Once hailed as the playground of Arab elites, Lebanon now finds itself begging for aid amid an economic meltdown, political paralysis, and rising regional tensions. But what critical missteps led the once-thriving nation into such dire straits?
Lebanon, once a beacon of cultural harmony and economic promise in the Arab world, is now grappling with one of its worst financial and political crises. Once courted by wealthy Gulf neighbors, the country is now being shunned, most notably by Saudi Arabia. According to analysts, US geopolitical strategies may be accelerating Lebanon’s descent into chaos.
The country’s unique political framework, where Muslims and Christians share power, has long been seen as a model of sectarian balance. Yet, a third force has emerged: Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militia and political player. Their growing influence has pulled Lebanon into regional power struggles, complicating internal governance and sparking external distrust.
During the tenure of the Hariri family, especially under former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Lebanon enjoyed a degree of economic comfort. But Hariri’s dramatic departure to Saudi Arabia amid security threats marked a turning point. A series of failed governments and mounting economic woes have since dragged the country deeper into crisis.
Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah have further destabilized the nation, weakening infrastructure and morale. As a result, Lebanon has been forced to seek aid from its wealthier neighbors, most recently knocking on Riyadh’s door. However, Saudi Arabia, reportedly influenced by the United States, has turned its back.
The US is pressuring Lebanese President Michel Aoun to curb Hezbollah’s influence. According to Middle East Eye, US Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus is scheduled to meet Aoun and other Lebanese leaders in Beirut to push for a more active military stance against Hezbollah. The US wants Lebanon’s army, which is struggling to pay its soldiers, to take more decisive action.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, has withheld promised reconstruction funds and continues to block Lebanese imports. President Aoun’s visit to Riyadh earlier this year ended without financial commitments, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also returned empty-handed.
If Saudi and US support continues to dwindle, the collapse of the Lebanese military may be imminent. Washington’s latest aid to the Lebanese Army must be used for operational costs, not salaries, and next year’s funding remains uncertain.
As the situation worsens, Lebanon is paying the price for walking a fine line between powerful global interests. Without urgent reforms and genuine international backing, the country risks total collapse.
LND/BG
