Is Lebanon Sliding Toward a New Civil War?

Last week, Lebanon was thrown into turmoil when sectarian clashes erupted following demands by the Western-backed government that Hezbollah dismantle its telecommunications network and that the Hezbollah-aligned security chief of the Beirut airport be replaced. While a labor strike and opposition demonstrations had already been planned for May 7^th, the security situation rapidly deteriorated into heavy fighting in West Beirut, followed by a takeover of a significant portion of the city by Hezbollah fighters.

From left to right: Panelist Abiodun Williams, Emile Hokayem, Barbara Slavin, and Mona Yacoubian.

Fighting also broke out in other parts of Lebanon, including near the northern city of Tripoli as well as in the mountains east of Beirut. Hezbollah fighters have since pulled back from areas they seized in fighting, and the Lebanese army has gained control of Beirut. The current conflict marks the most serious episode of civil violence since the end of Lebanon’s 15-year long civil war in 1990. Lebanon’s dramatic descent into violence and chaos over the past week raises troubling questions about the prospects for peace and stability in this Mediterranean country of four million. What are the dynamics underlying this current spate of violence? What role have external actors played? Is a political settlement to the current conflict possible or is Lebanon headed toward another civil war? What are the implications for U.S. policy?

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