As the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic wreaks havoc throughout the world, perennial regional debates and disagreements seem to dwarf in comparison to the challenges lying ahead. That is not to say they are forgotten.
After weeks of uncertainty, Lebanon has a new government. Following the resignation of the country’s prime minister, Saad Hariri, who had come under pressure from weeks of street protests, Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun appointed to the position Mr.
Iranians have taken to the streets to protest against the government’s decision to raise petrol prices. The move, which Iranian officials have argued was necessary due to the drop in oil exports as a result of U.S.
Cross-border clashes over the weekend between Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah threaten to undo the uneasy peace along the Israel-Lebanon border. Both sides have declared that the fighting had reached their respective objectives, while avoiding any casualties.
The Lebanese parliament has approved the formation of a new government a full nine months since voters went to the polls.
Six months after parliamentary elections, talks about the formation of a new government in Lebanon remain at an impasse.
There is a real danger that the cold war between Israel and Iran may soon turn hot in Lebanon. Statements by Israeli politicians and military officials have highlighted the seriousness of the threat posed by Iranian proxies in Lebanon, threatening military escalation.
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri’s resignation has caught people in Lebanon and the broader region largely by surprise. Mr. Hariri cited fear for his personal safety as the main reason, pointing the finger at Iran and its ally Hezbollah as destabilizing elements in his country.
© 2020 Middle East Policy Council
Site Developed by Freelock
