Lebanon | Council on Foreign Relations

Wars and Conflict

Nonstate Warfare

Stephen Biddle explains how nonstate military strategies overturn traditional perspectives on warfare.

Book by Stephen Biddle April 6, 2021 National Security and Defense Program
Middle East and North Africa

The Hard Edge of the Pope’s Moral Power

The pontiff’s Middle Eastern diplomacy may seem superficial, but it could make a huge practical impact.

Article by Steven A. Cook March 16, 2021 Middle East Program
Iran

Iran’s Regional Armed Network

Iran’s web of armed partners such as Hezbollah serves to strengthen its influence in the Middle East and could pose a significant threat to the United States and its allies in the region.

Article by Kali Robinson March 1, 2021

Middle East and North Africa

Is Lebanon a Failed State? Here’s What the Numbers Say.

The August explosions in Beirut were the latest in a series of man-made disasters that have led some experts to say Lebanon is becoming a failed state.

In Brief by Kali Robinson September 16, 2020
Lebanon

Macron Wants to Be a Middle Eastern Superpower

The French president is making a bid to shape the region—but does his reach exceed his grasp?

Article by Steven A. Cook November 18, 2020 Middle East Program
Lebanon

What Is Hezbollah?

Military experience gained from fighting in Syria’s civil war and decades of clashes with Israel have made the Iran-backed group stronger than ever, but the biggest threat it faces may be upheaval in its own backyard.

Backgrounder by Kali Robinson September 1, 2020

Middle East and North Africa

Lebanon’s Frustrating Day of Judgment

Fifteen years after the killing of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri roiled Lebanese society, the international tribunal’s ruling has left wide open the question of who at high levels was responsible.

Article by David J. Scheffer August 20, 2020
Poland

Pompeo’s European Tour, Democrats’ Virtual National Convention, and More

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wraps up his trip to Central Europe with a visit to Poland, the Democratic National Convention is set to take place virtually, and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is due to give its verdict on the killing of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and Robert McMahon August 13, 2020 The World Next Week
Lebanon

Lebanon as We Know It Is Dying

The only political system the country has ever known is collapsing, and it’s never coming back.

Article by Steven A. Cook November 18, 2020 Middle East Program
Lebanon

What’s Driving Lebanon’s Midpandemic Protests?

An unprecedented financial and political crisis has sparked mass protests in Lebanon, but a nonresponsive government and the coronavirus pandemic could stand in the way of demonstrators’ demands.

In Brief by Amir Asmar May 20, 2020
Lebanon

Lebanon’s Imminent Financial Crisis

Lebanon is in a deep financial hole, with no obvious way out.

Blog Post by Brad W. Setser February 18, 2020 Follow the Money
Lebanon

Is Lebanon Becoming A Real Nation?

Amir Asmar is a Department of Defense analyst and CFR’s national intelligence fellow. Throughout his intelligence career, his primary area of focus has been the Middle East. He held a wide range of a…

Blog Post by Amir Asmar December 23, 2019 Strength Through Peace
Lebanon

Protests Flare Around the Globe, U.S. House Votes, and More

Protests intensify in Lebanon, Chile, and elsewhere, and the U.S. House of Representatives votes on rules that will govern the impeachment inquiry against President Donald J. Trump.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and Robert McMahon October 31, 2019 The World Next Week
Lebanon

UNIFIL and the Hezbollah Tunnels

Israel announced this week the discovery of several tunnels dug by Hezbollah and reaching from Lebanon into Israel. Their existence has been confirmed, and has been condemned not only by Israel but a…

Blog Post by Elliott Abrams December 7, 2018 Pressure Points
Lebanon

What is the Role of UNIFIL?

This month the new head of UNIFIL took up his post. The new UNIFIL Force Commander and Head of Mission is Major General Stefano Del Col of Italy, and UNIFIL is the United National Interim Force in Le…

Blog Post by Elliott Abrams August 30, 2018 Pressure Points