ATLANTIC TREATY ASSOCIATION
Volume 3 - Issue 12, December 2013
Lebanon In The Middle East: The Struggle For Democracy and Human Rights The Christians in Lebanon have been the most prominent group in the country’s ongoing fight for democracy for decades. With a historical presence dating back thousands of years, the spread of Christianity in Mount Lebanon has had a lasting impact on the political, cultural and social dynamic of the country. Today, Lebanon faces a myriad of challenges. With widespread regional instability, foreign meddling on the part of Syria and Iran, political consolidation by militant groups and spillover from the war in Syria, the future of Lebanon and its Christian population face a level of threat not previously known since Lebanon’s civil war. This month’s edition of Atlantic Voices analyzes
Lebanon’s Christian community takes to the streets to advocate for Syria’s withdrawal from Lebanon (Photo: Olivern Moody)
Contents:
the historical challenges faced by the Christian pop-
Christians in Lebanon and the Middle East: Challenges and Prospects
ulation in Lebanon and their role in the national and
Elsy Ouesis analyzes the emergence of new democratic systems following the Arab Spring and
regional struggle for democracy and equal rights. It
argues that these developments will lead to positive changes for the countries that will help
will examine how Lebanon’s challenges have devel-
shape the new trajectory of the Middle East and secure a safer position for Middle Eastern
oped over the last two decades to provide a clear
Christians and Lebanese Christians who pioneered the fight for democracy in Lebanon.
understanding of the different challenges facing the democratic movement in Lebanon along with the role played by the Christian community and what this means for the future of the country. - Alessandro Niglia Atlantic Voices, Volume 3, Issue 12
The Issue of Democracy and Independence in Lebanon Rudy Sassine analyzes the main challenges facing Lebanese democracy and argues that the biggest obstacles arise from the continued presence of non-state actors operating their military wings without legitimacy or cross-confessional approval. Rudy analyzes the current situation of Hezbollah to demonstrate the political obstruction this causes in democratic development. 1
The Christians in Lebanon and the Middle East: Challenges and Prospects By: Elsy Oueiss
I
Sunni, Shiite, Christian, and Druze populations. It
nterest in the Middle East has soared among
is indeed the only Middle Eastern country where
the world following the recent uprisings
Christians have set their sights high and retain con-
throughout the region, causing a widespread
siderable political power. The Lebanese Christians
fear that this will trigger broader instability. De-
have been pioneers in the fight for freedom and de-
spite these fears, the
mocracy, which led
emergence of new dem-
to the Arab Spring
ocratic systems follow-
first initiating itself
ing the Arab Spring
in Lebanon in 2005
would have positive con-
with the Cedar Rev-
sequences and shape the
olution,
new trajectory of this
come of a historic
region. As a very diverse
political
region when it comes to
throughout
religious
and
ethnic
Christians protesting in Jouniyeh, north of Beirut (Photo: Reuters)
groups, an important
the
out-
resistance thirty
years against the Syr-
ian occupation.
question for the future outlook of the region is to
Since the early days, the Church had a great
ask how the Arab Spring uprisings will affect Chris-
impact on the lives of Christians in Lebanon. Before
tian minorities throughout the region, with partic-
the French mandate (ended in 1943), the Church
ular emphasis on Lebanon and Syria due to their
was the primary religious and political institution
sizable Christian populations. By analyzing the Leb-
for Lebanese Christians. Patriarchs and clergymen
anese model, it is clear that Middle Eastern Chris-
formed the political voice of the community and
tians must adopt a new dynamic with moderate
played an important role in the independence and
Muslim political groups to navigate the challenges
creation of Greater Lebanon. After the mandate,
that lay ahead.
the political leadership shifted from the Patriarch to
Lebanon: The Country Where The "Arab
the Christian presidency and to the laity. However,
Spring" Started
the Church still had a very strong voice in the polit-
Just about four million people, Lebanon is the most diverse country in the Middle East, with Atlantic Voices, Volume 3, Issue 11
ical life of Lebanon and remained highly involved in internal politics and external relations. 2
The harsh practices of the Assad regime we are
did its best to turn Lebanon's Christians into sub-
witnessing today against the Syrian people may be
jects subordinate to him. The Lebanese Christians
astonishing for outsiders but definitely not for the
refused to be indebted to a regime that occupied
Lebanese Christians who have been oppressed, perse-
their country and rejected any kind of submission.
cuted, kidnapped, jailed and killed by the same Assad
Their utmost desire has always been a sovereign
regime for decades before the 2005 Cedars revolu-
state that protects all its citizens from religious,
tion.
sectarian or political discrimination. As a result of Christians in Lebanon have suffered from a Syr-
their rejection, the ruling pro-Syrian regime in
ian regime that tried since the
Lebanon launched a persecu-
time of Hafez al-Assad during the
tion and terror campaign
1960's to destroy this small country and the basis on which Lebanon was founded in order to
Christian parties succeeded in preparing the way to the 2005 Cedar revolution
weaken it. The smuggling of
against the Christian parties, starting with disbanding a major Christian party, the Lebanese Forces Party in 1994 and
armed Palestinian militants into Lebanon from Syria
falsely imprisoning its leader Dr. Samir Geagea for
in 1966 marked the beginning of Assad the father’s
more than 11 years in solitary confinement. The
policy of informally annexing Lebanon. As Minister of
judicial process was seriously flawed and politically
Defense at the time, Assad’s efforts were followed in
motivated as described by Human Rights groups
1969 by the Cairo Agreement which was imposed on
including Amnesty International. The waves of ille-
Lebanon, ceding control over large swaths of territory
gitimate arrests targeted Lebanese Forces Party
in Southern Lebanon to the command of Palestinian
Cadres and hundreds of its members. Many were
militants. Resulting from this influx of foreign fighters
killed during torture while in prison.
into Lebanese territory, relations eventually deterio-
However these Christian parties succeeded
rated into civil war from 1975-1990. The Taef Ac-
in preparing the way to the 2005 Cedars revolu-
cord meant to finish the Lebanese civil war was falsely
tion, thanks to Patriarch Sfeir for leading the
implemented in 1989 and resulted in a single-handed
Church and not only supporting the Christians in
Syrian control over Lebanon. Throughout this time,
their struggle but also for being the first line of de-
the Church protested Syrian interference in Lebanese
fense at a time when Christians leaders were falsely
politics as major Christian parties resisted Assad’s oc-
imprisoned or forced into exile by the pro-Syrian
cupation and didn’t hesitate to initiate military actions
government. Cardinal Sfeir had repeatedly protest-
to maintain their political privileges and protect their
ed the Syrian presence in Lebanon and its impact
cities.
on the freedom of political decisions of the Leba-
After 11 Years Of Persecution By The Pro-
nese state. He also criticized the election law and
Syrian Government, The Lebanese Forces Par-
spoke of the need for new politicians to implement
ty Is Still A Pioneer
the views and dreams of the people calling upon all
During the years of occupation, Assad’s regime
Atlantic Voices, Volume 3, Issue 11
Lebanese to establish a society of freedom, justice,
3
and equality, based on dignity and equal oppor-
are supporting Assad because of his alleged commit-
tunity. The goals of the 2005 Cedars revolution
ment to minority rights, Assad is now using the Chris-
were all achieved: withdrawal of Syrian troops
tians as a public relations weapon to demonstrate to
from Lebanon, freedom of Dr. Samir Geagea
the West that he must remain in power in order to
(head of the Lebanese Forces Party who was falsely
protect the minorities in Lebanon and Syria.
imprisoned by the pro-Syrian government), re-
A Strong President of the Republic in May
placement of the pro-Syrian government and new
2014 Can Strengthen Christians in Lebanon Today, the greater concern resides with the
elections. Today, the Lebanese Forces Party is solid,
Presidency in Lebanon, the only Christian Presidency
organized and works hard to prepare a better fu-
in the Middle East. Today, the state’s institutions in
ture. It turned out to become a modern pioneer
Lebanon are almost paralyzed, and the constitutional
party in the Middle East after developing an inter-
entitlements are canceled until further Syrian notice.
nal manifesto in line with the Arab Spring’s pro-
Lebanon is in its hardest days, because armed parties
posed commitment to
like Hezbollah decided on behalf of the rest of the
freedom in Lebanon and
Lebanese population, and con-
the wider region. Its
trary to their will, to confis-
party leader Dr. Samir
cate the power of national de-
Geagea is still the main
cision making and use it as it
obstacle against Syrian/
suits them internally and ex-
Iranian interference in
ternally. The war against Israel in
Lebanon. His enemies any
2006 and the drone sent over
chance to liquidate him,
Israel a year ago were all uni-
whether falsely impris-
lateral decisions by Hezbollah
oning him from 1994
upon Iran’s instructions with-
didn’t
overlook
until 2005 or trying to
The Lebanese Forces Party became a modern pioneer party under
out even consulting the Leba-
assassinate him in April
the leadership of Dr. Samir Gaegea (Photo: Naharnet)
nese government. The crip-
2012 when shots were fired by 3 snipers at his res-
pling in government formation for over 7 months by
idence. The importance behind eliminating Geagea
Hezbollah, trying to once again impose their own for-
is for his significant role in the Lebanese national
mula for a new government amounts to a confiscation
and Christian scenes, for his steadfast resistance
of the constitutional powers of the Premier and the
against Syrian control over Lebanon and his ongo-
President, who are the only ones entrusted with the
ing commitment to prevent the Assad regime from
power to form a new government.
coercing the Lebanese Christians into the first line of defense against the Syrian rebels.
The upcoming presidential elections in May 2014 may also be crippled by the continued confisca-
Having recently tried to trick the West into
tion of the national decision. During the Syrian occu-
thinking that the Christians of Syria and Lebanon
pation, no proper presidential elections occurred.
Atlantic Voices, Volume 3, Issue 11
4
Political postings were always decided on by the ar-
Syria from below includes the majority of the
rangements and appointments of the Syrian regime in
people who are all afraid, oppressed, persecuted, fol-
an attempt to put the position of the Presidency on
lowed and targeted. Poor people who are in need and
the sidelines and out of the actual political life.
annoyed , revolted against the Assad regime and were
In Lebanon, to have a strong republic and a
never scarred or deterred from this choice, despite the fact that the Assad regime
strong Christian community, this requires a strong president that can ensure the principles of the Cedar Revolution, stabi-
The Assad regime is only 40 years old, while the Christians cohabitation with their surroundings dates back two thousand years
addressed them with arrests and extortion, then shooting, then with tanks, missiles and air raids , and last but not least
lize the judicial system and ensure a monopoly of armed forces in the hands of
with chemical weapons. So one cannot be surprised
the Lebanese army, hence the importance of the 2014
when the opposition takes up arms after continuous
elections. It is therefore vital to stick to the Lebanese
government repression.
constitution and have the Presidential elections hap-
The Syrian crisis is a matter of people’s right,
pen on time in order to liberate the decision making
but unfortunately it is mixed into all levels, whether
power in Lebanon from the grip of anti-democratic
internally or externally, despite the fact that the inter-
forces.
ests of the Syrian peoples largely overlap. Yet one
Christians In Syria: Between Democracy and
should discern between the democratic movement
Dictatorship
within Syria on the one hand versus the Assad dicta-
The Assad regime is only 40 years old, while
torship and extremists on the other. On the one hand,
the Christians cohabitation with their surroundings
the democratic movement within Syria that went
dates back two thousand years. The Syrian Christians
down to the streets during the first six months to pro-
among other Middle Eastern Christians are the roots
test peacefully, were shot and killed by the regime
of Christianity. Churches, monasteries and neighbor-
while the international community and the world
hoods where Syrian Christians live and maintain an
stood by to observe these massacres against children,
active presence have always been part of the fabric of
students and citizens.
the Middle East long before the rule of the Assad fam-
On the other hand one should correlate between the Assad regime and the extremists. Assad’s
ily. What is happening in Syria did not come out of
regime has always been a patron of fundamentalists
thin air. Syria under the umbrella of Assad shaped a
such as the Fatah al-Islam organization, whose mem-
deep schism between a high category composed of the
bers were brought from Syria to North Lebanon to
Assad family which has always been surrounded by the
fight the Lebanese army in 2008 leading to the Nahr
military, various segments of the security and intelli-
el Bared War. Other fundamentalist organization like
gence forces and the quintessential Baath Party. This
the Islamic state in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) were
group has always been the primary apparatus of pow-
fully supported by the Syrian intelligence as many of
er in Syria, controlling its resources and people while
its members were jailed in Iraqi and Syrian prisons
maintaining its corrupt practices.
and were released to form ISIL. It also includes some
Atlantic Voices, Volume 3, Issue 11
5
members who are still in contact with the regime in
Bin Walid in Homs as well as other historical land-
Syria, for instance, in Rakka city where the regime
marks demonstrate that extremists are against Mus-
controls the area from which oil is extracted, ISIL
lims and Christians alike.
encircled the city from all sides but allows the regime
Assad continues to present himself to the
to continue extracting oil from this region in return
Christians as the only alternative for religious extrem-
for money, while at the same time ISIL fights directly
ism in Syria. He associates all the opposition with ji-
against the rest of the opposition.
hadists and promoted the idea that removing his re-
Over a year ago, Syrian security Chief Ali
gime only means reinforcing Al-Qaeda. Christians
Mamlouk was charged with ex-Information Lebanese
should not follow Assad in his malignant game but
Minister Michel Samaha
rather should encourage the mod-
with forming a group to
erates among the Sunni majority
commit crimes and plot-
to reject both the regime and the
ting to assassinate politi-
extremists, in order to get rid of
cal and religious figures
all terrorists in Syria whether they
in Lebanon. In addition
are Assad loyalists or extremists
to this, two terrorist at-
like Al Nousrah, ISIL or al-
tacks last August in Trip-
Qaeda. Christians should not sup-
oli were proven to be
port oppressive dictator regimes
organized by the Syrian
which continue to thwart oppor-
regime which lead to the
tunities for development, pros-
death of 47 Lebanese citi-
Lebanese Christians at a funeral proceeding
zens and injured over 500.
(Photo: ourcog.org)
This demonstrates that Assad supports extrem-
perity and freedom, and generate extremism and fanaticism.
Christians In The Arab Spring
ists when it suits him and defends Christians and secu-
It is crystal clear that being Christian in the
lars when it is in his interest. This allegation to pro-
Middle is not easy, but contrary to some beliefs, the
tect Christians has fallen since the time the regime
future holds brighter horizons as the majority of Mus-
bombed churches and mosques in Lebanon and perse-
lims tend towards a moderate tone that is materializ-
cuted Lebanese Christians for years during the occu-
ing slowly in the countries of the Arab Spring.
pation. To ask for freedom, equality and justice from
Recent initiatives from the Egyptian govern-
the Assad regime, amounts to you being considered a
ment to accelerate the re-construction and renovation
fundamentalist regardless of ones religion.
of churches that were subject to attacks during the
The Christian identity is only a tool in the
uprisings gives a clear idea of the nature of the Egyp-
hands of the Assad regime that he is abusing. Christian
tian spring in general and the existing system which
cities in Syria pay the price during war like any other
will lead to a new constitution and parliamentary
cities. For instance, the destruction of the statue of
elections followed by presidential elections in the
Abu Alaa Maari and destruction of the shrine Khalid
coming months.
Atlantic Voices, Volume 3, Issue 11
6
The cohabitation in Lebanon between Christians
tice. Therefore it is better to seek to politicize all Chris-
and moderate Muslims is a model for the Arab Spring.
tians by making them a political force that is integrated
Both components were allies during the Cedar Revolu-
into their communities to promote democratic values
tion, working together to defend the sovereignty and
for the whole of society. Removing their need for inter-
independence of Lebanon, trying to safeguard free-
nal or external protection.
dom, democracy, equality and security for all Lebanese citizens and to preserve Lebanon’s distinct identity.
To live on the margins of revolutions results in being factored out of all equations in the aftermath. The
Egyptians and Syrians among other Middle East-
vital and future interests of Christians in this particular
ern people revolted for freedom, equality, pluralism
area, is not with autocrat Ephemeral regimes that have
and human rights. These Middle Eastern advocates for
put the Christians on the sidelines of events and socie-
democracy discovered a power they did not know they
ties, but rather with the democratic peoples who seek to
had; the power to mobilize revolutions, sustain leader-
build a long-lasting system based on freedom and equal
less movements, unite different groups under socio-
rights. The biggest mistake one can commit towards
economic banners and the power to bring together ordinary citizens without using ideology or partisanship but with the simple call for de-
Christians is to take them out of
The biggest mistake one can commit towards Christians is to take them out of their natural environment
mocracy. This people power has
their natural environment, from the Middle Eastern texture that has long embraced them at the moment when this texture
completely changed the landscape of the Middle East.
strongly needs them in its struggle for democracy and
The Arab Spring opened to the Arab people new mod-
freedom.
ern democratic horizons despite the extremists and
Western Distancing
jihadists that have tried to hijack it. These extremists
The United States has a checkered history in the
do not correlate in any way with the Arab Spring be-
region. However hated he was, President Bush
cause their ideological project was founded centuries
had injected himself into the Middle East debate. The
before the dawn of the Arab Spring, a project that does
struggle for Arab democracy had been internationalized.
not recognize neither Arabs nor spring.
A re-imagined relationship between the U.S. and the
Dynamic Citizenship For Christians
Arab world promised by Obama in his 2009 Cairo ad-
Middle Eastern Christians should choose the
dress was not delivered. The optimism over the Cairo
Arab Spring and participate as dynamic citizens who
speech quickly subsided and the US role as a systemic
can count on themselves to carry their community in-
guardian and guarantor of the global order faded away.
terests along with their partners in the struggle for de-
Washington didn’t do a lot to address the deficit of hu-
mocracy. A dynamic citizenship that goes beyond state
man and political rights across the region and continued
membership and political participation to encompass
to pursue stability at the expenses of democracy in the
social, cultural and economic rights. These rights,
Middle East.
based on democracy, are the ones that construct the
From the European side, Europe’s interest in this
civil society by promoting equality, pluralism and jus-
region and the high priority the European Union (EU)
Atlantic Voices, Volume 3, Issue 11
7
places on establishing and maintaining a close and spe-
Europe, the considerable European/US involvement
cial relationship with its neighbors from the Mediter-
in economic development and democratization of
ranean and the Middle East lacks a common position
Middle Eastern countries and the economic interests
on a number of major prob-
of the West in this region - especially in
lems, and this reduces the po-
the field of energy resources - require
tential of their impact in the
neutralizing the threats coming from
region.
the region. From here, there is a clear
Assad read quite well the
need to have strong transatlantic coop-
Western mindset. When mas-
eration in order to craft effective poli-
sive revolutions occurred in
cies that benefit the Middle East and
Syria, he predictably pushed the
the international community.
Al-Qaeda
button
capacity to embrace this policy is
and
pointed the finger at the
T h e
Syrian protesters dance during a demon-
evident since the majority of the peo-
Islamists and Jihadists while stration against the regime (Source: Slate.com) ples who took to the streets during the Arab Spring remain moderate and promoting the protection of Christian minorities and secular groups for political investment, and very soon
democratic due to the fact that they revolted for free-
the Western publics bought in to Assad’s narrative
dom, democracy and development. But how many
and began to believe that removing Assad will only
revolutions are still needed in this region for the West
lead to reinforcing jihadists throughout the region.
to realize that stability cannot be pursued at the ex-
Yet, the indifference of the West granted the Assad
penses of democracy?
regime the ability to get away with the use of chemical weapons without any punitive military action by
About the author
their governments, allowing Assad to proceed with
Elsy Oueiss is a founding member of the Depart-
the massacres against Syrian citizens.
ment of Foreign Affairs in the Lebanese Forces Party
More Transatlantic Involvement Needed
and the head of Foreign Parties Sector in charge of
The Middle East remains the single most vola-
relations with International Parties. She holds a Mas-
tile region in the world today. It is crystal clear that
ters Degree in Civil Engineering and works as Project
fledgling democracies have a higher risk of backsliding
Manager at RELK&P. She is also a board member of
into dictatorships and that instability in the region can
the Lebanese Forces Engineers Association, a member
lead to religious extremism that may ignite a wider
in OEA and a member of the United States Alumni.
conflagration, sucking in neighbouring countries and
Her former Positions: LFYA (Lebanese Forces Youth
regional actors.
Association): Treasurer and founding member of the
A burning Middle East on the Mediterranean is definitely not in the interest of Europe or the US. The
International committee. Bibliography
demographic link reflected by the presence of an im-
*Political Islam, Citizenship, and Minorities: The Future of Arab
portant population from Middle Eastern countries in
Christians in the Islamic Middle East by Andrea Zaki Stephanous. * The Struggle for Middle East Democracy by Shadi Hamid.
Atlantic Voices, Volume 3, Issue 11
8
The Issue of Democracy and Independence in Lebanon The new status resulting from the Cedar Rev-
By: Rudy Sassine
R
olution in 2005 seems unsustainable in the longecent events in Lebanon have reinforced the belief that the same old problems may persist for another decade. As more assas-
term, especially if no tangible international diplomatic and political support is given to the proindependence March 14.
sinations and street clashes are deepening the confessional divide and widening the political divergence
Historically, the international community and
between the pro-intendance March 14 and the pro-
more particularly the West, have shown strong commitment for supporting the
Syrian March 8 coalitions, have reduced the chances for political consensus and have caused spillovers from the Syrian uprising that have proved catastrophic to the
Historically, the international community and more particularly the West, have shown strong commitment for supporting the independence of Lebanon
overall socio-economic order in
independence of Lebanon. That was particularly the case when
the
autonomous
“Christian” enclave of Mount Lebanon successfully engaged
Lebanon. Challenges in the form of further economic
the Vatican and later the French during Ottoman
pressure and deteriorating social conditions face the
rule, in a bid to ensure protection and repel any mili-
caretaker Mikati government, while the latter seems
tary and political interference from the outside. In
hapless in the face of multiple rifts within the cabinet.
the post-independence period, the Unites States went as far as sending its military in 1958 to prevent
The main challenge in Lebanon stem from the fact that non-state actors are still operating their military wings without legitimacy or cross-confessional approval. The case of Hezbollah, the Shiite Iranbacked militant group, best represents this challenge in Lebanon, as its use of military force to extract political ends was what brought the Lebanese balance of power into question. In other words, despite March 14’s track record of standing steadfast against Hezbollah’s intimidation, the gains of the 2005 Cedar revolution could be short-lived.
Atlantic Voices, Volume 3, Issue 11
incursions from Egypt and lend support to the regime. In 1982, a legion of multinational forces was dispatched to ensure that the central government retain control over its territory and pave the way for all foreign forces to withdraw. But support for Lebanon has also been the result of strong ties that the Christian community successfully built with Western countries; whereas their historically-rooted, inherited cultural and political course has imbued them with what has been called “an inherited feeling of existential insecurity.” The political posture the Christians
9
adopted and maintained throughout history has gener-
alliance with the “Catholic West”, namely France
ally favored strong pro-Western social economic rela-
and the Vatican, prevented the Ottomans from tak-
tionship. This has earned them a relatively autono-
ing steps into Lebanon by embedding a unique na-
mous Lebanon, and later paved the way for political
tional sentiment of perseverance among the Maro-
independence, but it nonetheless came at a high price.
nites, leading to Lebanon being the sole entity to en-
Rather than being a military invasion by a nearby
joy nearly four decades of autonomy in a hostile re-
country, the Christian community is challenged today
gion.
with a complicated set of socio-political problems.
Drawing on the relevance of this history in
Whatever the experience of foreign support for Leba-
modern times, the stakes today are even higher for
non, it was meant to preserve independence and pro-
the forces struggling to restore some degree of au-
vide security.
tonomy against Syrian and Iranian incursions. March
The Problem of Hezbollah
8, which consists primarily of Hezbollah and the
Today, the historic existential fear of the Lebanese Christian community toward the surrounding hostile Islamic environment has led some of the right-
Christian’s Free Patriotic Movement, continue unabated in their alliance with Iran and has shown no reluctance in supporting an embattled Assad in Syria.
wing thinkers to
More critical-
elaborate on ideolo-
ly, Hezbollah’s mili-
gies advocating a
tary involvement in
distinct
Syria has made it
national
identity for Leba-
Press briefing by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh
difficult for its lead-
non and attributing
Rasmussen (Photo: NATO)
ership to try to
to the Christians a
reach
Phoenician
ances-
entente with March
try. Such rationale
14 in order to pro-
dates back to old-
vide a certain de-
day autonomous
gree
Christian enclaves
Hezbollah issued its founding manifesto in 1985 (Source: Reuters)
a
of
political
political
normalcy in the coun-
in the Mount of Lebanon, before the Muslim popula-
try. Hezbollah’s military entanglement in Syria has
tion arrived, when the Maronite church played the
otherwise tarnished the stature of the Party of God as
leading role in forging social and cultural relations
a national resistance movement. Such support for the
with the Vatican. Later on, they successfully engaged
Syrian regime is most understood within the strategic
France to play a protective role when Ottoman power
landscape involving Iran, Syria and the Gulf coun-
was degraded and the Ottoman Empire began wit-
tries; however, Hezbollah has willingly thrown all its
nessing interference from the Europeans under the
muscle and credibility behind Assad in order to
guise of protecting minorities. The resulting political
preempt damaging consequences, and most im-
Atlantic Voices, Volume 3, Issue 11
10
portantly, to preserve, or at least salvage, what remains
and international powers, his party has been the first
of the regional balance of power that exists between the
in Lebanon, and perhaps the Middle East, to reform
so called “resistance axis” and the other more lenient and
and institutionalize along democratic lines providing
docile Arab regimes.
promising young cadres opportunities to compete for
Despite this, experts who have studied Hezbollah from a comparative perspective find it unthinkable that the militant Shia group would be able to forgo violence
high-ranking positions. Aoun’s Support To Iranian – Syrian Axis To many in the Christian community, Aoun’s
and integrate completely into mainstream politics. Engaging Hezbollah in the hopes of building trust with its leadership and reassuring its constituency has
political posture contradicts the his-
The political structure of the Party of God shows that its military wing is organically linked to its political body.
toric pillars that have characterized Christian politics for decades. The unquestionable support to Hezbollah’s policy by Aoun and his reluc-
proved useless, even counter-
tance to heed western support for
productive at times. Attempts to do so have put March 14
Lebanon has made observers wonder if such a politi-
on the defensive, providing Hezbollah with a large margin
cal posture is based on genuine concerns. More im-
to maneuver and extract valuable concessions, gaining
portantly, accepting an explicit Iranian role in Leba-
leverage at critical junctures over the past 8 years.
non and consenting to Syrian security and military
The Lebanese Forces Party: Pioneers In Democra-
involvement, has been one of the reasons for Aoun’s
tization
loss of popular support among the Christian elec-
The political structure of the Party of God shows that its military wing is organically linked to its political
torate, since this has generated a great deal of questions about Aoun’s intentions and ultimate goals.
body, and in no way can the two be dissociated or dealt
As maintaining Western-Lebanese cultural and
with separately. This sharply contrasts Hezbollah from
economic ties is considered crucial to sustaining de-
the other Lebanese factions that participated in the civil
velopment and growth , the West should do more on
war, but thanks to the political settlement of the Taef
the diplomatic and political fronts to support the in-
Agreement, successfully turned into civil entities and
dependence agenda and preserve freedoms in what is
took full responsibility to conform to the terms of the
perhaps the only remaining liberal oasis in the region.
post-war settlement. Among those, stands the Lebanese
About the author
Forces, a party commanding large and seemingly growing
Rudy Sassine is an independent researcher with a track
support from the Christian community. Its leader, Samir
record of providing policy analysis on diverse public policy
Geagea, a political detainee who has been freed in the
and political issues. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts
wake of the Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon, is highly
in Political Sciences from the Lebanese University and has
credited for his brave stances and unwavering support for
been actively involved in the reform process in Lebanon,
democracy and freedoms in the country. Showing an ex-
consulting for a number of firms as well as working as a
emplary role in cultivating substantial ties with regional
full-time research analyst for others. He blogs at Kalimaforum.com.
Atlantic Voices, Volume 3, Issue 11
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ATA Programs From December 9th-11th the 59th General Assembly took place in Brussels, Belgium. The event hosted a series of prominent speakers and scholars hosting discussions on the most important issues of the day. More information can be accessed here.
Atlantic Voices is the monthly publication of the Atlantic Treaty Association. It aims to inform the debate on key issues that affect the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, its goals and its future. The work published in Atlantic Voices is written by young professionals and researchers. The Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA) is an international nongovernmental organization based in Brussels working to facilitate global networks and the sharing of knowledge on transatlantic cooperation and
On December 20th the Atlantic Council of Albania organized
security. By convening political, diplomatic and military leaders with
in Tirana a conference on “The ATA Role in the Mediterranean and
academics, media representatives and young professionals, the ATA promotes
the Middle East.” This event was
the values set forth in the North Atlantic Treaty: Democracy, Freedom,
an important occasion for recon-
Liberty, Peace, Security and Rule of Law. The ATA membership extends to 37
sidering the role of ATA and its
countries from North America to the Caucasus throughout Europe. In 1996,
national chapters in order to
the Youth Atlantic Treaty Association (YATA) was created to specifially
face the new challenges in the
include to the successor generation in our work.
Mediterranean and Middle East. Mr. Fabrizio Luciolli, Vice presi-
Since 1954, the ATA has advanced the public’s knowledge and
dent of the ATA and Secretary General of the Italian Atlantic Com-
understanding of the importance of joint efforts to transatlantic security
mittee was one of the key note speakers.
through its international programs, such as the Central and South Eastern European Security Forum, the Ukraine Dialogue and its Educational Platform.
From 19-21 December the Euro-Atlantic of Macedonia held
In 2011, the ATA adopted a new set of strategic goals that reflects the
a conference on “NATO Partnership Policy - Addressing Insecuri-
constantly evolving dynamics of international cooperation. These goals include:
ties and Creating Security” in Berovo. This conference was based
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on a broad spectrum of activities such as lectures, workshops, trilateral student simulations as well as training for students on pro-
security issues.
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ducing timely policy recommendations in crisis scenarios. Atlantic Voices is always seeking new material. If you are a young researcher, subject expert or professional and feel you have a valuable contribution to make to the debate, then please get in touch. We are looking for papers, essays, and book reviews on issues of importance to the NATO Alliance. For details of how to submit your work please see our website. Further enquiries can also be directed to the ATA Secretariat at the address listed below. Editors: Jason Wiseman and Alessandro Niglia Images should not be reproduced without permission from sources listed, and remain the sole property of those sources. Unless otherwise stated, all images are the property of NATO.
the establishment of new and competitive programs on international
the development of research initiatives and security-related events for its members.
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the expansion of ATA’s international network of experts to countries in Northern Africa and Asia. The ATA is realizing these goals through new programs, more policy
activism and greater emphasis on joint research initiatives. These programs will also aid in the establishment of a network of international policy experts and professionals engaged in a dialogue with NATO.
The views expressed in this article are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the views of the Atlantic Treaty Association, its members, affiliates or staff.
This publication is co co--sponsored by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization