The situation in Lebanon is dire, and a former prime minister of the country has come forward to say that the country has been effectively abandoned by the West. Do you agree?
At a glance:
- Former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora criticizes the international community for abandoning Lebanon amidst escalating conflict.
- Siniora blames Hezbollah for hijacking Lebanon’s sovereignty, with Iranian influence destabilizing the nation.
- Lebanon’s political paralysis and Hezbollah’s control have made it difficult to dissociate the country from the conflict in Gaza.
Former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora has voiced strong criticism toward the international community, accusing them of abandoning Lebanon during a time of escalating conflict. Speaking to the BBC, Siniora expressed frustration over the lack of effort from Arab nations and the global community to help restore peace in Lebanon, which has been increasingly destabilized by Hezbollah’s influence and the broader regional tensions.
Siniora, who led Lebanon during the 2006 war with Israel, emphasized that the country’s current situation is dire. “We are now in a very difficult situation that requires real effort locally, as well on the Arab side and internationally,” Siniora said, warning of the catastrophic consequences of continued neglect from the international community. He noted that the United States, preoccupied with its own internal political issues, has failed to take meaningful action.
Hezbollah’s dominance in Lebanon, with backing from Iran, has been a key factor in the country’s instability, according to Siniora. He explained that Lebanon’s sovereignty has been effectively hijacked by Hezbollah, stating, “Practically, Lebanon as a state has been kidnapped by Hezbollah. And behind Hezbollah is Iran.” Siniora criticized Hezbollah for using its military power to further Iran’s regional ambitions, meddling in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, instead of focusing on Lebanon’s defense.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4IY97yfWZE
Recalling his leadership during the 2006 war, Siniora pointed out that his government had immediately distanced itself from Hezbollah’s actions at the time. He lamented that the current Lebanese government failed to do the same. “This time there hasn’t been any move made by the Lebanese government,” he said, adding that the lack of clarity has deepened Hezbollah’s grip on the country.
Siniora also highlighted the failure to implement key aspects of UN resolution 1701, which was meant to create a buffer zone in southern Lebanon free from Hezbollah fighters. Despite the presence of UN peacekeepers and the Lebanese army, Hezbollah’s military infrastructure remains entrenched in the area.
The former prime minister was adamant that Lebanon should not be tied to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While acknowledging the importance of solidarity with the Palestinian cause, Siniora stressed that Lebanon cannot afford to get involved in the war between Israel and Hamas. “To continue to link Lebanon’s situation with Gaza is not wise,” he said, pointing out that Lebanon has its own challenges, including political paralysis and economic collapse.
The country has been without a functioning government since 2022, and the presidency has remained vacant for nearly two years. This vacuum in leadership has allowed Hezbollah to further consolidate its power, making it increasingly difficult for Lebanon to maintain its own sovereignty or chart an independent course away from the conflicts engulfing the region.
