Lebanon is striving to reconnect with the Arab community under President Joseph Aoun through a visit to Saudi Arabia. This move signals a commitment to shifting away from Iranian influence and restoring stability through Saudi support. Lebanon seeks substantial reforms, including disarming militias like Hezbollah, to regain international assistance essential for its reconstruction and stability efforts.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia marks a significant step in reinstating Lebanon within the Arab community. Similar to Syria’s recent shift under President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, Aoun aims to signal Lebanon’s departure from Iranian influence and its return to established Arab relationships. High expectations from Saudi Arabia stem from its historical support, previously crucial in Lebanon’s recovery post-civil war.
Lebanon’s relationship with Saudi Arabia diminished following the 2005 assassination of Rafik Hariri, which facilitated increasing Iranian dominance through Hezbollah. While Iran’s presence offered no stability or economic growth, it instead fostered a chaotic environment that undermined state-building efforts and allowed illicit activities to proliferate, transforming Lebanon into a hub for crime.
Recent political declarations reflect a Lebanese intention to break free from Iranian control. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the need for Lebanon to remain neutral in regional conflicts tied to Iran. Aoun’s critical discussions with Iranian delegates reinforced Lebanon’s goal to avoid becoming a battlefield for external wars, demonstrating a clear pivot back towards the Arab world. However, this shift necessitates realistic goals and external support.
The Lebanese administration has committed to sweeping reforms, including disarmament of militias, which specifically targets Hezbollah, while also promising to resolve the Israeli occupation. Aoun’s Riyadh visit arrives at a crucial moment for Lebanon’s cabinet formation, presenting an opportunity to outline necessary funding and support needs, particularly from Saudi Arabia.
Lebanon lacks the necessary military strength to compel a full Israeli withdrawal or exert pressure on international powers alone. Historically, Saudi Arabia has played a vital diplomatic role in stabilizing Lebanon, exemplified by its past intervention in pushing Israel to withdraw from Beirut. This context illustrates the essential need for Saudi support amidst Lebanon’s ongoing political restructuring.
For Lebanon to secure aid, it must undertake structural reforms and confront entrenched political corruption, including challenging Hezbollah’s influence. Saudi Arabia’s conditional support emphasizes the importance of transparent governance and accountability. While some political resistance is expected, successful reform efforts could help solidify Lebanon’s statehood and recovery, relying predominantly on Saudi support to enact such changes effectively.
In summary, Lebanon’s path to revitalization is contingent on Saudi backing, as the Lebanese government seeks structural reforms and a reintegration into the Arab sphere. The upcoming leadership discussions in Riyadh will prove pivotal for the country’s political stability and reconstruction efforts amid longstanding challenges.
The article outlines Lebanon’s critical juncture as it seeks to reclaim its position within the Arab world. President Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia symbolizes Lebanon’s commitment to distancing itself from Iranian influence while relying on Saudi support for stabilization. For recovery, the Lebanese government must implement necessary reforms, addressing both Hezbollah’s power and political corruption to secure vital assistance from Saudi Arabia. The outcome of these efforts will largely determine Lebanon’s future stability and growth.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
