreign reserves. The political landscape, characterized by sectarian power-sharing, has allowed Hezbollah considerable influence in governance. The U.S. is concerned that Hezbollah’s continued dominance could sabotage efforts to reform and stabilize Lebanon, limiting the country’s access to foreign aid necessary for its reconstruction and recovery. The visit by U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus aims to reinforce American commitment to seeing Lebanon govern free from external influences, particularly from Iranian-backed groups. The U.S. insistence on reform is also mirrored by perspectives from regional powers who may provide financial assistance contingent on genuine governance changes. The backdrop of the envoy’s visit includes Hezbollah’s intensified scrutiny following its losses in the war with Israel, suggesting a critical moment for Lebanon to reshape its political dynamics. Overall, the international community looks forward to a government that can effectively manage the country’s pressing needs through reform.
The upcoming visit from the U.S. envoy aims to reinforce the need for a Lebanese government that is clear of Hezbollah’s influence, emphasizing reform and anti-corruption. With financial support from regional powers contingent on these reforms, Lebanon faces a critical juncture in its recovery efforts. The pressure from the international community, alongside a dire economic situation, underlines the urgency for Lebanon to undertake substantive governance changes. If successful, the establishment of a reformed government could pave the way for foreign assistance vital for the country’s recovery from its economic meltdown.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
